Grand Slam of Darts 2025: How Michael Smith is Defying Pain to Reclaim his Place Among Darts’ Big Names

Former world champion Michael Smith is determined to rediscover his best form and re-establish himself among darts’ elite after being diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis earlier this year.

The 35-year-old, affectionately known as “Bully Boy”, missed the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix, two of Sky Sports’ major events, due to poor performances, but his recent return to the big stage has shown promising signs. 

Smith has reached the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts, proving that despite his ongoing battle with pain, his class remains intact.

Living With an Incurable Condition

Earlier in the year, Smith revealed he had been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis affecting his left leg, right shoulder, and right wrist — his throwing arm. 

The condition, which is incurable, threatened to derail his career, but the former Grand Slam champion has been learning to adapt, managing the pain while adjusting his training routine.

In this interview, Smith opened up about the challenges he’s faced, his revised practice schedule, and the technology helping him control the pain and extend his career.

Fighting Back from Pain

Smith admitted that time at the practice board has been scarce this year due to his condition, though his recent performances suggest he’s starting to find some rhythm again.

“I think I’ve seen the dartboard 10 to 12 times this year, and five of those times have come this week.”

“Every time I get into a routine something happens. In June just before the Matchplay I couldn’t walk for seven weeks, my ankle literally ballooned up, and then a couple weeks ago I tried to get into a routine I ballooned up again.”

New Tools for Recovery 

To help manage the pain, Smith has been relying on alternating ice and heat therapy, though it’s meant less time throwing darts.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen. If you could see my preparation. I’ve got machines on my feet, my wrist and my shoulder."

“Even when I do get to practise, I’ve got to stop every 20 minutes to use this new machine."

“It’s like a plate. Instead of holding ice, and then trying to warm up with heat pads, it does it all for me. It’s 20 minutes every session. It goes from 6 degrees, then up to 40 degrees. I do it for 20 minutes on my wrist, then 20 on my shoulder and 20 on my foot. I can use it every hour, so it’s basically a constant cycle with it.”

Smith knows he has to adapt to a new way of working, but he’s hopeful this marks the beginning of a positive new chapter in his career.

"I’ve got to learn and do different things now. I’m just hoping it's the start to a fresh beginning now.”

Back Door Job 

Despite his cautious optimism, Smith admits he felt fortunate just to be competing at the tournament.

“It was a back door job. I should have never been here.”

“On the qualifying day I was moaning with Chizzy [Dave Chisnall] when we were practising together, saying, we shouldn’t be here, this is a tournament for winners and runners-up.”

“I’ve snuck through the back door but I’m just going to make the most of it.”

Now, with his confidence returning and a better handle on his treatment, Smith is focused on proving that he belongs back among the game’s best.

“I’m ready for it now. I’m ready to be competing again. I’m ready to travel the world again and hopefully I’m ready to be back in the biggest tournaments in the world and that’s where I want to be.”

Smith’s resilience and determination continue to shine through. While osteoarthritis has forced him to rethink his career and lifestyle, the former world champion remains as driven as ever to fight his way back to the top of world darts.