Amid a tournament packed with shocks at the PDC World Darts Championship, 20-year-old debutant Charlie “Champagne” Manby has rapidly established himself as one of Ally Pally’s standout stories. The Huddersfield youngster produced another eye-catching upset on December 29, 2025, knocking out crowd favourite Ricky “Rapid” Evans 4-2 to reach the last 16 on his World Championship debut. Showing maturity well beyond his years, Manby overturned deficits of 1-0 and 2-1 in sets, storming through seven of the final eight legs with ruthless composure and heavy scoring.
Manby’s journey so far has been remarkable. He began his maiden campaign with a dramatic five-set win over Cameron Menzies before cruising past American Adam Sevada in a convincing 3-0 victory. Against Evans, famed for his lightning-fast throw and theatrical presence, Manby remained unfazed by the electric atmosphere and early pressure. He rattled in 11 maximums and steadily took control as Evans’ frustration became increasingly visible. “Ricky is a funny character, but you could see it changing,” Manby noted afterward, choosing not to dwell on his opponent’s struggles and instead focusing on his own performance.
The win sets up a mouthwatering fourth-round clash against fellow rising star Gian van Veen, who progressed after seeing off Madars Razma. Manby is relishing the challenge. “I like Gian, I like the way he plays — quick and young,” he said. “He’s doing well, but so am I. I’m just waiting for my A-game to come. When it does, I’ll be here all the time.” With both players representing the sport’s next generation, the tie promises pace, intensity and fearless darts.
Despite the achievement of reaching the last 16 on debut — a rare feat, especially for a non–Tour Card holder — Manby’s post-match interview revealed a more vulnerable side. Rather than pure celebration, the young star admitted he felt “heartbroken” that his girlfriend was unable to attend the match due to work commitments. “My girlfriend couldn’t make it today because of work, which was heartbreaking,” he said candidly. “She works for Ford in Huddersfield in admin… you want your close family there.” The raw honesty struck a chord, highlighting the personal sacrifices that often sit behind the bright lights of Ally Pally.
That moment underlined just how much support has meant to Manby during his breakthrough run. Family and friends had been present in earlier rounds, helping him navigate the pressure of the sport’s biggest stage. Their absence on this occasion clearly weighed on him, turning a career-defining win into a bittersweet experience. Still, he channelled those emotions into his performance, delivering when it mattered most and reinforcing his growing reputation for resilience.
Comparisons with Luke Littler are inevitable, and Manby is quick to acknowledge the impact of the reigning champion. “You can’t look past Luke Littler and what he’s done for the game,” he said. But Manby is determined to carve out his own path. “Tour Card or not, I’ve shown what I can do. I haven’t even hit second gear yet — and that’s the scary thing. I don’t just want to stay on tour. I want top 16, top 10, top eight.”
Reaching the last 16 guarantees Manby a significant payday and puts him firmly in the frame for a PDC Tour Card, either through prize money or the Development Tour Order of Merit. Earlier in 2025, he sent a warning shot by posting a staggering 130.70 average on the Development Tour — the highest ever recorded. Now, on the sport’s biggest stage, he’s proving that performance was no fluke.
As the World Championship gathers momentum, Manby’s story continues to captivate. He combines explosive talent with refreshing honesty, and his emotional post-match admission only strengthened his connection with fans. Whether his run continues against van Veen remains to be seen, but one thing is beyond doubt: Charlie Manby is no fleeting sensation. He’s a rising force in darts — and a name that looks set to be part of the sport’s future for years to come.