John Lowe

English darts legend who achieved the first televised nine-dart finish in 1984 and won three BDO World Championships during the 1980s and 1990s.

Born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire on 21 July 1945, John Lowe emerged from working-class roots to become one of darts' most accomplished champions. His early years were spent in the steel town environment that produced many of England's finest players, developing his skills in local pubs and clubs before transitioning to competitive tournament play in the 1970s. Lowe's professional career reached its zenith across three decades, establishing him as a dominant force in world darts. He captured three BDO World Championship titles in 1979, 1987, and 1993, demonstrating remarkable longevity at the sport's highest level. His 14-year span between first and final world titles remains a testament to his sustained excellence and adaptability. Beyond his world championship success, Lowe claimed multiple major tournament victories and consistently ranked among the world's elite players throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. The defining moment of Lowe's career occurred in 1984 at the British Open against Keith Deller, when he achieved the first televised nine-dart finish in professional darts history. This perfect leg earned him £102,000 in prize money, a transformative sum that highlighted darts' growing commercial appeal. The achievement cemented his place in sporting folklore and demonstrated the technical precision that characterized his playing style. Lowe's methodical, emotionless demeanor at the oche earned him the nickname "Old Stoneface," reflecting his unflappable temperament under pressure. His measured approach and technical mastery established benchmarks for professional excellence that influenced subsequent generations of players. While the sport evolved dramatically with the emergence of players like Phil Taylor, Lowe's contributions during darts' formative television era helped establish the foundations upon which modern professional darts was built. His combination of longevity, technical skill, and historic achievements secure his position among the sport's legendary figures.

Methodical and consistent thrower with exceptional finishing ability

Pioneer of modern darts who helped establish the sport's television appeal and set standards for professional excellence

• BDO World Champion 3x (1979, 1987, 1993)
• First televised nine-dart finish (1984)
• World Masters Champion
• British Open Champion multiple