Englishman Joe Hunt currently leads the PDC Challenge Tour standings after nine of the 24 tournaments this season, maintaining his position as several events are played this weekend in Leicester. Hunt's remarkable journey began two months ago in Milton Keynes, where he made an immediate statement by winning back-to-back titles and stringing together an impressive run of twenty straight victories. Reflecting on that intense stretch, Hunt told the Weekly Dartscast: "It was intense, I still have blisters on my feet from then." He added, "But I did exactly what was required. I knew I had to get out of the blocks fast to gain experience and prepare myself for the season. Now that I'm on top, it's about holding that position and securing a PDC Tour Card and a spot at the Worlds. That's the reality now."
Hunt recently made his debut at the Modus Super Series in Portsmouth, reaching finals night after a long week of matches before falling in the semi-finals. "It was a great experience," he said. "It was tough, especially with such an early start in Group A. Monday was a bit of an off day for me; my timing wasn't right. But as the week went on, I felt better and better." On Friday night, he faced Adam Hunt in a crucial match, winning convincingly with a 103 average, but eventually lost in the semi-final to Jamie Liz, who produced a professional and strong display. "All in all, it was an educational week," Hunt added. "It was also a chance for family and friends to watch me play live, something they normally can't do. That was an important goal for me: that they could come and cheer me on."
Hunt's darts journey started at age six when he first threw a dart in a local social club with his dad and grandad. He later moved to an island where his mother ran a café and began playing in a local league at twelve. "I was already too good for the adults, so I had to wait a year before I could officially take part," he recalled with a laugh. After a brief stint in youth competitions, including a year with BBC Youth at eighteen, Hunt stopped playing for about ten to eleven years due to work and other commitments until lockdown reignited his passion. The turning point came two years ago at a Modus women's event, where he met Beau Greaves' manager. "He gave me a chance with sponsorship and management. Since then, everything has been a dream. I'm doing things I never dared to dream of, and that's all thanks to my management's belief in me."
Comparing himself to his eighteen-year-old self, Hunt said: "I'm a better player now. I know how to close out a match. Back then, if I lost a leg, that was it. Now I understand how streaky darts can be. Every day and every match is different. You can play one fantastic leg and an hour later a less good one. It's about staying calm, hanging in there and always fighting on." Family plays a major role in his development, with his brother Darrell Hunt and brother-in-law Stuart Woodmore also active darters. "Darrell is very good and definitely has potential. He's at the point where I was two to three years ago: the foundations are there, now he needs to stay consistent and build his average. If he stays focused, he can achieve the same results as me."
One of Hunt's highlights was his first Challenge Tour title last year, when he beat Derek McLean in a deciding leg. "That title meant a lot. I didn't play my best that day, but winning was an incredible feeling. Five minutes later I was already playing Derek again in the first round of the next tournament. It was a bizarre experience to go from a high back to reality so quickly." That victory earned him chances in several Players Championship events, where he impressed again. "It was surreal to be among the elite. For me it feels free and without pressure, I like playing as the underdog." In 2026, Hunt started Q-School again in the second stage thanks to his Challenge Tour results, but found it disappointing. "I hoped it would go well, but it was disappointing. It's tough to start in the second stage without any earlier warm-up. Hopefully I won't have to go back next year and can secure a PDC Tour Card via the Challenge Tour, that's the goal." Hunt's ultimate aim is a top-two finish on the Challenge Tour, a PDC Tour Card for the Pro Tour, and a spot at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. "That would mean everything to me. It would be a proud moment, hard work rewarded. And after that? Who knows how far I can go. I know I can compete with the big players, and I want to showcase my skills further on the Pro Tour."
