The darts world has been taken aback by confirmation that Northern Irish professional Mickey Mansell has stepped away from competing at the Winmau World Masters, one of the sport’s most lucrative tournaments, boasting a £500,000 prize fund and £100,000 for the eventual winner. The 52-year-old PDC Tour Card holder, currently ranked around world number 46 and a former Players Championship title winner, was notably missing from the preliminary rounds in Milton Keynes earlier this week, quickly sparking speculation among fans and fellow professionals.
Mansell opted not to enter the qualifiers, which are open to Tour Card holders outside the world’s top 24 as well as selected players from secondary and affiliate tours. As a result, he has forfeited the chance to play his way into the elite 32-player main draw. The main event, which begins shortly, features a distinctive set-play format with matches contested over the best of three legs per set. In recent years, the tournament has been rebranded and modernised while retaining the historic World Masters feel, establishing itself as a major early-season highlight on the PDC calendar. The field includes the sport’s biggest names, with stars such as world champion Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and other top seeds already assured of their places.
Addressing the situation directly, Mansell shared a candid message with supporters on social media. In it, he thanked his former management team for their backing and reflected on the journey they had shared. “I’d like to thank GMDartsManagement for their help and support over the last few years, some great memories created. I’ve decided to take a break and wish them well,” he wrote. The post suggested a conscious decision to step away and reset, rather than any abrupt or forced change.
Subsequent reports have made clear that Mansell’s message refers specifically to parting ways with his management, not to a full retirement or long-term exit from professional darts. Even so, the timing of the decision meant he was unable to take part in the World Masters preliminaries, where a strong run could have delivered valuable ranking points and a shot at the televised stages against the game’s elite. His absence has inevitably created opportunities for others in the fiercely competitive qualifier pool, where margins for error are razor-thin.
A native of County Tyrone, Mansell has carved out a respected career on the professional circuit. Known for his gritty, determined style, he has enjoyed memorable moments on big stages, including runs to the last 64 of the World Championship and appearances at major events such as the World Grand Prix and the UK Open. His Players Championship triumph remains a career highlight, while his experience representing Northern Ireland at the World Cup of Darts has further cemented his standing within the sport.
The decision to step back comes at a demanding point in the darts calendar, following the intensity of the World Championship and ahead of a packed run of majors, Players Championship events and World Series tournaments. For a seasoned pro like Mansell, a pause could offer valuable time to recharge and reassess in a sport where relentless travel, practice and pressure can take a heavy toll. Many players have spoken openly about the mental and physical strain of life on tour, and occasional breaks can prove crucial in extending careers.
Reaction from across the darts community has largely been supportive, with fans and peers alike wishing Mansell well and expressing hope that he will return refreshed. As the Winmau World Masters gets underway in Milton Keynes, the focus will turn to the drama unfolding on the oche, but Mansell’s absence serves as a reminder that every competitor carries a personal journey alongside the pursuit of trophies.
For now, his story is simply on pause. With his experience, reputation and support base, few doubt that Mickey Mansell still has chapters left to write when the time feels right to step back into the spotlight.