Kenyan veterinarian David Munyua delivered one of the biggest upsets in darts history on Thursday when he stunned world number 18 Mike De Decker 3-2 at the PDC World Darts Championship in London.
The 30-year-old debutant, who only began playing darts three years ago, became the first Kenyan and the first non-South African from the continent to win a match at the prestigious tournament held at Alexandra Palace.
Munyua’s comeback from two sets down has sparked nationwide celebrations in Kenya, with President William Ruto leading tributes to the underdog nicknamed Whynot.
Dramatic comeback at Ally Pally
The match took place on day eight of the 2025/26 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship, the largest edition yet with 128 players competing for a total prize fund of £5 million (KSh853 million). The winner will take home £1 million (KSh171 million), while reaching the second round guarantees £25,000 (KSh4.3 million).
Facing Belgium’s top player De Decker, Munyua entered the stage dancing to Kenyan artist Sofiya Nzau’s hit Mwaki, brushing his shoulders to the delight of the Ally Pally crowd.
De Decker raced to a 2-0 lead, winning the first set 3-1 and the second 3-2. But Munyua refused to fold. In the third set, tied at 2-2, he survived a miscount — hitting 125 instead of 135 — before sealing the set with a calm double five after De Decker failed to capitalise.
The fourth set swung back and forth until De Decker busted on 40, allowing Munyua to hit double 19 and force a decider. In the fifth set Munyua dominated, winning 3-1 and finishing with a two-dart 40 checkout that triggered pyrotechnics and wild celebrations.
In a memorable moment, Munyua paused mid-match to swat an intrusive wasp, pocketing it before resuming play.
“It’s crazy. I can’t even express it right now,” Munyua told PDC media afterwards. “I didn’t expect it, but I’m so excited — not just for myself but for the guys back home who are going crazy. This is special for darts players in Kenya and East Africa. We have great talent and this shows there is real potential in the sport.”
From village pubs to world stage
Munyua, from Aberdare village in Nyandarua County, discovered darts only three years ago during casual games in local pubs. A full-time veterinarian, he balanced clinic work with practice to rise rapidly through African ranks.
He earned his world championship spot by winning the Africa Open Darts Championship earlier this year. Yet his journey to London almost stalled. In November he publicly appealed for sponsorship on Kenyan radio, contacting brands and government bodies including Magical Kenya and the Ministry of Sports. Officials reportedly dismissed darts as a pub game, prioritising football and athletics.
Community members and fellow players fundraised quietly, and a foreign institution eventually covered travel costs. Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha hosted Munyua before departure and later praised his achievement.
Speaking on NTV’s SportOn! show last month, Munyua said: “Beyond the prize money, I want to showcase Kenyan darts talent. We have players here who deserve more opportunities. A strong performance could open doors for more African slots.”
National pride and calls for support
News of the victory spread rapidly across Kenya, turning darts into a talking point overnight. Social media clips of Munyua’s celebrations went viral.
President Ruto posted: “By defeating an established champion with a fearless comeback, you’ve made history for Kenya. The nation stands behind you — bring the trophy home.”
Foreign Affairs officials noted Munyua had placed Kenya on the global sporting map. Politicians and journalists highlighted the contrast between initial government indifference and the subsequent outpouring of praise.
International outlets described the upset as one of the greatest in championship history, while Kenyan commentators called for investment in emerging sports and renewed darts leagues.
Next challenge awaits
Munyua advances to the second round on 22 December against an opponent still to be determined. The tournament runs until 3 January 2026.
Already guaranteed £25,000, Munyua insists his bigger goal remains opening doors for African players. “This was the most important game for me,” he said. “Now I can relax, steady my nerves and prepare for whoever comes next.”
From rural Nyandarua to the bright lights of Ally Pally, Munyua has shown that determination can hit the bullseye against all odds.
