English · Hackney, London · Born 25 April 1957English professional darts player who dominated the sport in the 1980s, winning five BDO World Championships and known as 'The Crafty Cockney'.
Born in Hackney, London on 25 April 1957, Eric John Bristow emerged from working-class origins to become one of darts' most recognizable figures. Growing up in East London, he developed his throwing skills in local pubs before turning professional in the mid-1970s when the sport was beginning its transformation into televised entertainment. Bristow's career reached extraordinary heights during the 1980s, when he dominated the BDO World Championship with unprecedented success. Between 1980 and 1986, he claimed five world titles, establishing himself as the sport's first genuine superstar during darts' golden television era. His aggressive playing style and supreme accuracy under pressure made him virtually unbeatable at his peak, while his theatrical celebrations and confrontational attitude toward opponents created compelling viewing for growing television audiences. The self-styled "Crafty Cockney" became synonymous with darts' emergence as mainstream entertainment. His brash persona, complete with elaborate walk-on routines and psychological gamesmanship, helped establish the sport's entertainment value beyond mere athletic competition. Bristow's five world championships represented a record at the time, and his influence extended beyond personal achievements when he mentored and financially supported Phil Taylor, providing his protégé with professional-quality darts and career guidance. Bristow's dominance ended abruptly in 1987 when he developed dartitis, a condition causing involuntary muscle spasms during his throwing motion. This affliction effectively terminated his championship-winning career at age 30, though he continued competing with diminished success. His legacy endures as the player who elevated darts from pub pastime to television spectacle, establishing many of the sport's entertainment conventions. After retiring, he became a prominent Sky Sports commentator, maintaining his connection to the sport until his death from a heart attack in April 2018. Bristow remains a foundational figure whose influence shaped modern professional darts and launched the career of his sport's greatest champion.
Dominating world darts in the 1980s with five World Championships
Bristow gave Phil Taylor his first professional set of darts and financed his early career — effectively creating the player who would surpass every one of his records.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive, confident thrower with exceptional finishing ability
Lasting Impact
Transformed darts from pub game to televised sport and mentored Phil Taylor
Career Honours
- BDO World Champion 5x (1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986)
- World Masters 5x
- News of the World Champion
- Mentor to Phil Taylor