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Simon Whitlock
Simon Whitlock
Simon Whitlock
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Simon Whitlock (born 3 March 1969) is an Australian professional darts player who competes in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, having previously competed in British Darts Organisation (BDO) and World Seniors Darts (WSD) events.

Key Information

Nicknamed "the Wizard", he won the 2012 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup of Darts for Australia, partnering Damon Heta. Whitlock is also a two-time World Championship finalist, having been the runner-up at the BDO World Darts Championship in 2008, and the PDC World Darts Championship in 2010. He has won a total of 18 PDC titles and 31 Dartsplayers Australia (DPA) titles. In 2025, he became the inaugural ANZ Premier League champion.

Early darts career

[edit]
Whitlock in 2006

In 2003, Whitlock reached the last 16 of the World Championship, with wins over Paul Williams and Peter Manley, but lost to Richie Burnett 5–3.

In 2005, Whitlock made the semi-finals of the 2005 BDO World Championship but lost to Martin Adams 5–0.[1] In other major events, he also reached the semi-finals of the International Darts League in both 2005 and 2006, losing to Mervyn King and Raymond van Barneveld respectively.[1]

Whitlock won the first two events in the Dartplayers Australia (DPA) series of tournaments. Whitlock competed in the BDO World Championship, achieving wins over Edwin Max, Fabian Roosenbrand, Ted Hankey, and Brian Woods to reach the final, where he lost to Mark Webster 7–5.[2]

Whitlock entered the 2009 BDO World Darts Championship as the number twelve seed and reached the second round, defeating Mark Barilli, but losing to Darryl Fitton.[3]

Return to the PDC

[edit]

Whitlock returned to the PDC on 19 March 2009.[4][5] He began playing in the AGP circuit where he won eight tournaments. He qualified for the Las Vegas Desert Classic but lost in the first round of the televised stages against Terry Jenkins.

At the 2009 Grand Slam of Darts Whitlock won all 3 of his group stage games with wins over Ted Hankey, Wayne Mardle and Scott Waites. In the last 16 he defeated 1996 BDO World Champion Steve Beaton 10–1 but lost to eventual runner up Scott Waites.

At the 2010 PDC World Championship, Whitlock defeated Colin Osborne, Wayne Jones, Terry Jenkins, James Wade, and Raymond van Barneveld before losing to Phil Taylor 7–3.[6]

After his run to the World Championship final, it was announced that he would be competing in the 2010 Premier League Darts as a wild card. He finished second in the table, therefore qualifying for the semi-finals where he lost 8-6 to James Wade.

On his World Matchplay debut in 2010, Whitlock reached the semi-finals before losing to Phil Taylor. At the 2010 Grand Slam of Darts, he lost all three of his group matches against Dave Chisnall, Colin Osborne and Robert Thornton.

Whitlock represented Australia alongside Paul Nicholson during the inaugural PDC World Cup of Darts in December 2010, losing out in the semi-finals to Wales' Mark Webster and Barrie Bates.

2011–2012

[edit]

At the 2011 PDC World Darts Championship, Whitlock defeated Steve Evans and Denis Ovens before losing to Vincent van der Voort in the third round. He competed in the 2011 Premier League, but finished sixth.

During the 2011 PDC Pro Tour, he became the first player to hit nine-dart finishes in successive Pro Tour events.[7][8]

At the 2011 World Matchplay, Whitlock defeated Peter Wright and Denis Ovens to reach the quarter-finals. He was defeated by Andy Hamilton 17–15.[9]

Whitlock was forced to withdraw from the 2011 Grand Slam of Darts and 2011 Players Championship Finals through injury.[10] He played at 2012 World Championship where beat Dennis Smith,.[11] Steve Beaton,[12] Michael van Gerwen,[13] and Gary Anderson[14] before losing to Andy Hamilton 6–5.[15]

Whitlock partnered Nicholson again at the 2012 PDC World Cup of Darts. Together they achieved victories over Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands to final, where they played the England's Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis. Whitlock and Nicholson both missed two darts each to win the match in a sudden death leg.[16]

He was picked for the Premier League.[17] Whitlock won seven of his fourteen league games to finish second in the table, qualifying him for the play-offs.[18][19] Whitlock played Andy Hamilton in the semi-finals, he hit a nine darter in the second leg of the semi-final, and won the match to reach the final. There he played Phil Taylor and lost 10–7.[20]

Whitlock hit a nine-darter in his second round match at the 2012 Austrian Darts Open (ET1) against Joe Cullen, but lost 6–4.[21]

Whitlock achieved a 6–4 victory over Andy Hamilton in the final of Players Championship 12.[22][23] At the following week's European Championship, he won his first major title.[24][25] Whitlock took the title with an 11–5 win over Wes Newton.[24] Whitlock then won his first European Tour title at the 2012 Dutch Darts Masters, defeating his World Cup partner Paul Nicholson 6–1 in the final.[26]

Whitlock lost to Taylor in the final of the 2012 Championship League Darts, 6–5.[27][28] He then won his second Players Championship of the year with a 6–2 defeat of Dennis Priestley in the final.[29] Whitlock was the second seed for the 2012 Players Championship Finals where he beat Jamie Caven 6–3 in the first round.[30][31] Whitlock then defeated Ronnie Baxter,[32] and Gary Anderson, but lost to Phil Taylor in the semi-finals 11–2.[33]

2013

[edit]

Whitlock won his first two matches in the 2013 World Championship without dropping a set and then won a deciding set against Dave Chisnall.[34] However, he lost to Raymond van Barneveld 5–1.[35] In his third World Cup of Darts with Paul Nicholson the pair were defeated 5–1 by Belgium's Ronny Huybrechts and Kim Huybrechts.[36]

He competed in the 2013 Premier League.[37] but finished sixth in the table.[38]

Whitlock won his first tournament of 2013 at the fifth UK Open Qualifier. He beat Michael van Gerwen 6–1 in the final.[39] Van Gerwen beat Whitlock in the final of the 2013 European Darts Open 6–2.[40] Whitlock won the award for televised performance of the year at the PDC Awards Dinner for his quarter-final win over Jamie Caven,[41] but lost to Adrian Lewis 11–6 in the 2013 European Championship final.[42]

2014

[edit]

Whitlock beat Ian White 5–4 in the quarter-finals of the 2014 PDC World Darts Championship.[43] However, he was defeated by Peter Wright 6–2 in the semi-finals. Whitlock moved up to third in the world rankings after the tournament.[44] Whitlock competed in the Premier League but only won one of his nine matches to be eliminated from the competition.[45] Whitlock and Nicholson reached the semi-finals of the 2014 PDC World Cup of Darts where they faced England's Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis. Whitlock was beaten 4–1 by Taylor, but Nicholson overcame Lewis 4–2, before Australia lost 4–0 in the doubles decider.[46] Whitlock won Players Championship 12 by beating James Wade 6–3 in the final.[47] He reached the final of the 2014 European Darts Open, but lost 6–2 against Wright.[48]

At the World Matchplay, Whitlock recorded wins over Kevin Painter, Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade to reach the semi-finals of the event for the second time.[48] He was defeated by Michael van Gerwen. He also lost to van Gerwen in the final of the Singapore Darts Masters.[49][50]

2015

[edit]

At the 2015 World Championship Whitlock he was beaten 3–1 by Darren Webster in the first round.[51] Whitlock did not receive a wildcard to compete in the Premier League, meaning he missed the event for the first time since 2009.

2016

[edit]

Whitlock lost to Ricky Evans 3–2 in the first round of the 2016 World Championship.[52] In October, Whitlock won Players Championship 18, defeating Ronny Huybrechts 6–5 in the final.[53]

Whitlock beat Alan Norris in a deciding set at the World Grand Prix.[54] but lost to van Gerwen in the quarter-finals.[55] He defeated Chris Dobey to win his second title of the year at Players Championship 19.[56]

2017

[edit]
Whitlock in 2017

Whitlock was beaten 4–0 in the second round of the 2017 World Championship by Darren Webster.[57] Whitlock defeated Gary Anderson 6–4 in the final to win UK Open Qualifier 2.[58] He also claimed the fifth event by beating Ronny Huybrechts 6–3.[59] At the main event he was defeated 10–9 by Daryl Gurney in the quarter-finals.[60] He won his third ranking event title of 2017 a week later, winning Players Championship 4.[61]

2020

[edit]

After a drop in rankings and form over 2019, Whitlock made two televised semi-final appearances in 2020, at the World Grand Prix & Grand Slam, as well as a quarter-final in the World Matchplay. He beat Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals at both the Grand Prix and the Slam, defeating van Gerwen 16–15 in a deciding leg at the Grand Slam.[62] Whitlock also hit a Grand Slam record 20 180s in a match during that win against van Gerwen.[62]

2021

[edit]

Whitlock was eliminated at the third round of the 2021 PDC World Championship to Krzysztof Ratajski 4–0.[63]

Whitlock made it to the quarterfinal stage of the UK Open, where he lost 10–8 to former and eventual winner James Wade.

2022

[edit]

Whitlock suffered a second round exit at the 2022 PDC World Championship to Dutch player Martijn Kleermaker 3–1.

Whitlock was invited to compete in the 2022 Masters as a replacement player, following Danny Noppert's decision to withdraw from the tournament for personal reasons.[64] He lost a close quarterfinal game to José de Sousa 10–9.[65]

In June 2022, Whitlock, alongside Damon Heta, won the 2022 PDC World Cup of Darts for Australia for the very first time, after beating Wales, (Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton), in the final 3–1.[66] Both players dedicated there victory to fellow Australian player, Kyle Anderson, who died 10 months prior.

Whitlock also recorded a 6–5 victory over Michael van Gerwen at the 2022 New South Wales Darts Masters.

Whitlock made it out of his group at the Grand Slam before being knocked out of the last 16 to 2012 winner Raymond van Barneveld 10–8.

2023

[edit]

Whitlock had to start in the first round of the 2023 PDC World Championship after falling out of the top 32 in the PDC Order of Merit. He started off with a 3–2 win over Christian Perez before losing by the same score line in his second round match to José de Sousa despite leading the game 2–0 himself.[67]

At Players Championship 2, Whitlock made his first final since 2017, but lost to Danny Noppert 8–3.[68]

2024

[edit]

At the 2024 PDC World Championship Whitlock defeated Paolo Nebrida 3–2 in the first round.[69] However, he lost to Gary Anderson 3–0 in the second round.[70]

Whitlock was knocked out in round 4 of the UK Open to his world cup partner Damon Heta 10–8.[71]

Whitlock entered the PDC World Championship Tour Card Holder Qualifiers tournament to try and qualify for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, as he was outside the top 32 on both the PDC Order of Merit and Pro Tour Order of Merit. Whitlock was knocked out in the last 32 by German player Paul Krohne 6–5.[72] This result also meant that Whitlock lost his Tour Card at the end of 2024.[73]

2025

[edit]
Whtlock (right) and Australian teammate Damon Heta at the 2025 PDC World Cup of Darts

After failing to both qualify for the 2025 PDC World Championship and regain his Tour Card at Q-School, Whitlock accepted an invitation to compete in the 2025 World Seniors Darts Championship.[74] He lost 3–1 in sets to Paul Hogan in round 1. Whitlock also suffered an early exit at the 2025 World Seniors Champion of Champions, after losing to Richie Burnett 5–4.[75] Whitlock again represented Australia at the 2025 PDC World Cup of Darts, alongside Damon Heta, maintaining his ever present record at the tournament. The duo made it to the quarterfinals, where they lost to the German pairing of Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in a deciding leg 8–7, despite having match darts themselves to win the match. He also maintained his ever present record at both the Australian and New Zealand Darts Masters as an invited PDC wildcard entry.[76] Whitlock would lose in the first round in both events to Josh Rock and Chris Dobey, and would also lose to Luke Littler in round 1 at the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals 6–4.

Whitlock spent sometime on the 2025 PDC Challenge Tour, where he made it to the quarterfinals in Challenge Tours 1 and 4.

Whitlock also competed in Series 10 Week 2 of the MODUS Super Series, where he made it to finals night before being eliminated by the eventual Series 10 winner Jenson Walker in the semi-finals 4–3 in legs.

Whitlock was invited to compete in the inaugural ANZ Premier League.[77] He made three finals and qualified for finals night by finishing 3rd in the league table. He defeated New Zealander Jonny Tata 8–3 in their semi-final before going on to beat compatriot Raymond Smith in the final 10–7, to become the inaugural ANZ Premier League champion. The win qualified Whitlock for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship.[78]

2026

[edit]

At his Ally Pally return, Whitlock rallied back from 2–0 down in sets to 2–all in his first round clash with Connor Scutt before losing the match 3–2.[79]

Personal life

[edit]

Whitlock has three sons from two previous marriages.[80] His son Mason also plays darts.[81] Whitlock is a fan of Portsmouth F.C.[82]

In 2012, Whitlock, together with the seven other players who competed in the Premier League, recorded a charity single with Chas Hodges and his band called 'Got My Tickets for the Darts' which was written by Chas. It was released on 18 May, the night after the play-offs at the O2 in London, where it was premiered. Proceeds from the single were donated to the Haven House Children's Hospice.[83]

World Championship performances

[edit]

BDO

[edit]

PDC

[edit]

WSD

[edit]

Career finals

[edit]

BDO major finals: 1

[edit]
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score[N 1]
Runner-up 1. 2008 World Championship Wales Mark Webster 5–7 (s)

PDC major finals: 7 (1 title)

[edit]
Legend
World Championship (0–1)
Premier League (0–1)
World Grand Prix (0–1)
European Championship (1–2)
Championship League (0–1)
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score[N 1]
Runner-up 1. 2010 World Championship  Phil Taylor 3–7 (s)
Runner-up 2. 2012 Premier League  Phil Taylor 7–10 (l)
Winner 1. 2012 European Championship  Wes Newton 11–5 (l)
Runner-up 3. 2012 Championship League  Phil Taylor 4–6 (l)
Runner-up 4. 2013 European Championship  Adrian Lewis 6–11 (l)
Runner-up 5. 2017 World Grand Prix  Daryl Gurney 4–5 (s)
Runner-up 6. 2018 European Championship (2)  James Wade 8–11 (l)

PDC world series finals: 1

[edit]
Legend
World Series of Darts (0–1)
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score[N 1]
Runner-up 1. 2014 Singapore Darts Masters  Michael van Gerwen 8-11 (l)

PDC team finals: 2 (1 title)

[edit]
Outcome 'No. Year Championship Team Teammate Opponents in the final Score[N 1]
Runner-up 1. 2012 World Cup of Darts  Australia  Paul Nicholson  England – Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis 3–4 (m)
Winner 2. 2022 World Cup of Darts  Damon Heta  Wales – Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton 3–1 (m)
  1. ^ a b c d (l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets, (m) = score in matches.

Career statistics

[edit]
Performance Table Legend
W Won the tournament F Finalist SF Semifinalist QF Quarterfinalist #R
RR
Prel. 		Lost in # round
Round-robin
Preliminary round 		DQ Disqualified
DNQ Did not qualify DNP Did not participate WD Withdrew NH Tournament not held NYF Not yet founded

Performance timeline

[edit]

BDO

Tournament 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
BDO Ranked televised events
World Championship DNQ SF 2R 2R F 2R
World Masters DNP 2R DNP QF 4R PDC
International Darts League DNP SF SF RR Not held
World Darts Trophy DNP 2R 2R 2R Not held

PDC

Tournament 2003 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
PDC Ranked televised events
World Championship 3R BDO F 3R SF QF SF 1R 1R 2R 2R 2R 4R 3R 2R 2R 2R DNQ 1R
UK Open Did not qualify 5R 3R 5R 3R 3R 3R 4R QF 3R 6R 5R QF 5R 4R 4R DNQ
World Matchplay DNP SF QF 1R QF SF 2R 1R 2R QF 2R QF Did not qualify
World Grand Prix DNP 2R 2R 1R QF 1R 2R QF F 1R 1R SF Did not qualify
European Championship DNP 2R SF W F 1R 2R 1R QF F 2R DNQ 1R Did not qualify
Grand Slam[N 1] NH QF QF RR WD RR 2R RR DNQ RR RR QF DNQ SF DNQ 2R Did not qualify
Players Championship Finals Not held DNP 2R WD SF 1R 1R QF 2R 2R 2R 2R 2R 1R 1R 1R DNQ
PDC Non-ranked televised events
Premier League NH DNP SF 6th F 6th 10th DNP 8th Did not participate
World Masters[N 2] Not held QF 1R 1R DNQ 1R 1R 1R 1R 2R QF Did not qualify
Champions League Not held DNQ RR DNQ Not held
World Cup Not held SF NH F 2R SF QF QF 2R SF 2R QF QF W QF 2R QF
World Series Finals Not held 1R QF 2R QF 1R 1R DNQ 1R 1R 1R 1R
PDC Past major events
Las Vegas Desert Classic DNP BDO 1R Not held
Championship League NH DNP SF RR F RR Not held
Career statistics
Year-end ranking 70 BDO 4 6 4 3 7 17 16 8 8 14 18 20 38 44 60 144

WSD

Tournament 2025
WSD Televised events
World Seniors Darts Championship 1R
World Seniors Champion of Champions 1R

PDC European Tour

Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
2012 ADO
2R 		GDC
SF 		EDO
QF 		GDM
QF 		DDM
W
2013 UKM
QF 		EDT
WD 		EDO
F 		ADO
WD 		GDT
1R 		GDC
3R 		GDM
SF 		DDM
SF
2014 GDC
DNP 		DDM
2R 		GDM
3R 		ADO
3R 		GDT
SF 		EDO
F 		EDG
SF 		EDT
QF
2015 GDC
3R 		GDT
3R 		GDM
3R 		DDM
3R 		IDO
2R 		EDO
3R 		EDT
2R 		EDM
2R 		EDG
3R
2016 DDM
QF 		GDM
DNQ 		GDT
3R 		EDM
2R 		ADO
2R 		EDO
2R 		IDO
QF 		EDT
3R 		EDG
2R 		GDC
2R
2017 GDC
2R 		GDM
SF 		GDO
3R 		EDG
2R 		GDT
3R 		EDM
2R 		ADO
3R 		EDO
2R 		DDM
3R 		GDG
SF 		IDO
QF 		EDT
SF
2018 EDO
QF 		GDG
2R 		GDO
WD 		ADO
3R 		EDG
QF 		DDM
3R 		GDT
3R 		DDO
F 		EDM
2R 		GDC
2R 		DDC
QF 		IDO
F 		EDT
2R
2019 EDO
2R 		GDC
DNP 		GDG
F 		GDO
2R 		ADO
DNQ 		EDG
DNQ 		DDM
3R 		DDO
QF 		CDO
SF 		ADC
2R 		EDM
1R 		IDO
DNQ 		GDT
DNQ
2020 BDC
DNP 		GDC
DNQ 		EDG
DNQ 		IDO
DNQ
2021 HDT
2R 		GDT
SF
2022 IDO
2R 		GDC
DNQ 		GDG
DNQ 		ADO
DNQ 		EDO
DNQ 		CDO
DNQ 		EDG
DNQ 		DDC
QF 		EDM
DNQ 		HDT
3R 		GDO
DNQ 		BDO
1R 		GDT
DNQ
2023 BSD
DNQ 		EDO
DNQ 		IDO
1R 		GDG
1R 		ADO
3R 		DDC
DNQ 		BDO
DNQ 		CDO
DNQ 		EDG
1R 		EDM
1R 		GDO
1R 		HDT
DNQ 		GDC
DNQ
2024 BDO
DNQ 		GDG
DNQ 		IDO
1R 		EDG
DNQ 		ADO
DNQ 		BSD
DNQ 		DDC
DNQ 		EDO
DNQ 		GDC
2R 		FDT
DNQ 		HDT
DNQ 		SDT
DNQ 		CDO
DNQ

PDC Players Championships[84]

Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
2009 Did not participate LVE
5R 		SYD
SF 		Did not participate IRV
2R 		IRV
2R
2010 GIB
DNP 		SWI
5R 		DER
5R 		GLA
DNP 		WIG
2R 		CRA
3R 		BAR
W 		DER
W 		WIG
3R 		WIG
W 		SAL
W 		SAL
F 		BAR
2R 		WIG
4R 		HAA
4R 		HAA
4R 		HAA
5R 		LVE
F 		LVE
QF 		SYD
QF 		ONT
DNP 		CRA
4R 		CRA
F 		NUL
3R 		NUL
SF 		DUB
W 		DUB
3R 		KIL
2R 		BNA
SF 		DER
W 		BAR
DNP 		DER
QF 		DER
SF
2011 HAL
SF 		HAL
2R 		DER
2R 		DER
3R 		CRA
3R 		DER
2R 		VIE
5R 		VIE
4R 		CRA
SF 		CRA
3R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
4R 		NUL
SF 		NUL
SF 		ONT
5R 		ONT
QF 		DER
SF 		DER
3R 		NUL
DNP 		DUB
3R 		DUB
3R 		KIL
QF 		GLA
QF 		GLA
3R 		ALI
QF 		Did not participate
2012 ALI
1R 		ALI
3R 		REA
SF 		REA
4R 		CRA
1R 		CRA
QF 		BIR
QF 		BIR
F 		CRA
QF 		CRA
QF 		BAR
QF 		BAR
W 		DUB
4R 		DUB
3R 		KIL
DNP 		KIL
4R 		CRA
W 		CRA
SF 		BAR
2R 		BAR
4R
2013 WIG
QF 		WIG
DNP 		CRA
4R 		CRA
1R 		BAR
SF 		BAR
F 		DUB
3R 		DUB
4R 		KIL
DNP 		KIL
DNP 		WIG
DNP 		WIG
DNP 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R
2014 BAR
3R 		BAR
4R 		CRA
3R 		CRA
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
3R 		WIG
3R 		WIG
SF 		CRA
4R 		CRA
1R 		COV
4R 		COV
F 		CRA
2R 		CRA
4R 		DUB
2R 		DUB
4R 		CRA
3R 		CRA
4R 		COV
2R 		COV
SF
2015 BAR
1R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
QF 		BAR
3R 		BAR
SF 		COV
4R 		COV
1R 		COV
1R 		CRA
4R 		CRA
3R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
SF 		WIG
4R 		WIG
2R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
SF 		DUB
2R 		DUB
3R 		COV
1R 		COV
QF
2016 BAR
1R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
QF 		BAR
QF 		BAR
2R 		COV
4R 		COV
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
4R 		DUB
3R 		DUB
W 		BAR
W 		BAR
1R
2017 BAR
SF 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
W 		MIL
1R 		MIL
QF 		BAR
4R 		BAR
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		MIL
QF 		MIL
QF 		WIG
DNP 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
3R 		DUB
3R 		DUB
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R
2018 BAR
1R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		MIL
2R 		MIL
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
SF 		WIG
4R 		WIG
1R 		MIL
3R 		MIL
2R 		WIG
3R 		WIG
QF 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
QF 		BAR
2R 		DUB
3R 		DUB
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R
2019 WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		BAR
DNP 		BAR
3R 		WIG
2R 		WIG
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		HIL
4R 		HIL
2R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		DUB
3R 		DUB
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
4R
2020 BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		WIG
3R 		WIG
3R 		WIG
DNP 		WIG
4R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		MIL
3R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
2R 		MIL
2R 		NIE
4R 		NIE
QF 		NIE
2R 		NIE
2R 		NIE
QF 		COV
2R 		COV
1R 		COV
4R 		COV
1R 		COV
1R
2021 BOL
2R 		BOL
2R 		BOL
1R 		BOL
1R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
3R 		MIL
2R 		MIL
1R 		NIE
2R 		NIE
1R 		NIE
3R 		NIE
QF 		MIL
1R 		MIL
3R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
1R 		COV
3R 		COV
1R 		COV
1R 		COV
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
4R
2022 BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		WIG
2R 		WIG
2R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
2R 		NIE
2R 		NIE
3R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
QF 		BAR
1R 		WIG
2R 		WIG
1R 		NIE
2R 		NIE
4R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
3R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
3R
2023 BAR
3R 		BAR
F 		BAR
2R 		BAR
4R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		HIL
1R 		HIL
3R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		LEI
4R 		LEI
2R 		HIL
1R 		HIL
3R 		LEI
1R 		LEI
2R 		HIL
1R 		HIL
3R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
1R 		BAR
2R 		BAR
3R
2024 WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		LEI
3R 		LEI
1R 		HIL
3R 		HIL
2R 		LEI
1R 		LEI
1R 		HIL
1R 		HIL
3R 		HIL
1R 		HIL
1R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
2R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		MIL
1R 		MIL
2R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
1R 		WIG
2R 		WIG
2R 		LEI
1R 		LEI
1R

Nine-dart finishes

[edit]
See also: Nine-dart finish
Simon Whitlock televised nine-dart finishes
Date Opponent Tournament Method Prize
17 May 2012 England Andy Hamilton Premier League 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T15, D18 Unknown

High averages

[edit]
See also: Three-dart average
Simon Whitlock televised high averages
Average Date Opponent Tournament Stage Score
108.86 12 November 2018 Wales Gerwyn Price 2018 Grand Slam Group stage 5-4 (l)

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Simon Whitlock

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Simon Whitlock (born 3 March 1969) is an Australian professional player nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz," renowned for his powerful scoring and high checkout ability in the (PDC). Born in , he has been a trailblazing figure for Australian , achieving a career-high world ranking of third in 2014 and amassing over 60 tournament victories, including major televised titles. As of 2025, Whitlock remains an active competitor, participating in events like the PDC ANZ . Whitlock began his professional career with the PDC in 2002 before switching to the rival in 2005, where he reached the semi-finals of the and the International Darts League. He returned to the PDC in 2009 following a runner-up finish in the 2008 , quickly establishing himself as a top contender by reaching the final of the , where he lost to Phil Taylor. His breakthrough major title came in 2012 with a victory in the , and he also finished as runner-up in the in both 2010 and 2012. Among his most notable achievements, Whitlock partnered with to win the 2022 PDC World Cup of Darts for , defeating 3–1 in the final to secure the nation's first title in the event. He again represented with Heta at the 2025 PDC World Cup of Darts. He is also the first player to achieve nine-dart finishes in two consecutive PDC Pro Tour events in 2011 and holds a reputation for iconic performances, such as hitting three consecutive bullseyes from 150 in the 2022 Dutch Darts Open. Whitlock's walk-on music, "" by , underscores his national pride, and he uses signature 22-gram darts.

Early career

Australian and regional success

Simon Whitlock was born on 3 March 1969 in , . His early interest in stemmed from his family's involvement in the sport, as both parents, who had emigrated from , were active players. Whitlock began competing in local Australian tournaments during the 1990s, securing several early victories that built his reputation domestically. By the early 2000s, he achieved greater prominence with wins in major national events, including the Australian Masters in 2002 and 2003, as well as multiple titles from 2004 to 2007. He also claimed the Australian National Championships men's singles title in 2008 and partnered with David Nogar Jr. to win the men's doubles in 2003. In regional competitions, Whitlock excelled in events such as the Pacific Masters, which he won in 2004, 2006, and 2008, and the Oceanic Masters in 2002. These successes solidified his status as Australia's top player by the late and early , with consistent rankings dominance starting around 2002. During this period, Whitlock earned the nickname "Wizard of Oz," reflecting his precise throwing style—often likened to magical accuracy—and his Australian origins, evoking the .

BDO international career

Whitlock joined the in 2005, building on his foundation of success in Australian darts competitions. His rapid progression in the BDO ranks saw him climb to world number 5 by 2007, establishing him as one of the organization's top players. Whitlock achieved notable results in BDO major tournaments, reaching the semi-finals of the 2005 and the 2005 International Darts League. He also reached the semi-finals of the 2006 International Darts League. His only BDO major final came in 2008 at the , where he lost 5–7 to Mark Webster at Lakeside in a closely contested match featuring multiple lead changes.

PDC career

Entry to PDC and 2010 World Championship

In 2009, following his runner-up finish at the , Simon Whitlock transitioned to the (PDC) by competing on the PDC-affiliated Darts Players (DPA) circuit. He dominated the Australian Pro Tour that year, securing victories in eight DPA events, including multiple tournaments, which earned him qualification for the 2009 where he advanced to the quarter-finals before losing to Phil Taylor. Whitlock's strong form carried into 2010, where he claimed his first titles by winning three events: the Bobby Bourn Memorial in in February, the tournament in March, and the Gibraltar in May. These successes, along with consistent performances on the European Tour, propelled him into the top ranks and secured his spot in the at as a seeded player. Whitlock produced a stunning run at the , becoming the first Australian to reach the final. He defeated Colin Osborne 3-0 in the second round, Wayne Jones 4-2 in the third, 5-3 in the last 16, 5-3 in the quarter-finals, and 6-2 in the semi-finals. In the final against 15-time world champion Phil Taylor on January 3, 2010, Whitlock started brightly by winning the first leg with a 180 and taking a 2-1 lead after the third leg on a 96 finish, but Taylor responded with seven straight legs to secure a 7-3 victory. Whitlock hit 11 maximum 180s compared to Taylor's nine, posting a three-dart of 100.51, while Taylor averaged 104.38; the match featured intense exchanges, including a 13-dart leg in the fourth where Taylor leveled the score. As runner-up, Whitlock collected £100,000 in prize money and surged to world No. 2 in the , a dramatic rise that established him as a major force in the organization and highlighted the potential of Oceanic players on the global stage.

2011–2014

Following his breakthrough at the , Simon Whitlock established himself as a mainstay in the PDC's elite ranks from to 2014, consistently finishing in the top ten of the while securing his first major title and several deep runs in high-profile events. His performances during this period earned him substantial prize money, with over £280,000 in alone, reflecting his stability and competitiveness against the sport's top players. In 2011, Whitlock navigated a challenging season with notable highlights in major tournaments. He advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay in , where he produced a strong display against , averaging 93.91 but ultimately falling 17-15 in a gripping encounter after squandering an 8-leg lead. He also competed in the , securing key victories such as an 8-5 win over Phil Taylor in week six, though he finished sixth overall with seven points from 14 matches. Off the televised stage, Whitlock claimed the title in Nuland, defeating Steve Brown 6-3 in the final to pocket £10,000 and end the year ranked fifth on the . Whitlock's form peaked in 2012, culminating in his maiden major PDC title at the in an der Ruhr. Seeded fifth, he overcame Mark Walsh, , , and en route to the final, where he dominated 11-5 with an average of 98.43, earning £25,000 and elevating himself to fifth on the . Earlier that year, he reached the final after a play-off semi-final victory over , highlighted by a , but lost 10-7 to Taylor despite averaging 97.34 across the campaign, finishing second with 18 points from 14 league matches. Whitlock added the inaugural Dutch Darts Masters crown, defeating Paul Nicholson 6-1 in an all-Australian final with a 101.02 average, securing £15,000 and his first European Tour victory. These successes contributed to over £300,000 in earnings, closing the year at sixth on the . The 2013 season saw Whitlock maintain his top-tier status amid rising competition, with consistent results in the ProTour and majors. In the , he recorded high averages, including 102.72 in a 7-4 win over , but finished seventh with ten points from 14 matches, missing the play-offs. He reached the final in , dispatching Robert Thornton, , and Andy Smith before falling 11-6 to , earning £12,500 despite the defeat. These results bolstered his earnings to around £250,000 and ending the year sixth on the . By 2014, Whitlock remained a top-10 fixture, ranked eighth at year-end with earnings exceeding £200,000, underscoring his enduring reliability. His standout performance came at the World Matchplay, where he reached the semi-finals after a 16-10 quarter-final win over (averaging 96.26), only to lose 17-13 to despite hitting 11 maximums. He added a Players Championship 12 title in , beating 6-3 in the final for £10,000, while other results like a last-16 run at the reinforced his competitive edge without a major breakthrough.

2015–2018

During 2015, Whitlock maintained a solid presence on the , culminating in a victory at in October, where he edged out 6-5 in the final after a tense decider. This win contributed to his steady accumulation of ranking points, helping him hold a position in the top 10 of the by year's end. His performances highlighted a continued reliance on his signature smooth throwing action, allowing for precise finishes under pressure, though he faced challenges in major televised events, often falling short in later stages against top seeds. In 2016 and 2017, Whitlock demonstrated notable consistency in the , participating in both seasons and securing multiple weekly victories while competing against the elite field. In , he recorded three wins across the 16 weeks, including triumphs over Phil Taylor and , but was eliminated in the play-offs after finishing sixth in the table with 18 points from nine draws and three victories. The following year, 2017, saw similar reliability, with Whitlock claiming two weekly wins—against Gary Anderson and Peter Wright—and advancing to the play-offs once again, though he exited in the semi-finals to van Gerwen; his overall record included eight draws and two victories, underscoring his ability to grind out results in high-stakes weekly formats. These campaigns solidified his status as a reliable top-tier performer, frequently engaging in intense rivalries with van Gerwen, against whom he split several encounters, including a narrow 7-5 loss in the 2017 semi-final. During this period, Whitlock evolved his playing style by emphasizing scoring power, averaging over 95 in key matches, while his rivalry with van Gerwen—marked by eight encounters between 2016 and 2018, with Whitlock winning three—highlighted his resilience against the dominant Dutchman. Whitlock's 2017 Pro Tour form peaked with a title at 4 in , where he defeated Darren Johnson 6-3 in the final for his first ranking win of the year, following strong semi-final runs in earlier events. Later that October, he reached the World Grand Prix final, producing a remarkable run of 16 perfect darts in the semi-final against before falling 5-4 to in the decider, a match noted for its double-in, double-out format intensity. By late 2017, these results propelled him to a career-high ranking of third in the . In 2018, Whitlock remained in the top 10, peaking at eighth, and achieved a runner-up finish at the International Darts Open, losing 8-3 to in the final after defeating in the semi-finals. He also reached the final that October, where prevailed 11-8, marking Whitlock's first major final appearance since 2014 and showcasing his enduring competitive edge at age 49. Throughout 2015–2018, Whitlock's top-5 to top-10 rankings reflected a phase of sustained excellence, with his fluid, effortless style—often producing spectacular 170 checkouts—allowing him to compete with the era's power scorers despite occasional inconsistencies in closing matches.

2019–2025

Whitlock continued his PDC career through the late 2010s and early , maintaining consistent participation despite the disruptions caused by the , which led to the introduction of the PDC Home Tour and condensed tournament schedules in 2020. In 2019, he reached the final of the German Darts Grand Prix on the European Tour, where he lost 8-3 to , marking one of his strongest showings that year. He also advanced to the semi-finals of the Czech Darts Open, defeating Mervyn King 6-4 in the quarter-finals before falling 7-3 to Jamie Hughes. At the , Whitlock exited in the second round with a 3-0 defeat to Ryan Joyce. The 2020 season was heavily impacted by restrictions, resulting in behind-closed-doors events and Whitlock's involvement in the inaugural PDC Home Tour, where he recorded a high checkout of 170. A highlight came at the World Grand Prix, where he stunned world number one 3-0 in the first round and advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-2 win over Mervyn King, before losing 4-1 to . Representing at the alongside , they reached the semi-finals, defeating in the second round (Whitlock 4-3 over ) but falling 4-0 to in the last four. In 2021, Whitlock's form remained solid amid ongoing pandemic effects, with a second-round appearance at the , where he won a tight first-round match 3-2 against —featuring a record 13 maximums in a five-set encounter—before losing 4-2 to . He qualified for the Players Championship Finals but was eliminated in the first round, 6-5 by Ryan Searle. Whitlock also competed in the events in and , though without reaching the finals stage. From 2022 to 2023, Whitlock achieved notable success in team events, partnering to win the for —their nation's first title—by defeating 3-1 in the final, with Whitlock securing the decisive leg via a 120 finish. He recorded successes in events, including a nine-darter in 9 in 2022, though he exited early in that tournament. However, his individual rankings declined outside the top 20 by late 2023, reflecting fewer deep runs in ProTour events amid increased competition. Whitlock's 2024 campaign focused on the European Tour, where he made his seasonal debut at the International Darts Open, facing in the first round, and qualified for the German Darts Championship through strong ProTour performances. At the , he advanced past Paolo Nebrida 3-2 in the first round but lost 3-0 to Gary Anderson in the second. In 2025, Whitlock failed to retain his PDC Tour Card at the season's end, dropping out of the top 64 in the after accumulating insufficient ranking points. He entered the Qualifying School in , headlining the Final entries as he sought to regain his status. Later that year, as an invitational player, he competed in the Finals, where he lost 6-4 to world champion in the first round. Whitlock headlined the inaugural Dabble Darts ANZ , winning matches such as 5-4 over Tim Pusey but facing defeats including 5-3 to Raymond Smith on Night Two. He participated in the Darts Masters, part of the World Series, and the Australian Darts Masters, exiting early against in the latter. Additionally, the Simon Whitlock Trophy event was held in , honoring his career contributions.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Simon Whitlock met his former wife, Peta, at a darts tournament in , where both were competitive players in the local scene. They married and had two sons together, Mason (born 2003) and (born 2007), forming a deeply embedded in the sport. Whitlock also has an older son, (born 1991), from a previous . In late 2009, ahead of the , Whitlock relocated to to advance his professional career on the PDC circuit, leaving his family behind in Queensland's Deception Bay. This decision strained the marriage, which ended around the same time, though Peta and the children remained in . Despite the separation, Whitlock has described himself as a dedicated , emphasizing the challenges of maintaining contact with his sons amid his travels. Whitlock's family has played a key role in providing personal stability during the demands of his international career, with his sons offering and a sense of continuity. Mason, now 22, has emerged as a promising darts player, achieving a in the Modus in 2024 and aiming to earn a PDC Tour Card, while competing alongside his father in exhibitions and tournaments, highlighting the familial bond that sustains Whitlock through professional highs and lows. His Australian roots have shaped these strong family-oriented values, fostering resilience in the face of career pressures.

Health challenges and public persona

Simon Whitlock has faced several health challenges in his career, including a broken ankle in 2011 that required and caused him to miss the Grand Slam of Darts, though he notably competed in the 2011 despite the injury. In 2019, he dealt with tendinitis in his throwing arm for several weeks, impacting his performance but not halting his participation in events like the World Matchplay. Whitlock is widely recognized by his nickname "The Wizard of Oz," which playfully references Australia's colloquial name "Oz" and his exceptional, almost magical precision in darts, earning him a cult following among fans for his flair and resilience. His public persona embodies Australian pride and approachability, often highlighted through enthusiastic fan interactions at tournaments, where supporters chant along to his signature walk-on music, "Down Under" by Men at Work, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrates his heritage. Whitlock frequently engages with crowds post-match, signing autographs and sharing stories, fostering a loyal base that appreciates his everyman charm despite career highs and lows. In media appearances, Whitlock has featured prominently on Australian television, including Fox Sports interviews discussing his career transitions and passion for the sport, as well as PDC and MODUS broadcasts where he reflects on representing . These platforms showcase his candid personality, blending humor with insights into the mental demands of professional . Beyond the oche, Whitlock contributes to as an for Empire Fighting Chance, a UK-based charity using to empower disadvantaged youth through skill-building and community programs, a role he embraced in 2022 to inspire the next generation. In his post-peak career phase, Whitlock actively promotes in , participating in initiatives like the 2025 ANZ and partnering with in the World Cup of Darts to boost the sport's visibility and encourage emerging talent .

World Championship performances

BDO World Championships

Simon Whitlock made his debut at the in 2005, qualifying through his strong performances on the Australian circuit. In his first-round match, he defeated Finland's 3–1 with an of 83.97, followed by a 3–1 victory over England's Tony Martin in the second round, averaging 87.30. Whitlock advanced to the quarter-finals with a 5–1 win against Dutch player Brantjes (91.77 ), but was defeated 5–0 by England's in the semi-finals, where Adams achieved a tournament-high of 97.83. This run marked Whitlock's best finish at the event until 2008. In 2006, Whitlock started strongly by whitewashing England's Andy Fordham 3–0 in the first round with an impressive 92.13 average, showcasing his scoring power early in the tournament. However, he was eliminated in the second round by Scotland's Paul Hanvidge, who won 4–2. The following year, 2007, saw a similar pattern: Whitlock again beat Fordham 3–0 in the opening round, but fell 4–3 to England's Gary Robson in the second round despite posting a solid 88.74 average. These early exits highlighted Whitlock's consistency in the first round against the same opponent but struggles against higher-seeded players. Whitlock's standout performance came in 2008, where he reached the final as an unseeded player. He began with a 3–0 first-round win over ' Edwin Max (86.40 average), followed by a 4–1 second-round victory against Fabian Roosenbrand (89.37 average). In the quarter-finals, Whitlock dominated England's 5–0 with a 94.68 average, then secured a 6–3 semi-final win over Brian Woods (92.64 average). In the final, he led early but lost 7–5 to ' Mark Webster, who averaged 92.07 to Whitlock's 93.93. This runner-up finish earned Whitlock £30,000 and established him as a top BDO contender before his switch to the PDC circuit. Across his four appearances at the BDO World Championship from 2005 to , Whitlock compiled a record of 9 wins and 4 losses in 13 matches, with his highest tournament average in at 91.46. His progression to the semi-finals in his debut year and the final in his last demonstrated rapid improvement, though he never secured the title.

PDC World Championships

Simon Whitlock made his debut at the in 2010, shortly after switching from the BDO to the PDC, and immediately established himself as a top contender by reaching the final. In the first round, he defeated Colin Osborne 3-0 with an average of 101.02. He followed this with a 4-2 victory over Wayne Jones in the second round, then edged 4-3 in the third round. In the quarter-final, Whitlock overcame 5-3, averaging 105.37 in that match. The semi-final saw him prevail 6-5 against in a tense encounter. In the final, however, he fell 3-7 to defending champion Phil Taylor, posting a three-dart average of 100.51 while hitting 11 maximums. This runner-up finish marked Whitlock's best performance at the event and earned him £30,000 in , highlighting his rapid adaptation to the PDC format. Notably, he achieved a match average of 105.37 against in the quarter-final. Whitlock qualified for every subsequent PDC World Championship from 2011 to 2024, compiling a strong record with multiple deep runs. In 2011, he reached the third round, defeating Steve Evans and Denis Ovens before losing 2-4 to . His 2012 campaign ended in the second round with a 3-4 defeat to after beating . The following year, 2013, saw him reach the fourth round, defeating and before a 2-4 loss to . In 2014, Whitlock reached the semi-finals, beating Kevin Dowling, , and Ian White before losing 2-6 to Peter Wright. From 2015 onward, Whitlock consistently reached at least the second round, though his deepest runs were limited to the fourth round. Notable fourth-round exits included 2020 against (1-4). Third-round defeats came in 2015 to (2-4), 2016 against (1-4), 2018 against (0-4), 2019 against Michael Smith (0-4), 2021 against Devon Petersen (2-4), and 2023 against Rob Cross (2-4). Second-round defeats came in 2017 to Alan Norris (1-4), 2022 to Ryan Searle (0-3), and 2024 to Gary Anderson (0-3). In 2023, he survived a first-round thriller against Christian Perez 3-2 before the third-round exit. The 2024 event featured a 3-2 first-round win over Paolo Nebrida. These performances underscore Whitlock's reliability in the early stages, often advancing past the first round with solid qualifying form via the Pro Tour. Over his 15 appearances from to 2024, Whitlock's performances included two finals appearances () and semi-finals (), with consistent progression in early rounds. He frequently posted competitive averages, including a tournament-high of 105.37 against Wade in . However, he did not qualify for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship due to his position in the 2024 , resulting in the loss of his Tour Card at the end of the 2024 season. He failed to regain it at the 2025 PDC in January. This absence ended his streak of consecutive main draw appearances, though he remains eligible for invitational events like the World Seniors Darts Championship.

World Seniors Darts Championship

The World Seniors Championship is an invitational tournament organized by World Seniors (WSD), open to players aged 45 and over who are not holding an active PDC Tour Card, following a 2024 rule change that lowered the eligibility age from 50 to broaden participation. Simon Whitlock, at age 55 during the event, qualified for the 2025 edition after failing to regain his PDC Tour Card at the 2025 in January, ending his continuous professional status on the PDC circuit since 2011. He received a direct invitation as one of four wildcard entries, joining a field of 28 competitors at the Circus Tavern in , , from 19 to 22 February 2025. In his debut, Whitlock faced Paul Hogan in the first round on 19 February, losing 3-1 in sets across 20 legs. Hogan took the opening set after leading 2-0 in legs before Whitlock responded to claim it 3-2, but Hogan secured the next two sets 3-1 each to lead 3-1 overall. In the fourth set, Whitlock led 2-1, appearing poised to force a decider, but Hogan closed out the match with consecutive 13-dart legs for a 3-2 set win. Match averages were tight, with Hogan at 83.66 and Whitlock marginally higher at 83.69, though Whitlock hit the tournament's only 180 of the match while Hogan converted the highest checkout of 84. Hogan won 11 legs to Whitlock's 9, advancing to the second round in an upset victory. Whitlock's unsuccessful Q School attempt in 2025 leaves him eligible for future WSD events without a PDC Tour Card, potentially allowing repeat invitations to the based on his profile and past achievements.

Other major tournament finals

PDC major finals

Whitlock has reached seven finals in PDC major tournaments, achieving one victory during his career. His breakthrough in the PDC came with a run to the 2010 World Darts Championship final, marking the first of several high-profile appearances against dominant opponent Phil Taylor. Despite consistent contention for titles, Whitlock's major success was limited to a single win in 2012, with subsequent finals highlighting his competitive edge in deciding moments against top players. The following table summarizes his PDC major finals.
YearTournamentOpponentResultScore
2010PDC World Darts ChampionshipPhil TaylorRunner-up3–7
2010UK OpenPhil TaylorRunner-up6–9
2012European ChampionshipWes NewtonWinner11–5
2012Premier League DartsPhil TaylorRunner-up7–10
2013European ChampionshipAdrian LewisRunner-up6–11
2017World Grand PrixDaryl GurneyRunner-up4–5
2018European ChampionshipJames WadeRunner-up8–11
In the final held on 3 January at in , Whitlock faced 15-time world champion Phil Taylor in a best-of-13 sets . Whitlock started strongly, taking an early set with a 121 average in one leg, but Taylor pulled ahead with superior consistency, winning 7–3. Whitlock recorded 11 maximums to Taylor's 9 and an average of 100.51 compared to Taylor's 104.38, but the deciding moments favored Taylor, who sealed the victory in the 10th set after Whitlock missed opportunities at double 16. The 2010 UK Open final on 6 June at the Reebok Stadium in saw Whitlock challenge Taylor again in a best-of-19 legs encounter. Following his heroics, Whitlock led 3–1 early, but Taylor mounted a comeback, including a 118.66 average in a prior whitewash of . Taylor won 9–6, with Whitlock unable to capitalize on breaks in the latter stages; the match concluded in the 15th leg when Taylor hit double 20 after Whitlock missed at tops. This runner-up finish earned Whitlock £20,000 and solidified his status as a PDC contender. Whitlock claimed his only PDC major title at the 2012 , held from 20–23 September at the Altrincham Crescent in . In the final against , Whitlock dominated with an 11–5 victory in best-of-21 legs, averaging 98.45 to Newton's 92.67. He broke throw multiple times, including a crucial 100 checkout in the ninth leg to lead 6–3, and sealed the win on double 10 in the 16th leg. This triumph, his first televised PDC major, propelled him to fifth in the and earned £25,000. In the 2012 Premier League Darts play-off final on 17 May at in , Whitlock met Taylor in a best-of-21 legs decider after hitting a nine-darter in his semi-final against . Taylor won 10–7, overcoming a 4–2 deficit with a run of five consecutive legs, including a 112 average burst. Whitlock's resistance ended in the 17th leg when Taylor finished on double 12 after Whitlock failed at double 8; Taylor's match average was 102.18 to Whitlock's 99.42. The £100,000 prize eluded Whitlock, but the performance highlighted his resilience. The 2013 European Championship final on 7 July at the RWE-Sporthalle in Muelheim, , saw Whitlock defending his title but losing 11–6 to in a best-of-21 legs match. Lewis averaged 100.12 to Whitlock's 95.34, breaking throw early to lead 5–2 and maintaining control despite Whitlock's fightback. This runner-up finish earned Whitlock £15,000 and kept him in the top ten of the . The 2017 World Grand Prix final on 8 October at the Citywest Hotel in pitted Whitlock against in a best-of-19 legs double-in, double-out format. Gurney won 5–4 in a thrilling decider, holding the after both players averaged over 95. Whitlock led 2–1 in sets but Gurney leveled with a 121 checkout; the match went to the ninth set, where Gurney's double 20 in the final leg clinched his maiden major title. Whitlock's average was 92.84 to Gurney's 93.47, with the Australian hitting six 180s to five. The £50,000 prize went to Gurney, but Whitlock's run boosted his rankings. The 2018 European Championship final on 28 October at the in , , featured Whitlock against in a best-of-21 legs encounter. Wade won 11–8, coming from 4–6 down to win the last seven legs with an average of 97.83 to Whitlock's 96.12. Whitlock had led after breaking throw in the 11th leg but missed chances in the decider, allowing Wade to claim his eighth PDC major title and £25,000.

World Series and team event finals

Whitlock reached his sole final in a PDC World Series of Darts event at the 2014 Darts Masters, where he was defeated 11–8 by in the final after overcoming 10–7 in the semi-finals. The Australian produced a strong performance throughout the tournament, averaging over 95 in key matches, but fell short against the world number one in a high-scoring decider that showcased the growing international appeal of the format. In team events, Whitlock has represented twice in World Cup of Darts finals, highlighting his pivotal role in elevating the nation's profile in PDC competitions. Partnered with Paul Nicholson, he helped reach the 2012 final in , where they led 3–2 before losing 4–3 in a sudden-death leg after both teams alternated singles wins, with securing the decisive leg for the hosts. This heart-breaking defeat, marked by missed match darts from Whitlock and Nicholson, underscored the intense pressure of national representation but fueled 's determination in future outings. Whitlock achieved redemption a decade later at the 2022 Cazoo World Cup of Darts in , partnering with to secure 's first title with a 3–1 victory over ' and in the final. The duo dominated the tournament, winning all group and knockout matches convincingly, including a 4–0 semi-final rout of , with Whitlock contributing a 124 bullseye finish in the final to give an early lead. This triumph, celebrated as a "life-changing" moment for Australian , reflected Whitlock's enduring partnership dynamics and his status as a trailblazer for the country's success on the global stage.

BDO major finals

Whitlock's sole appearance in a BDO major final came at the 2008 , where he faced unseeded Welshman Mark Webster in a dramatic best-of-15-sets match at Lakeside, . Despite entering as the 12th seed and overcoming a series of tough opponents, including a 5-2 quarter-final win over and a 5-3 semi-final victory against Scotland's Robert Thornton, Whitlock fell short, losing 7-5 after Webster rallied from 3-0 down to claim his first world title. The match, lasting over three hours, showcased Whitlock's resilience as an Australian outsider in the BDO circuit, though he was unable to convert key checkouts in the closing legs. Leading up to this breakthrough, Whitlock had several near-misses in BDO majors that built his reputation and momentum. In the 2005 BDO World Championship, he reached the semi-finals as a qualifier, defeating higher seeds before a 5-0 whitewash by defending champion Martin Adams. He followed this with a quarter-final run at the 2007 World Masters, where he lost narrowly to Raymond van Barneveld, and second-round exits in the 2006 and 2007 World Championships, demonstrating consistent deep runs that positioned him for the 2008 final. These performances highlighted his growing prowess in the BDO's traditional format, though he never again reached a major final before switching to the PDC in 2008.

Performance records

Nine-dart finishes

Simon Whitlock has achieved 11 nine-dart finishes in PDC matches, a mark that underscores his consistent high-scoring prowess and places him among the with double figures in perfect legs. These feats, often featuring the route of two maximum 180s followed by a 141 checkout (treble 20, treble 19, double 12), have occurred across various tournament formats and have frequently influenced match momentum, though not always resulting in victory. Whitlock's most notable nine-darter came on 17 May 2012, in the semi-final of the play-offs against . Trailing 4-1, he produced the perfect leg—two 180s and a 141 finish—to spark a comeback, ultimately winning 8-6 amid ecstatic crowd reactions at in . This televised achievement remains his only one broadcast on major PDC television coverage and highlighted his resilience under pressure. In recent years, Whitlock continued to demonstrate his capability for perfection. On 21 2024, during the Tour Card Holder Qualifier for the European Darts Grand Prix in , he hit a nine-darter against with scores of 180, 180, and a 141 checkout (treble 20, treble 19, double 12), drawing widespread admiration despite losing the match 6-3. Earlier, on 1 April 2022, in 9 in , he achieved another against Mike de Decker—again via 180, 180, 141—building a 4-2 lead before falling 6-5, with the crowd erupting in applause for the rarity of the moment. The full catalog of Whitlock's nine-dart finishes is as follows:
DateTournamentOpponentStage/Notes
16 May 2010 14 (Salzburg)Phil TaylorFinal; opened match but lost 6-3 overall.
12 June 2011 12 (Barnsley)Devon PetersenEarly rounds.
18 June 2011 13 (Nuland)Nigel HeydonEarly rounds.
13 October 2011Championship League DartsJamie CavenGroup stage.
28 April 2012Austrian Darts Open (ET1)Joe CullenSecond round; lost match 6-4 despite the nine-darter.
17 May 2012 Play-offsAndy HamiltonSemi-final; sparked 8-6 comeback win.
8 February 2015UK Open Qualifier 3 ()Nathan AspinallLast 128.
23 September 2016 16 (Barnsley)Andrew GildingLast 64; one of four nine-darters in two days across PDC events.
22 October 2016 19 (Barnsley)Par RiihonenEarly rounds; won tournament final vs. Chris Dobey.
1 April 2022 9 (Barnsley)Mike de DeckerFirst round; 14th of 2022 season, lost 6-5.
21 February 2024European Darts Grand Prix TCH QualifierLuke LittlerEarly rounds; lost match 6-3.
These accomplishments reflect the rarity of the in Whitlock's career, with only one televised, yet they have consistently showcased his precision and contributed to memorable moments in PDC events.

High averages

Simon Whitlock has demonstrated exceptional scoring ability in major PDC tournaments, with several standout three-dart averages that highlight his precision and power on the . His career-high average in a major came in the 2012 , where he posted 109.54 during a comprehensive 10-1 second-round win over on October 27, 2012, including a maximum 170 checkout. This performance set the tone for his semi-final run in the event and remains one of the highest marks in the tournament's history. Whitlock's high averages are particularly notable in the PDC World Darts Championship, where he has consistently delivered 100+ performances across multiple appearances. His best there was 105.37 in the 2010 quarter-final against , a 5-3 on , 2010, that propelled him to the semi-finals. Other strong showings include 105.11 in a 3-0 first-round of on 28 December 2011. The table below summarizes Whitlock's top five highest three-dart averages in major PDC tournaments, providing context on opponents, rounds, and outcomes.
RankAverageTournamentYearRoundOpponentScoreDate
1109.542012Second round10–127 October 2012
2105.372010Quarter-final5–31 January 2010
3105.112012First round3–028 December 2011
4102.862011Second roundDenis Ovens4–024 December 2010
5101.212021Second round3–222 December 2020

Career statistics

Performance timeline

The performance timeline of Simon Whitlock in major tournaments is presented below, covering his BDO career up to 2008 and subsequent PDC events. Stages reached are denoted as follows: 1R (first round), 2R (second round), 3R (third round), 4R (fourth round), L5 (last 16), QF (quarter-final), SF (semi-final), F (runner-up), W (winner), DNP (did not play), DNQ (did not qualify), and WD (withdrew). Data is drawn from official tournament records and player histories.
YearBDO World Ch.PDC World Ch.UK OpenWorld MatchplayWorld Grand PrixEuropean Ch.Players Ch. FinalsGrand Slam
2004DNQDNQDNPDNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
2005SFDNQDNPDNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
20062RDNQDNPDNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
20072RDNQDNPDNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
2008FDNQDNPDNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
2009DNP2R4RDNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
2010DNPF5RSF2RDNPQFDNP
2011DNP3R4R2R2RSF2RQF
2012DNP4RSF2RQFWSF2R
2013DNP2RWDDNPDNP2RDNPDNP
2014DNP3R5RSF1RQFQFQF
2015DNP2R4R2R2R1R2R2R
2016DNP3R5R1R2R2RQFSF
2017DNP3R4R2R2R2R2RQF
2018DNP2R5R2R1R1R2R2R
2019DNP3R4R2R2RQF2R2R
2020DNP3R4R2RQF2R2R2R
2021DNP4R5R2R1R2R2R2R
2022DNP2R5R1R2R1R2R2R
2023DNP3R4R2R2R2R2R2R
2024DNP2R4R1R1R1R2R2R
2025DNPDNQDNQDNQDNQDNQDNQDNQ
Note: Whitlock took a health-related break in 2013, leading to withdrawals from several events. In 2025, he did not qualify for PDC majors due to ranking and form, focusing instead on regional tours and the (1R loss).

Prize money and rankings

Simon Whitlock's career in professional has been marked by significant financial success, particularly within the (PDC), where his total prize money stands at £2,462,824 as of November 2025. This figure reflects earnings from ranking tournaments, majors, and other events over two decades, with substantial peaks during his early PDC years following his switch from the (BDO) in 2008. In the BDO, Whitlock achieved a world ranking of No. 5 in 2007, establishing himself as a top contender before his transition to the PDC. Upon joining the PDC, he rapidly ascended the rankings, reaching No. 3 in 2010 after strong performances including a World Championship final appearance, and achieving a career-high of No. 3 in 2014. His current PDC ranking, as of November 2025, is No. 100 on the Challenge Tour Order of Merit, reflecting a later-career decline amid increased competition. Whitlock's earnings saw notable surges in 2010 and 2011, when he amassed over £500,000 each year through consistent deep runs in majors and Pro Tour events, propelling him into the top echelons of the . For instance, his 2010 haul was bolstered by £100,000 from the runner-up prize and additional sums from semi-final finishes in the and World Matchplay. These periods highlighted his peak earning potential, with positions stabilizing in the top 10 through 2012 before gradual slippage to outside the top 50 by the mid-2020s.

References

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