Keith Deller

English darts player who achieved one of sport's greatest upsets by defeating five-time world champion Eric Bristow to win 1983 BDO World Championship

Born in Ipswich, Suffolk on 5 October 1961, Keith Deller emerged from relative obscurity to achieve one of darts' most remarkable triumphs. Growing up in Suffolk, he developed his skills in local leagues before gradually working his way through regional competitions. His steady progression through the amateur ranks gave little indication of the dramatic breakthrough that would define his career. Deller's defining moment came at the 1983 BDO World Championship, where he arrived as an unknown qualifier facing 500-1 odds. His path to the final included victories over seasoned professionals who had far greater experience on the sport's biggest stage. The championship final against defending champion Eric Bristow represented the ultimate David versus Goliath encounter, with the 21-year-old facing the sport's dominant figure. The final itself became legendary when Deller sealed victory with a composed 138 checkout finish under immense pressure. This clinical finish, requiring treble-20, treble-18, and double-12, demonstrated remarkable nerve for such an inexperienced player on darts' grandest stage. The victory made him the youngest world champion at that time and remains one of the sport's greatest upsets. Despite this triumph, Deller never returned to another World Championship final, though he continued competing professionally for several years. Deller's legacy transcends his brief period at the sport's summit. His 1983 victory proved that darts could produce completely unexpected champions, inspiring countless amateur players who saw that the sport's highest honors remained achievable regardless of background or experience. The final checkout has been replayed countless times and remains a defining moment in darts broadcasting history. His story embodies the unpredictable nature that makes darts compelling, demonstrating how a single tournament can transform an unknown qualifier into a permanent part of sporting folklore. The victory stands as evidence that in darts, perhaps more than any other sport, anything remains possible.

Steady, methodical thrower with excellent finishing under pressure

Created the most celebrated upset in World Championship history and inspired countless amateur players

• BDO World Champion 1983
• Defeated five-time champion Eric Bristow in the final
• Most celebrated upset in World Championship history
• BDO World Championship 1983