St Helens continues to produce top-tier darts talent, and the latest success story comes from Michael Callaghan, a disability darts player who has finished the season as the world number one.
Callaghan, trained at the St Helens Darts Academy, remains closely supported by Karl Holden and the team at the St Helens Darts Shop.
Competing in both standing and wheelchair categories, disability darts showcases incredible talent from players with a variety of physical impairments across tournaments in the UK and Europe. Michael’s season highlights included remarkable trips to Denmark, where he played in an ice-hockey arena, and Antwerp, further establishing his status on the international stage.
For the 51-year-old from Sutton Leach, finishing the season as the world’s top-ranked player was an “overwhelming” achievement, especially considering the rising standards and growing competition in disability darts. He expressed his pride in achieving this milestone, saying, “With the standard of players, it’s unbelievable—it’s a massive achievement.”
Callaghan’s victory adds to St Helens’ growing legacy of darts champions, following in the footsteps of Michael Smith, who won the PDC World Title earlier this year and claimed the world number one spot. Together, they represent a town rich in darts success.
Known by his nickname ‘Dr. Evil,’ thanks to his resemblance to the Austin Powers villain, Michael’s persona has become a hit with fans, who frequently ask for photos of him in his signature shirt. He hopes this attention can help raise awareness and boost the profile of disability darts.
Michael’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. Born with a curvature of the spine that limits his ability to stand or practice for extended periods, he has endured numerous surgeries, including one in which a bone from his father’s hip was used in an attempt to straighten his spine, only for his body to reject the metal rod that was later inserted. Despite these setbacks, Michael has been playing darts for nearly 40 years.
Though he nearly considered quitting the sport a few years ago, his passion for darts—and the unwavering support of his wife Lorraine, who serves as secretary of the British Disability Darts Association—kept him going. Michael’s determination and love for the game have seen him push through pain barriers and personal challenges to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
Michael Callaghan’s triumph not only cements his status as a world-class player but also inspires others, proving that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible.
