Ted Hankey

English professional darts player known for his flamboyant entrances and two BDO World Championship titles, earned in 2000 and 2009.

Born in Staines, England on 26 November 1960, Edward "Ted" Hankey emerged from humble beginnings to become one of darts' most recognisable figures. Growing up in Surrey, he developed his throwing skills in local pubs before transitioning to competitive play in the 1980s. His early career was marked by steady progression through county-level competition, establishing the foundation for his later professional success. Hankey's breakthrough came in the 1990s when he began competing at the highest levels of the British Darts Organisation (BDO). His theatrical "Count Dracula" persona, complete with cape, fangs, and dramatic entrance music, made him an instant crowd favourite and television attraction. This showmanship coincided with improved performance on the oche, as he consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments throughout the decade. The pinnacle of Hankey's career arrived with his BDO World Championship victories in 2000 and 2009. His first title established him among the sport's elite, while the second triumph nine years later demonstrated remarkable longevity at the highest level—a feat few players achieve across such an extended timeframe. Between these victories, he remained a consistent presence in major finals and semi-finals, maintaining his status as one of the BDO's premier players during its golden era. Beyond his championship success, Hankey's theatrical presentation style proved transformative for professional darts. His elaborate walk-on routine helped elevate the sport's entertainment value and encouraged other players to develop their own distinctive entrances, contributing to darts' evolution into a major television spectacle. The Count Dracula character became synonymous with the sport's showmanship culture, influencing how players approached their public personas and helping attract broader audiences to televised tournaments during a crucial period of growth for professional darts.

Aggressive, theatrical presence with consistent finishing ability

Transformed darts entertainment with theatrical entrances and helped popularize the sport's showmanship aspect

• BDO World Champion 2000, 2009
• England international
• Pioneer of theatrical darts walk-ons
• BDO World Champion 2000
• BDO World Champion 2009
• Winmau World Masters 2000
• International Darts League 2002