DARTS coverage on Sky Sports is brought to you by a team full to the brim with professional playing experience and broadcasting talent.
Here we get to know the channel’s presenters, pundits and commentators.
Emma Paton is a regular host for Sky Sports and Sky Sports News, and is best known for presenting darts championships.
She originally joined the TV station back in 2012 as a journalist — before making the jump to presenting in 2019.
Bringing enthusiasm and knowledge to her role, she regularly provides predictions and analysis for major tournaments, including the World Matchplay and the World Darts Championship.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport in January 2024, Emma revealed some of the difficulties of working in front of a raucous darts crowd.
She said: “It is really loud. There are some occasions when it’s just a wall of noise.
“There are times when I actually can’t hear what Wayne Mardle, Mark Webster or John Part are saying. I can’t even hear the director in my ear.
“I just have to hope we are on the same page for running order and not too much has changed.
“Working with Wayne has helped me, he is someone who has always backs me. He’s one of those people who wants people around him to succeed.
“He’s like the Gary Neville of Sky Sports Darts. He’s so engaging and his analysis is second to none and his stories are ridiculous!”
Wayne Mardle is one of the most recognizable voices in darts commentary.
Tragically, he has been absent from the entirety of the coverage of this year’s World Championships after the sudden death of his wife Donna.
A former professional player, he offers insightful analysis and is known for his passionate and sometimes colourful commentary.
Wayne is often referred to as Hawaii 501 — a play on the TV series Hawaii Five-O — because he began wearing Hawaiian shirts after losing a bet.
He began commentating at the 2011 PDC World Darts Championship alongside Sid Waddell and Dave Clark.
Wayne was also tasked with predicting results in the tournament with Eric Bristow and Rod Harrington.
Another former professional player, Mark Webster brings knowledge and experience to the Sky Sports darts punditry team.
He provides balanced and thoughtful analysis, often weighing in on player performances and tournament predictions.
During his playing career, Mark won the BDO World Championship in 2008, defeating Simon Whitlock in the final.
Laura Turner is a prominent figure in the world of darts.
As a professional darts player, she competes in WDF events, making her World Championship debut in 2019.
Laura joined the Sky Sports Darts commentary team for the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship, brining her expertise to the channel’s broadcasts.
Rod Studd is a veteran Sky Sports Darts commentator, known for his perceptive analysis and expert knowledge of the sport.
He often shares his thoughts on player performances and tournament outcomes, as well as insights into the state of professional darts.
Rod is known for his eloquent commentary and deep knowledge of the sport.
His distinctive voice and style have made him a favourite among darts fans.
Stuart Pyke is another seasoned sports commentator and broadcaster.
A prominent voice in the sport for many years, his commentary style is characterised by his deep knowledge of the game and ability to capture the excitement of crucial moments.
Stuart’s expertise and enthusiasm for the sport have made him a respected figure among darts fans and a key part of Sky Sports’ darts broadcasting team.
Polly James is a rising star in the world of darts commentary and punditry.
She has become an integral part of the Sky Sports team, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to the broadcasts.
Polly combines her knowledge of the sport with an engaging presentation style, making her popular among viewers.
She revealed: “For some reason with me and darts I was like a leech to it.
“I had always wanted to go because I watched it every Christmas. I think in about 2010 my other half surprised me with tickets on my birthday which is the 27th.
“That was it, I had the darts bug then. I’m sure my first match was Gary Anderson then the following year I actually met Michael van Gerwen.”
She added: “I’m not a traditional sports reporter. I’m a radio DJ and I’m lucky enough to do my dream job on the side.
Dan Dawson is a prominent figure in darts commentary and broadcasting.
He regularly commentates on matches, bringing his engaging style to Sky’s coverage.
Dan’s commentary is characterised by his in-depth knowledge of the sport, quick wit and ability to provide engaging narratives during matches.
John Part occasionally provides expert analysis, particularly during major tournaments like the World Darts Championship.
Nicknamed “Darth Maple”, he is a Canadian darts player and commentator.
John’s a three-time World Champion, winning the BDO World Darts Championship in 1994, as well as the PDC World Championship in 2003 and 2008.
He was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2017.
