Kenya’s David Munyua has become the first Kenyan to win a match at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship, marking a historic milestone for the country’s darts scene.
Munyua, 30, a veterinarian from Murang’a County, defeated Belgium’s 18th seed, Mike De Decker, 3–2 in a first-round match at Alexandra Palace, London, in front of a packed crowd. Trailing 2–0 in sets, Munyua mounted a comeback, taking the next two sets to force a decisive fifth set, which he won with a 135 checkout to seal the victory.
The win is historic for Kenya, a country that has had limited representation in international darts tournaments. Munyua’s performance places Kenya on the global darts map and provides an example of the country’s growing talent in the sport.
Munyua’s involvement in darts began at local clubs and community events in Murang’a, where the sport has traditionally been played recreationally. Over the years, he transitioned from informal play to county and regional competitions, representing Murang’a in national tournaments organized under the Kenya Darts Association.
By 2019, Munyua had established himself as one of Kenya’s top players, participating in national competitions that drew players from across the country. His consistent performances at the county and national level earned him a place in regional qualifiers and the Africa Open Darts Championships, which served as the PDC World Championship qualifier for African players.
In 2025, Munyua qualified for the PDC World Darts Championship, becoming the first Kenyan to achieve this feat. His qualification represented a significant achievement for Kenyan darts, a sport that has been gaining traction but remains underdeveloped compared to traditional European strongholds.
“This is a really big moment for the sport itself and for Africa. That was crazy, it’s too much to express right now. I did not expect it, but I’m so excited to have won.”
“Being the first Kenyan to play at the World Championship… Everyone back in my country is going crazy about it. It is a special feeling for me and players back in my country,” Munyua said.
Munyua’s victory is a major milestone for competitive darts in Kenya. The sport, which has long been played informally in bars and clubs, has gradually developed organized competition. County tournaments, national championships, and regional qualifiers have helped identify and nurture talent, but international success has remained elusive until now.
The Nairobi Darts Masters and other national tournaments in recent years have provided platforms for players like Munyua to compete at higher levels. His performance at the PDC World Championship demonstrates the progress Kenyan darts has made and the opportunities that exist for players from the continent on the global stage.
Following the victory, Munyua received messages of congratulations from sports officials and fans across Kenya.
Munyua advances to the next round of the World Championship, where he will face more experienced competitors. His continued participation in the tournament provides both exposure and experience at the highest level, which could be vital for his career and for the development of the sport in Kenya.
The victory also positions Munyua as a role model for aspiring darts players across Africa, showing that it is possible to rise from local competitions to the global stage with dedication and hard work.