At the electric Alexandra Palace during the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock put on a commanding display to beat England’s Callan Rydz 4-1 in their third-round clash, booking a spot in the last 16 against Justin Hood. Yet it wasn’t just Rock’s victory that captured attention—it was the heartfelt way he handled the post-match interview, shifting the spotlight from his own success to express genuine condolences to Rydz amid personal grief.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of high-quality darts, showcasing the immense talent of both young stars. Rydz, visibly emotional from the outset, struck first by taking the opening set, leaving the seeded Rock on the back foot. Several times during the match, Rydz looked skyward, a poignant reminder of the heavy heart he carried into the contest following the recent loss of his grandfather. The second set delivered pure excitement, with both players flirting with perfection—Rock and Rydz each attempting nine-darters in back-to-back legs, thrilling the crowd with what commentators called “ridiculous darts.”
Reflecting on his slow start, Rock—nicknamed “Rocky”—admitted it was a wake-up call. “To be honest, I think I had to go a set down to kind of wake up because the first set I didn’t really start,” he said. “Callan went up 1-0 on the first break, and then I decided to wake up after the first set.” From there, the 24-year-old from Antrim found his rhythm, averaging just under 99 and powering through the next four sets to seal the win, marking his strongest showing yet on the Ally Pally stage.
It was Rock’s grace off the oche, however, that drew widespread praise. Aware of Rydz’s family tragedy—shared publicly via social media and after a previous tournament win—he used his interview moment to offer heartfelt sympathy. “I was a man on a mission… but I want to say sorry to Callan for his family and their loss of Callan’s grandad,” Rock said. “I’m up here to do a job, and I done my job, but I want to say my condolences to the Rydz family.”
This compassion stood out in a sport often defined by fierce rivalries. Rydz, 27, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, had battled through emotional turmoil just to compete. After his earlier 3-2 win over Daryl Gurney, he admitted, “I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m struggling. It’s hard when you have stuff going on back home… I wish I was home.” Despite the loss, his resilience was evident, and Rock’s recognition added a moving human element to the match.
Darts has always thrived on its mix of skill, drama, and camaraderie, and moments like this remind fans why the World Championship captivates millions. Rock, a rising star who won the PDC World Cup earlier in 2025 alongside Gurney and now sits at world number 11, is clearly targeting bigger ambitions. With his powerful scoring and newfound composure under pressure, he looks poised to make a deep run.
Meanwhile, Rydz exits with his head held high, having honored his family through his performance. His emotional journey resonates deeply with fans, highlighting the personal sacrifices behind the bright lights and roaring crowds. As the tournament moves into its later stages, stories like these—triumph tempered with empathy—elevate darts beyond competition, leaving lasting memories in one of sport’s most unpredictable and thrilling events.