When the world shut down in 2020, few could have predicted that it would mark the beginning of a remarkable darts journey for Jenson Walker — now one of the most exciting young talents in the game.
Speaking to MODUS Super Series‘ Tungsten Talk, the 18-year-old reflected on his unlikely rise from casual thrower to Super Series champion. “It all started in lockdown really,” Walker said. “We had a dartboard up — probably forgot to take it down — and when we were stuck at home, it became something to do. I didn’t come from a darting family. We watched Ally Pally at Christmas like everyone else, but that was about it.”
A Footballer Turned Thrower
Walker’s first love was football. He played until his mid-teens and had the potential to go semi-pro. But darts quickly took over. “I was decent at football, but I wasn’t going to make a career out of it,” he admitted. “Then I started playing darts and suddenly I was in the top 32 in the world. That made the decision easy.”
His big breakthrough came at the inaugural JDC Q School, where he won the fourth event to earn an Advanced Tour Card — a significant milestone for any young player. “I won that final with a 56 average,” he laughed. “I turned to my dad and said, ‘I’m going to come up against Luke Littler, Henry Coates, Thomas Banks — I can’t play like this.’”
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So, they got to work.
Putting in the Hours
Walker and his dad began entering every local competition they could find online. Results came quickly. “After a few months it started to click. The game came together, especially in local comps. The national tournaments took a bit longer, but I knew it would come.”
He credits much of his early development to time spent in Super League, starting at the Lion Tree pub with local legends like Dick Arnold and Dave Albright. Later, he joined Cherry Tree, where he now plays alongside talents like David Pallett, Josh Jones, and Taylor Magookan, a rising star on the WDF Youth Tour.
His partnership with Pallett even brought international success. “We won the triples in Romania and the mixed triples on the Isle of Man with Deta Hedman. We actually called ourselves a dream team — and it worked. But we needed a bit of luck. Against Tavis Doodney’s team we only just won 3–2, and I had to take out a 156 finish to do it.”
Challenge Tour and Modus Debut
Walker’s first taste of the Challenge Tour came soon after. “It’s tough. I always say the top of the Development Tour is just as good as the Challenge Tour — but on the Dev Tour, more players are at that level. On the Challenge Tour, you’re constantly running into real quality.”
That experience paved the way for his Modus Super Series debut, which came after a shaky Q School but promising Challenge Tour performances — and qualification for the UK Open. “At 17, I just wanted to see what I could do. I made finals night in my first week, but nerves got the better of me. I’m naturally a nervous player. There were a few double disasters, but I’ve improved every time I’ve come back.”
Breakout Moment: Series 10 Champion
In Series 10, Walker made his biggest mark to date, winning the week outright in dominant fashion. “It was just one of those nights. Everything clicked. I didn’t expect to win — I’d have been happy with just making finals night. But I got into that tunnel vision zone, and by the final, I just felt it was my turn.”
His path to the title included wins over Simon Whitlock and Andy Hamilton — both former World Championship finalists. “That gave me a real confidence boost. It was a moment where I proved to myself I could compete with the best.”
Near Miss at WDF World Youth Championship
Walker’s strong 2024 season saw him become world number one in the WDF Youth rankings, but he narrowly missed out on the world title. “That loss was devastating,” he said of his WDF World Youth Championship exit. “To go unbeaten all year and just fall short at the end — it hurt. But it was character-building. I’ve become a better player every year, not just in stats, but in maturity. That loss made me stronger.”
Champions Week Redemption
He bounced back at the MODUS Champions Week, one of the most competitive editions yet. After a slow start, Walker hit his stride. “Day one was poor, but by Tuesday I was averaging around 90. On finals night, everything clicked again. I felt like it was meant to be.”
The final was a showdown against his good friend Sam Spivey. “It was surreal. We roomed together, travelled together that week. I think we both secretly wanted to face each other in the final. It was a great advert for youth darts — two lads under 20 playing a cracking final on TV.”
Balancing Work and Darts
Despite his success, Walker remains grounded. At 18, he still balances darts with his job as a mechanic. “It’s a juggling act — work, practice, tournaments — but I love it. Hopefully, I can make darts my full-time career soon.”
Former world champion Scott Mitchell, also on Tungsten Talk, praised Walker’s maturity and mindset. “Jenson, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” he said. “Keep enjoying it, keep learning, and the rest will come.”
The Road Ahead
Jenson Walker’s story — from pandemic boredom to lifting trophies on the Super Series stage — is one of talent, work ethic, and resilience. Still early in his career, he’s already shown the drive and temperament of a future star.
And with his darts journey only just beginning, few would bet against him making an even bigger mark in the years to come.
