PRECOCIOUS talent Josh Rock has been playing darts since he was two years old, competing in pub leagues from the age of 10.
The junior world champion will be hoping to lift the big boy’s title at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025.
Josh Rock was born on April 13, 2001, in Ballymena, Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Before darts deciding his future was in darts, he worked at a chicken factory and was a budding footballer, playing as a full-back for Antrim Rovers.
Josh ultimately decided to pursue darts professionally, leaving behind his footy aspirations to concentrate on developing his darting skills.
He also left school at the age of 16 to fully dedicate himself to the game.
Known by the nickname “Rocky”, Josh’s walk-on music is Welcome to the Party by DJ Krissy.
As of December 13, 2024, his current world ranking is No. 18 on the PDC Order of Merit.
His playing style is characterised by high scoring and a calm demeanour under pressure, traits that have drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest players.
Josh’s favourite player is Gary Anderson — but “The Flying Scotsman” has gone from being an idol to more of a colleague in his eyes.
In December 2022, Josh told Sky Sports: “My hero has always been Gary Anderson and I finally got to speak with him a few weeks ago.
“He was saying ‘we only get to meet in the toilets, so we might as well talk outside of them’.
“When I first got my Tour Card and walked into the room I was overwhelmed, but now I talk to Gary like he’s a normal person.”
Josh’s journey in darts began at a very young age.
He started playing when he was just two years old, inspired by his dad.
Josh said: “I’m here to do what I’m meant to do. I love darts and I’ve loved the game since I was a young boy.
“Darts has always been a part of my life, ever since I was two years old because of my dad, who started playing the game when I was born.”
The precocious talent also played occasional pub league darts from the tender age 10.
There’s no point playing darts or any sport if you don’t believe
Josh Rock
In January 2022, Josh secured his PDC Tour Card, marking the beginning of his journey as a pro.
He wasted no time in making an impact, winning five Development Tour titles in his debut year.
His rapid rise continued with his first senior PDC ranking title victory in October 2022 at Players Championship 28.
Josh’s breakthrough moment came in November 2022 at the Grand Slam of Darts.
In a match against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, Josh achieved a remarkable feat by hitting a nine-dart finish, becoming the first player to do so in their debut year at the prestigious event.
This performance announced his arrival on the big stage and drew attention from fans and fellow professionals alike.
Later that month, Josh claimed the PDC World Youth Championship title, defeating Nathan Girvan 6-1 in the final with an impressive average of 104.13, setting a record for a World Youth final.
Josh’s debut at the PDC World Darts Championship 2023 was equally impressive.
He reached the fourth round, defeating established players like José Justicia, Callan Rydz, and Nathan Aspinall before narrowly losing to Jonny Clayton in a thrilling 4-3 match.
Throughout 2023, Josh continued to build on his success, reaching the finals of four Players Championship Events and the Austrian Darts Open. He also had a strong showing at the 2023 Grand Slam of Darts, winning his group and reaching the quarter-finals.
Josh’s career reached new heights in 2024 when he clinched his first European Tour title at the Dutch Darts Championship, defeating Jonny Clayton 8-4 in the final.
But, as the man himself has explained, he’s only just getting started.
In 2022, Josh said: “There’s no point playing darts or any sport if you don’t believe.
“I want to be world No. 1 and I want to be world champion.
“Everybody says I’ve got an old head on young shoulders but I’m happy that I’m that way.
“To learn to win you have to beat the big boys but I have a lot of years in this game left.”
However, those ambitions have shifted slightly due to a certain youngster who’s lighting up the PDC circuit.
In 2024, Josh said: “I’m going to keep pushing and pushing. I want that top 16 place in the world and after that the top 10.
“I believe I can do that. I can get in the top two in the future. I believe in myself, I’ll get to the top two in the world.
“Luke Littler will be No. 1 because he’s the next Phil Taylor in my opinion!
“I can get myself into the reckoning for the Premier League, 100 per cent.
“I know I really want the Premier League. I know I can also be in the World Series.”
Rock is engaged to be married to Sarah Kirkpatrick.
He proposed to his future spouse in December 2022, shortly before the PDC World Championship began.
Detailing how the pair became engaged, Rock revealed at the tournament: “After I won the World Youth title, she threw a surprise party at our local club.
“I thought it was the right time to pop the question – and she said yes.
“Things move very fast and there is a good Josh on her finger, I can assure you”.
He also revealed how much of a positive influence Kirkpatrick has been on his life, adding: “It felt right because she was with me before I became professional and sorted out my head the right way.
“I have to give her so much credit.
“She is a bit older than me and she thinks things through the right way… She has helped a lot”.
Josh is a stepfather to Kirkpatrick’s young son Jay, who has autism.
The sportsman became an ambassador for a children’s autism charity after Jay was diagnosed with the condition.
Speaking about his work with Sensory Kids NI, Josh told Sunday Life: “I got a phone call from my missus, Sarah, saying essentially they wanted me to be an ambassador.
“Our wee boy is on the spectrum and is being diagnosed with autism, so it was something I was 100% going to do because he means everything to me.
“I was privileged to be asked, it’s something I’m delighted to be doing”.
