Peter Wright: The Stylish Two-Time Darts World Champion

Peter Wright (born on March 10, 1970) hails from Scotland and has etched his name as a prominent figure in the world of professional darts. Recognised for his extraordinary talent and distinctive flair, Wright, aptly nicknamed "Snakebite," currently graces the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) stage, holding the impressive rank of No. 8 globally as of the latest standings. Boasting a remarkable career, he is a two-time PDC World Darts Champion, triumphing in both 2020 and 2022. Beyond his world championship titles, Wright has seized victory in the World Matchplay and has experienced the pinnacle of the PDC rankings, achieving the prestigious World No. 1 spot twice in 2022.

However, Peter Wright's journey to darts superstardom was not a linear ascent. At the age of 24, he initially entered the darts scene by qualifying for the first round of the 1995 BDO World Darts Championship. Subsequently, he temporarily shifted gears, leaving professional darts to pursue a career as a builder and tyre fitter while engaging in local darts leagues. The hiatus proved to be a pivotal chapter in his life. In his late 30s, Wright made a triumphant return to the professional darts circuit, embarking on a journey that would reshape his destiny.

Wright's resurgence reached its zenith as he embraced the challenges of the PDC, participating in his first full schedule of events in 2008. The gradual climb saw him qualify for the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship in 2010, marking the beginning of his ascent to the upper echelons of the sport. By 2013, he had secured a position in the top 16, and the following year, he reached his maiden world final, narrowly falling short to Michael van Gerwen. Undeterred, he claimed his first major PDC title at the 2017 UK Open, signalling a new era in his career.

With an impressive tally of 14 televised victories, including 8 major titles as of January 2024, Peter Wright is a force to be reckoned with in the world of darts. His success extends to the PDC Pro Tour, where he has notched 33 victories and a total of 47 PDC titles. 

Beyond his prowess on the oche, Wright is renowned for his flamboyant stage presence, characterized by vibrant attire, multi-coloured Mohican hairstyles crafted by his wife Joanne, and intricate designs painted on his head. Before each match, he captivates audiences with a signature sidestep dance, accompanied by the energetic beats of "Don't Stop the Party" by Pitbull. Peter Wright's journey from a hiatus in his 20s to the pinnacle of darts glory showcases resilience, talent, and an unmistakable flair that has left an indelible mark on the sport.

The 53-year-old’s origin traces back to Livingston, Scotland, where he was born to a 16-year-old single mother. A significant chapter in his early life unfolded when, at the age of three, he relocated to London alongside his mother. 

Despite spending most of his life in England since then, Wright maintains a strong connection to his Scottish roots, choosing to proudly represent Scotland in the realm of sports. Currently calling Mendham, Suffolk home, he has planted his roots in this picturesque English locale, where he has resided for much of his adult life. 

Peter Wright's family life is a testament to stability and enduring love. Married to Joanne for a remarkable 15 years, the couple shares the joy of raising three children together. Joanne, a skilled hairdresser by profession, not only tends to the locks of her clients but also plays an integral role in shaping her husband's distinctive public image. As the creative mind behind Snakebite's trademark eccentric hairstyles, she adds a touch of whimsy to the darts icon's persona, captivating the hearts of fans who have come to adore the flamboyant and colourful presence that Peter Wright brings both on and off the dartboard.

Peter Wright's financial prowess in the world of darts is underscored by an estimated net worth of approximately £3 million, a figure derived from his accumulated career prize money earnings. As a formidable presence in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), his ranking on the PDC's Order of Merit further accentuates his success. 

According to the latest standings, which consider prize money amassed over a two-year span in ranking tournaments, Wright commands the eighth position with an impressive total of £511,250. These financial milestones not only attest to his skill and tenacity on the oche but also solidify his standing as one of the prominent figures in the lucrative landscape of professional darts.

At the 2024 World Championships, Peter Wright took to the stage with a set of darts that epitomized the Snakebite Spirit, embodying the fusion of Red Dragon's cutting-edge machining technology and Wright's own flamboyance and intensity on the oche. The darts featured a triple-milled parallel profile, adorned with an iconic PVD coating and intricate detailing that underscored the commitment to both style and performance. Sporting a barrel dimension of 21g, a diameter of 6.4mm, and a length of 54.6mm, Wright has also used darts of this nature at many other major tournaments. 

It's noteworthy, however, that Wright is renowned for his penchant to experiment with new sets and varied weights of darts provided by Red Dragon. This dynamic approach to equipment underscores his dedication to finding the perfect tools for his game, making each tournament an exciting showcase of innovation and adaptability for the two-time world champion.