A colourful character both literally and figuratively, Peter Wright—known affectionately as “Snakebite”—has carved one of the most unique and compelling stories in modern darts. From early obscurity to dizzying heights, his trail is rich with triumph, reinvention, and a showman’s flair that few can rival.
Born on March 10, 1970, in Livingston, Scotland, Peter Stuart Wright began his early professional darts journey in the mid‑1990s, competing in the BDO circuit . After a first-round exit in the 1995 BDO World Championship, he stepped back from the pro scene, working as a builder and tyre fitter while still playing in local leagues . This hiatus set the stage for a later, unlikely ascent.
In his late 30s, he returned to darts with renewed resolve, entering the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) full-time around 2008 and qualifying for his first PDC World Championship in 2010 . A dream final came in 2014 when he narrowly lost to Michael van Gerwen, marking a watershed moment and the beginning of greater consistency .
Wright’s breakthrough finally arrived in 2017 with a UK Open victory, overcoming Gerwyn Price and shedding a long drought of near‑misses . That success ignited a stretch of dominance featuring eight major PDC titles: two World Championships (2020, 2022), the 2021 World Matchplay, the 2020 European Championships, the UK Open 2017, the Masters, and the Players Championship Finals .
Career highlights include:
In total, Snakebite has amassed around 48 PDC titles, nearly half a century of triumph across televised and Pro Tour events . His televised success includes 14 titles, eight of which are classed as majors .
Wright’s stage presence is as much a signature as his scoring. Custom mohawk hairstyles—painted by his hairdresser wife Joanne and inspired by their daughter—were crafted to stand out, an anti‑grumpy European look, both “war paint” and performance art . He claimed: “I just like snakes … If you keep poking me, I’ll bite you,” explaining his famous nickname . His flamboyant attire and pre-match sidestep dance have made him a perennial fan favourite .
His look even nearly met resistance: PDC bosses initially balked at his colourful trousers, though chairman Barry Hearn overruled the decision, helping cement the Snakebite brand .
Wright finally claimed the world number one ranking in March 2022, making him the oldest first-timer to reach that top spot . Known for elite performance metrics—he posted the second-highest televised three‑dart average of 119.50 in 2017, behind van Gerwen —his career win rate hovers around 65%, and prize earnings exceed £4 million .
He’s also recorded eleven televised nine‑dart finishes, illustrating his precision under pressure .
After a blistering early decade, Wright’s form dipped in recent years. The 2024 season was especially rough, as he finished bottom of the Premier League and exited the World Championship in the second round . Yet, he staged a surprise comeback, winning the German Darts Championship in 2024 by stringing together six straight legs .
In 2025, he reached the World Championship quarter-finals, notably defeating defending champion Luke Humphries with a late surge . Still, he missed out on selection for the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Grand Slam—firsts in his career, but symptoms of the sport’s evolving landscape .
Offstage, calls for reinvention gained ground. Former pro Matt Edgar suggested the Snakebite persona may no longer align with Wright’s off-oc�he personality—which reportedly is more reserved . In a further shift, Wright debuted a subdued style and swapped his walk-on song to “Tubthumping”, signalling a personal evolution .
“It’s like putting war paint on and going to battle,” he once said of the persona that made him both daring and unforgettable .
Peter Wright’s story is a study in contrasts—late bloomer, flamboyant performer, unassuming man behind the mask. His record places him among the elite: a two-time world champion with a major collection spanning every PDC major, anchored by resilience and reinvention. He’s proof that charisma can amplify skill, and that even icons must evolve.
Peter Wright’s journey from builder to world champion is as colourful as his mohawks. His legacy spans major titles, world number one stardom, and a cultural impact on the sport of darts. Today, at mid‑50s, he stands at a crossroads—reimagining his persona, battling a dip in form, but never falling out of the fight. His narrative underscores that excellence is not just about hitting doubles—it’s about adapting, enduring, and, yes, putting on that war paint one more time.
Q: What are Peter Wright’s most significant titles?
Peter Wright has won two PDC World Championships (2020, 2022), the World Matchplay (2021), the UK Open (2017), multiple European Championships, the Masters, and the Players Championship Finals—eight major titles in total.
Q: Why is he called ‘Snakebite’?
The nickname arises from his affection for snakes and his penchant for dramatic mohawk hairstyles—painted by his wife—that make him visually striking, almost like sporting battle paint.
Q: When did Peter Wright reach world number one?
He reached PDC world number one in March 2022, becoming the oldest first-time top-ranked player in PDC history.
Q: What challenges has he faced recently?
Since 2024, Wright has struggled with form, finishing bottom of the Premier League and missing out on some major events. He’s responded with a surprise win at the German Darts Championship and a deeper run in the World Championship, signaling resilience.
Q: Is he changing his stage persona?
Yes, recent shifts—including a more subdued look and new walk-on song—suggest a gradual move away from the ‘Snakebite’ persona toward being Peter Wright, revealing a more authentic side as his career matures.
Q: How many titles has he won overall?
Wright has amassed around 48 PDC titles—14 televised and 34 non‑televised—with eight major championships among them.
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