In a wide-ranging and deeply personal interview with talkSPORT, PDC star Ricky Evans has revealed how he plays darts with the memory of his late sister driving him forward. "I still believe when I do win, she’ll be there hitting the double for me," Evans said, explaining his decision to keep competing after a loss that "hit because it was the biggest thing ever in my life." He added, "What would my mum and dad want me to do, would they want me to sit at home and do nothing, no, just play darts, that’s what I’m good at."
Evans, known for his lightning-fast throw and entertainer's persona, discussed his quirky routines and superstitions. "So many, bigger games I put my socks on before my pants," he admitted, though he noted, "It never works though, so maybe I should get rid of these." He also prefers using the same toilet and always listens to the same music before matches. Away from the oche, his passions include supporting Manchester United, music from Elvis Presley to obscure pop acts, and karaoke—with his favorite song being "Mandy" by Westlife. "I’ve sang many, we do Mandy, the Westlife version," he said, and confidently claimed, "There’s no-one on tour that’s better than me in a music quiz, that’s a fact."
The interview also covered Evans's ambitions and self-analysis. He firmly believes he will win a major title one day. "Yes I do, I wouldn’t play darts if I didn’t believe," he stated, even dreaming in detail about the moment: "I still believe I’m going to win one, I’m going to drop the trophy, that’s how weird I am." He identified winning a floor event as key to building confidence for TV stages, where he thrives: "I love playing on stage, I love people knowing I’m there, showing off in a way, a bit of a peacock." However, he acknowledged that overthinking holds him back. "I overthink everything, literally everything," Evans said, adding, "If I had nothing in there, I’d probably be a lot higher in the world."
Evans's character shone through in anecdotes about his life on and off tour. His post-win meal of choice is curry: "Curry, I’m a curry man, I love a spice, a bit of spice, a madras," he said, recalling a time he threw up in an Indian restaurant from a "dodgy bhaji." On the circuit, he counts David Pallett as his best friend, with Stephen Bunting, Dave Chisnall, and Jamie Hughes as close acquaintances. He expressed admiration for Scott Williams's arrogance, joking, "I want his arrogance, if I had his arrogance I reckon I’d be 39 in the world, not 40." As an entertainer, Evans stays true to himself despite criticism: "I’m me, if someone doesn’t like what I do, you’re not doing it, I am," he said, explaining, "I get a kick out of making people smile, that’s my goal in life."
Family remains a cornerstone for Evans, with his father being his hero. "My dad, he got me into darts, he’s the funniest bloke I’ve ever met, my best friend," he shared. "Everything I do comes from him." He grew up playing darts in a pub under his father's watch, memories that still fuel his love for the sport. Reflecting on his fast-paced throwing style, which developed in his youth, Evans said, "I can do it, it’s just not me," regarding slowing down, adding, "Ricky the Sloth or the Tortoise doesn’t really appeal to me."
