Two-time World Darts champion reveals he wouldn’t have won his first world title had he not sunk FOUR bottles of Holsten Pilsner before his finals – and claims drinking before games ‘helps’ the players
- The former two-time darts champion admitted he drank four pints before the final
- The retired star became the first player to win the BDO and WDC world titles.
- He also says drinking alcohol before games “definitely helps” players.
The two-time world darts champion admits he wouldn’t have won his first world title if he hadn’t downed four bottles of Holsten Pilsner before the final.
The retired darts star became the first player to win the BDO and WDC (now known as PDC) World Championships – in 1991 and 1994 respectively.
He was one of the most famous darts players of the 1990s and won his first title back in 1991, beating Eric Bristow 6-0 in the BDO World Championship final.
Three years later, the man won the inaugural WDC World Darts Championship, beating legend Phil Taylor 6–1 in the final.
However, the former professional admits the reason for his success leading up to the final was because he was losing pints.
Former darts star Dennis Priestley says he drank four bottles of Holsten Pilsner before the final
He claims drinking alcohol before he won his first world championship calmed his nerves.
The former star was none other than Dennis Priestley. Talking to OLBGThe 73-year-old admitted that he drank before reaching the final.
“Players are bound to drink before games, even at this year’s tournament,” he said.
“Not many people go on stage without drinking before the show. If you can name a few players who haven’t had a drop of alcohol before games this year, I’d be stunned.
“Drinking before a game definitely helps players. If it weren’t for alcohol, I probably wouldn’t have won anything in sports. You just have to know exactly how much you need to keep your nerves strong.”
Priestley says he used to drink “three or four bottles” of Hilsten Pilsner before going on stage.
“When I won my first world championship, I probably drank three or four bottles of Holsten Pils in preparation for going on stage. It just calms the nerves!”
The PDC World Darts Championship is due to return to our screens next Friday at Alexandra Palace in London.
Peter Wright produced a stunning result last year, coming back from 5-4 to beat Michael Smith 7-5 to claim his second World Darts title at Ellie Poll. Wright earned £500,000 for the title, while Smith took home £200,000.
Peter Wright lifted the World Darts Championship trophy last year after beating Michael Smith.