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From GCSEs to Ally Pally: Cam Crabtree's Rise
12 Dec
Summary
- Cam Crabtree rose to prominence by winning five PDC Development Tour titles.
- He secured a Tour Card through Q School and impressed at the Grand Slam.
- Crabtree began playing darts during the pandemic, honing his skills with his father's guidance.
Cam Crabtree is on the cusp of realizing a lifelong ambition as he prepares for his debut at the prestigious World Darts Championship in Alexandra Palace. This follows an extraordinary year that saw him clinch five titles on the PDC Development Tour and earn a coveted Tour Card via Q School. Although he didn't advance from his group at the Grand Slam of Darts, his performance, including a dominant victory over world No. 5 Jonny Clayton, signaled his arrival on the big stage.
His journey into professional darts began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With GCSEs canceled, Crabtree found himself with ample free time and a dartboard at home, courtesy of his father, who has a long-standing connection to the sport. What started as a way to pass the time quickly evolved into a serious pursuit, with his father's encouragement proving instrumental in guiding him through local leagues, tournaments, and eventually to Q School.
Crabtree emphasizes a philosophy of enjoying the present moment rather than solely chasing future accolades. He views the World Darts Championship not as a pressure point, but as a unique opportunity to gain experience and build upon for subsequent years. His passion for the game remains undimmed, treating his profession as a continuation of the fun he had playing with friends, a mindset he believes is key to his continued success.
