World Darts Championship 2026: Luke Littler’s Next Opponent? Meet Welsh NHS Worker David Davies

Welsh qualifier David Davies more than announced himself on the famous Alexandra Palace stage, producing a standout performance to beat Mario Vandenbogarde, 3-0, and book a dream second-round clash against reigning world champion Luke Littler.

An NHS area manager from Denbigh in North Wales, Davies arrived at the World Darts Championship as a relative unknown in the professional ranks. 

He has been juggling appearances on the Challenge Tour, the PDC’s second-tier circuit for players without a tour card, alongside a demanding full-time role, often using up precious annual leave just to compete.

With a momentous meeting against world number one Littler on the horizon, we sat down with Davies to learn more about the man behind the darts and his vital role away from the oche.

‘We’re the Wheels of the NHS’

Away from the spotlight of Ally Pally, Davies plays a key role in keeping the NHS moving across North Wales.

“I know it’s sort of a cliche but we’re the wheels of the NHS. I’ve got 72 drivers across three bases under me. We pick up blood samples and medical notes, so for booking and discharging of operations.”

“It’s all-over North Wales; it’s a massive operation and that’s what I’m at the top of tree at.”

£25,000 Earned – But It’s Back to Work Monday

Reaching the second round of the World Championship has already secured Davies a minimum of £25,000 in prize money, comfortably the biggest payday of his career. 

Despite that, there will be no extended celebrations or last-minute practice camps.

"I've got minimal annual leave left, but I'm sure if I do take unpaid the £25,000 that you mentioned, will come in handy.”

“Yeah, I’m back to work on Monday. I’ll work right through the week and travel back down Friday night and see what happens.”

The Professional Dilemma

Turning professional in the sport has played on the mind of Davies, but his heartless approach is keeping him away from the change. 

He loves his role in the NHS and is one of the heartbeats of the organisation.

"I've got a full-time job. Do I take the plunge and go full time? I don't know yet, but the money is obviously massive for what I'm doing in the game."

"It's the NHS at the end of the day. I want to provide for people, that's why I joined the NHS. It is a really difficult decision to make, but then it is also self-belief on how far you can go in the professional game.”

‘The Standard Is Absolutely Ridiculous’

Davies is under no illusions about the level required to survive at the top of modern darts and insists any decision about his future will wait until after the tournament.

"As you know the standard is absolutely ridiculous at the moment. People are losing with hundred averages. We'll pass that bridge, but my main priority right now is the World Championship and then I'll make that decision in January.”

Playing for Fun, Not to Pay the Rent

One of the key reasons Davies continues to enjoy darts is the freedom that comes with not relying on it financially.

“I’ve always said I don't want to win a game to pay the rent. I don't want to need to win games because where I am now, I’ve got a full-time job, family who support me. I just go and play and have fun. Win or lose, lose I may be fuming, but it is what it is.”

“It’s a massive step; I don't want my wife to have to do more hours to support because I’m doing this for us all to slow down and enjoy life. I’ve got some serious things to think about.”

Finding Out About Littler… at Sea

Knowing that one win would likely set up a blockbuster clash with Littler, Davies admitted he was eager to follow the draw, even while on holiday.

"To go back to the draw, I was actually on a cruise ship in Barbados trying to buy Wi-Fi, trying to watch the draw and it was stuttering and nothing was happening. Then a friend texted me to say, you've got Mario. So, I didn't actually see the draw even though I really, really wanted to.”

The real bombshell arrived shortly after.

“I got another message from a friend, saying well you’re not going to win the title here. I was like, why? Well, you’re playing Luke [Littler] next. He’s an ex-mate now,” he laughed.

The Mark Webster Influence

To close, Davies paid tribute to former BDO world champion and current Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster, who has played a huge role in his development.

"When I did start taking it seriously, he's [Mark Webster] always been there."

"And to be fair, Mark has always said, you've got nothing to thank me for, but I really do. He used to come around and practise, hang around together and do everything pretty much. So, he's been a massive part of my darting career. As I said, he always says no, but having someone that's been there done it, it's always nice to have someone like that in your corner,” he concluded.