Darts
Meet Motomu Sakai, Japan’s Latest Darts Sensation and Fans’ Favourite at Ally Pally
Japan’s Motomu Sakai stole the show at Alexandra Palace, beating Thibault Trickle 3-0 in the 2026 World Darts Championship first round. The self-proclaimed ‘Creature’ only started playing darts to impress girls but won hearts with his dancing, playful walk-on, and anime-inspired flair. He hopes to inspire more Japanese players, aims for the title, and plans to treat his mother if he lifts the £1 million prize.
Credit: PDC
From the land of the rising sun, a new star was born on the famous Alexandra Palace stage as Japan’s Motomu Sakai stunned France’s Thibault Trickle 3-0 in the first round of the 2026 World Darts Championship.
Hailing from Chiba, Sakai instantly captured the affection of the London crowd with his playful walk-on, on-stage dancing and exuberant demeanour, turning Ally Pally into his own personal party.
Post-match, speaking via his translator, we caught up with the newest crowd favourite to learn more about the man who had everyone on their feet.
Dance first, darts later
His dancing throughout the match was what truly stole the hearts of the crowd, and it’s not a gimmick he plans on dropping any time soon.
For Sakai, movement and rhythm are part of his performance, not a distraction.
“I believe the more I dance, the more my darts fly well.”
“I will keep dancing.”
Karaoke plans for round two
Now through to the second round and set to face Sweden’s Andreas Harrysson, Sakai already has his post-match celebrations in mind.
“Is there Karaoke here? Yes, I will sing then.”
London’s karaoke bars may want to be on high alert.
Why darts? Blame the girls
One of three Japanese players to qualify for this year’s World Championship, Sakai’s presence is further evidence of darts’ growth across Asia.
But his introduction to the sport came for a far more light-hearted reason.
“When I was 16 years old, I was by my friends that I could become popular among girls if I could play darts, so that’s why I started.”
The origin of ‘The Creature’
Sakai’s nickname, ‘The Creature’, needed little explanation after the faces he pulled on stage and into the Sky Sports cameras.
“I’m crazy, crazy.”
“I always make weird faces, and everyone always tell me I look like a creature.”
Anime magic at Alexandra Palace
His unique walk-on music, which set the tone for the night, comes from the Japanese anime Ojamajo Doremi. The song ‘Ojamajo Carnival’ is Sakai’s favourite and, he hoped, would bring him a little extra magic.
“It’s from an anime; that’s about a sorcerer that has special power.”
“I could hear everything, all the support from behind. It was giving me a lot of power.”
Judging by the result, the spell worked.
Flying the flag for Japan
With baseball and football dominating Japan’s sporting landscape, Sakai is hoping his Ally Pally run can shine a light on darts back home and open doors for more Asian players.
“100% of the Japanese people will have been watching me.”
“I hope there will be more opportunities for Asian players to come over here."
“I hope more people start playing darts in Japan.”
One word: champion
Asked how far he believes he can go in the tournament; Sakai didn’t even need his translator.
“Champion, champion,” he told the media.
A million-pound dream
With this year’s World Championship winner set to collect £1 million for the first time, Sakai was asked how he would spend the money if he lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy. His answer was simple and heartfelt.
“I would buy many presents for my mother,” he concluded.
Louis Hobbs is an esteemed authority on all matters sports-related. His wealth of knowledge and experience in sports make him an expert, especially when it comes to darts and snooker, which are his passions. Louis also has a deep affection for US sports, with basketball and American football his favourites.