Ricky Evans’ Christmas walk-on is an integral part of the Darts World Cup. This time the crowd favorite is also causing emotions after his opening victory. First his mother moves him to tears, then he devotes himself to the holiday meal.
Ricky Evans has been the World Cup Santa Claus for years. With his walk-on and matching costume, he stirs up the anticipation of the holidays. At the end of 2025, in his eleventh World Cup participation, he came on stage at Alexandra Palace to the sounds of Shakin’ Stevens’ “Merry Christmas Everyone”.
The 35-year-old carried a Christmas tree in the shape of a bishop’s miter on his head, wore fir-tree glasses and motivated the audience, which was particularly atmospheric on Friday evening, to sing collectively: “Snow is fallin’, all around us…” A choir of 3,200 powerful-voiced, well-oiled throats. You know this from previous years and yet you are still impressed every time: Wow!
His performance after the smooth 3-0 win against Man Lok Leung was all the more surprising. The man from Hong Kong is considered one of the most talented Asians, having reached the second round on his debut two years ago and even made it to the quarter-finals at the World Cup this year alongside Lok Yin Lee. However, Evans, the fastest player on the tour, made short work of it and then devoted himself to other things in the winner’s interview on stage.
“It’s so nice to win in front of her. It makes me incredibly proud,” Evans said, gesturing to the audience where his mother waved to him. For the first time she was at Alexandra Palace and watched her son play. “Mom and Dad, I love you,” Evans added and began to cry.
The liquids were now the focus. Evans had sweat dripping from his reddened face, tears of emotion and, involuntarily, his saliva. “Sorry, now I’m spitting too,” said Evans, wiping his face and adding another fluid as he talked about the approaching holidays.
Ricky Evans and the gravy
“Christmas is rubbish,” he said, not stopping himself from a few boos: “Let’s be honest: Nobody likes gravy. Gravy is the devil. He seemed to mean it and started a survey: “Guys, let’s be honest: Who likes gravy? Hands up!”
His mother, wearing a sleeveless blouse, also raised her arm. Evans raised his narrow eyebrows in mock incomprehension: “You can’t be serious. Come on.”
Santa Claus suddenly as the Grinch? Then why the entrance song and all the magic? “Oh, I love it. You have the audience right on your side. They love it,” Evans explained later at the media conference, emphasizing the importance of meeting the fans’ wishes: “I’m number 40 in the world. I’ve never won a darts tournament.” It’s just nice to be liked and cheered on by people.
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And why the anger about Christmas and the gravy? Evans answered the question with gagging noises. It’s simply disgusting: “I hate everything about it. Just the smell…” As an alternative, he recommends plain additions: “Ketchup would be okay too. But that’s just my opinion. Maybe I’ll like it someday when I’m older.”
The shorter-term goals are of a sporting nature. As in the previous two years, Evans wants to make it to the third round after Christmas. Preferably to the round of 16 for the first time: “I’m a very dangerous player,” he said and grinned: “I’m in good shape.”
If Lutz Wöckener Not exactly trying out any sport on his own, he writes about darts and sports politics, but sometimes also something off-kilter like football.
Darts World Cup 2026, results, 1st round
- Niels Zonneveld (NED) – Haupai Puha (NZL) 3:0 (3:2, 3:2, 3:0)
- Ian White (ENG) – Mervyn King (ENG) 3:2 (3:1, 3:0, 2:3, 2:3, 3:0)
- Ryan Searle (ENG/20) – Chris Landman (NED) 3:0 (3:0, 3:2, 3:1)
- Rob Cross (ENG/17) – Cor Dekker (NOR) 3:0 (3:0, 3:2, 3:0)
- Ross Smith (ENG/12) – Andreas Harrysson (SWE) 2:3 (3:2, 2:3, 3:1, 2:3, 1:3)
- Ricky Evans (EPs) – Man of Love (HKG) 3:0 (3:1, 3:1, 3:2)
- Gian van Veen (NED/10) – Cristo Reyes (ESP) 3:1 (3:1, 3:0, 1:3, 3:2)
- Damon Heta (AUS/16) – Steve Lennon (IRL)
