Ricky Evans once again delivered some Christmas magic at Alexandra Palace, riding his festive momentum, and his metaphorical reindeers, to a commanding 3–0 victory over Hong Kong’s highly rated debutant in the opening round of the 2026 World Darts Championship.
Sporting snowflake-covered trousers and a customised shirt featuring himself dressed as Santa, Evans immediately lit up the Ally Pally stage.
His annual walk-on, set to Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone, remains one of the tournament’s most beloved pre-Christmas traditions, and the atmosphere soared as he made his entrance.
This year, though, the 35-year-old wants to take his festive theatrics even further.
He’s hoping to persuade the singer himself, real name Michael Barratt, to join him live on stage for the most iconic walk-on the sport has ever seen.
“Can we get Shakin’ Stevens here? He’s still going bless him, he must be 80, let’s get Shakin’ Stevens here.”
Even if Stevens hasn’t performed publicly in several years, Evans believes the 77-year-old could still help create an unforgettable moment at Ally Pally.
For Evans, Christmas spirit is a superpower, one that lifts him on stage and wins over the crowd.
“It’s Christmas isn’t it. Let’s get the crowd on your side. I could have lost that, and I still wouldn’t walked off with a smile on my face because the crowd they just seem to love me.”
Michael Bublé of Darts
Behind the theatrics, Evans was equally pleased with the darts themselves.
Ranked 40th in the world, he is aiming to reach the post-Christmas stage for the fifth time in his career, a minimum target he sets every year, but he is still searching for that elusive first win beyond the festive break.
When asked why he struggles after Christmas, Evans couldn’t resist a typically playful answer, likening himself to another seasonal icon.
“I say it every year, just get after Christmas, but then I always lose after Christmas.”
“It’s because the whole Christmas effect goes doesn’t it, I’m Bublé, I’m Bublé.”
Small Steps Toward a Big Run
Evans insists he’s making gradual improvements each year, believing that a deep run at the World Championship is coming, even if he joked that it might take another decade.
“I wish I knew really. It’s small steps. Maybe in 2036, I’ve got to win it.”
“Every year I always seem to do something different I didn’t do the year before.”
Now safely through to the second round, he’ll face either veteran James Wade or Japanese qualifier Ryusei Azemoto in his final match before the Christmas break.
And as ever, Evans will carry the full spirit, and soundtrack, of the season into the next chapter of his Ally Pally adventure.
Ricky Evans once again delivered some Christmas magic at Alexandra Palace, riding his festive momentum, and his metaphorical reindeers, to a commanding 3–0 victory over Hong Kong’s highly rated debutant in the opening round of the 2026 World Darts Championship.
Sporting snowflake-covered trousers and a customised shirt featuring himself dressed as Santa, Evans immediately lit up the Ally Pally stage.
His annual walk-on, set to Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone, remains one of the tournament’s most beloved pre-Christmas traditions, and the atmosphere soared as he made his entrance.
This year, though, the 35-year-old wants to take his festive theatrics even further.
He’s hoping to persuade the singer himself, real name Michael Barratt, to join him live on stage for the most iconic walk-on the sport has ever seen.
“Can we get Shakin’ Stevens here? He’s still going bless him, he must be 80, let’s get Shakin’ Stevens here.”
Even if Stevens hasn’t performed publicly in several years, Evans believes the 77-year-old could still help create an unforgettable moment at Ally Pally.
For Evans, Christmas spirit is a superpower, one that lifts him on stage and wins over the crowd.
“It’s Christmas isn’t it. Let’s get the crowd on your side. I could have lost that, and I still wouldn’t walked off with a smile on my face because the crowd they just seem to love me.”
Michael Bublé of Darts
Behind the theatrics, Evans was equally pleased with the darts themselves.
Ranked 40th in the world, he is aiming to reach the post-Christmas stage for the fifth time in his career, a minimum target he sets every year, but he is still searching for that elusive first win beyond the festive break.
When asked why he struggles after Christmas, Evans couldn’t resist a typically playful answer, likening himself to another seasonal icon.
“I say it every year, just get after Christmas, but then I always lose after Christmas.”
“It’s because the whole Christmas effect goes doesn’t it, I’m Bublé, I’m Bublé.”
Small Steps Toward a Big Run
Evans insists he’s making gradual improvements each year, believing that a deep run at the World Championship is coming, even if he joked that it might take another decade.
“I wish I knew really. It’s small steps. Maybe in 2036, I’ve got to win it.”
“Every year I always seem to do something different I didn’t do the year before.”
Now safely through to the second round, he’ll face either veteran James Wade or Japanese qualifier Ryusei Azemoto in his final match before the Christmas break.
And as ever, Evans will carry the full spirit, and soundtrack, of the season into the next chapter of his Ally Pally adventure.
