Kenya’s David Munyua made headlines around the world when he beat Belgium’s Mike De Decker in the first round of the 2026 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship. This upset has caught the attention of both fans and experts.
Munyua became the first Kenyan to win a match at the prestigious tournament, pulling off one of the most memorable comebacks in recent history at Alexandra Palace in London. His dramatic 3-2 win not only put him in the second round, but it also made him one of the sport’s most unlikely heroes.
From Veterinary Clinic to Ally Pally: Munyua’s Unconventional Path
David Munyua rise to the biggest darts stage in the world is amazing. Munyua was born in 1995 in Murang’a County, Kenya. He is a trained veterinarian who only started playing darts in 2022, making his rise to international competition exceptionally rapid.
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Munyua didn’t have as much experience as some of the other players, but his determination and love for the sport helped him qualify for the PDC World Darts Championship through the African Darts Group Championship. There, he beat South African elite player Cameron Carolissen to earn his spot in the global event.
He had never competed outside of Africa before coming to London. He got there with the help of sponsors and well-wishers, and the trip from Nairobi to the UK ended with one of the most dramatic first-round matches in recent memory.
A Historic Victory Over Mike De Decker
In the opening round in December 2025, facing Belgian Mike De Decker — the 18th-seeded and former World Grand Prix champion — Munyua’s underdog status was clear. De Decker was one of the best darts players in the world, and he had the experience, pedigree, and expectations on his side. It looked like the Belgian would win easily on paper.
But what happened at Alexandra Palace, which is popularly known as Ally Pally, was anything but what people thought would happen.
De Decker surged ahead to a 2-0 lead in sets, setting up what appeared to be a routine victory. But Munyua’s strength began to show on the third set. He fought back with grit, securing the third and fourth sets and extending the contest to a deciding fifth set.
What followed was a great show of calmness under pressure: Munyua made a 135 checkout, one of the best finishes of the tournament, to tie the match and give him the momentum.
Munyua sealed the comeback with a thrilling final set, winning the match 3-2 and shocking the World Championship crowd and darts fans around the world.
Statistics of the Match
Munyua’s performance was statistically important, even without the drama of the comeback. He was able to score multiple 180s during the match, which is the highest score possible with three darts. This showed that he had both heart and skill under pressure.
David Munyua hit three 180s in his performance, while De Decker hit five. Munyua’s high level of dominance throughout the match showed that he could keep up with a professional opponent.
These numbers are even more remarkable considering Munyua’s relative inexperience and the fact that he was a significant underdog entering the tournament.
Unexpected Moments: Humor and Crowd Support
The match also had some funny parts that made fans love David Munyua even more and made his story even more memorable. A wasp landed on Munyua’s face in the middle of the game, and instead of freaking out or getting distracted, he calmly tried to catch it.
This moment quickly went viral and became a symbol of his calm demeanor and the unique atmosphere surrounding his performance.
Darts fans are known for being very passionate, but this event and the crowd’s reaction during the match helped Munyua become a fan favorite at the Ally Pally tournament.
National Pride and Praise from the President
Back home in Kenya, David Munyua victory sparked widespread celebration. The country’s President William Ruto personally extended his congratulations, describing the win as one of the most memorable moments in World Darts Championship history and urging Munyua to “bring the trophy home” as he advanced to the next round.
“Congratulations David Munyua on your remarkable victory in round one at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship. By defeating Belgium’s Mike De Decker, an established champion, with a fearless comeback from two sets down, you delivered one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history.”
“You have also made history for Kenya as the first Kenyan to compete in the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London, and announced your arrival on the global darts stage. As you advance to the next stage, know that the nation stands behind you. Bring the trophy home.” President Ruto wrote on X.
Local officials and sports leaders have also praised his achievement as a source of national pride, showing how important it is not only as a personal victory but also as an inspiration for young athletes in Kenya and across Africa.
Effects on African Darts and Recognition Around the World
Munyua’s win has broader implications for the sport of darts in Africa. The World Darts Championship has mostly been won by players from the UK, the Netherlands, and some other European countries.
African players have not had much success in the tournament. Munyua’s success is a big deal because it shows that talented people from Africa can compete at the highest level and get noticed around the world.
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Fans and commentators have called the match a defining upset in the history of the championship. Some have even said that it shows how inclusive the sport is, where dedication and composure can beat ranking and experience.
Who Munyua Faces Next
David Munyua upset in the first round got him into the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship. There, he will face either Dutch player Kevin Doets or another strong opponent.
Munyua is confident and on a roll going into the next match, which is a new challenge for him. He had one of the most exciting first-round performances in recent tournament history.
No matter what happens in the next round, Munyua’s name will be in the record books. This shows how skilled he is, how hard he works, and how much support he gets from fans all over the world.
Money and prizes
Munyua’s win also came with real rewards, which is important. He guaranteed himself a lot of prize money—at least £25,000 (about KSh 4.3 million)—by moving on to the next round of the most prestigious professional darts tournament.
This prize money not only rewards his performance, but it can also help Munyua stay at the top of his game in the sport.
The Rise of a Cult Hero
David Munyua story has resonated far beyond Kenya. Munyua’s rise from veterinarian to World Championship winner at the age of 30 is especially interesting considering he only started playing darts three years ago after playing with friends for fun.
Fans and commentators have loved his story, with many saying that his performance was one of the most fun and inspiring parts of the championship. His ability to stay calm under pressure, close a big ranking gap, and have funny moments, like the wasp incident, have all helped make this an underdog story for the ages.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Munyua’s performance at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship has raised his profile and opened up new opportunities for him in the sport. People are already celebrating his win over Mike De Decker as one of the most important moments in the tournament’s history, no matter what happens next.
This moment has a lot of meaning: it shows that darts, like many other sports, can produce unexpected heroes—people who go against the odds, inspire fans, and make the game more popular around the world.
David Munyua breakthrough is a beacon of hope for Kenya and all of Africa. It shows that talent, when combined with courage and opportunity, can lead to amazing results on the world stage.
