Scott Williams Addresses Critics While Eyeing First Major Championship

Scott Williams was among a host of top players attending the Target Launch 2025, a major event showcasing new darts equipment and celebrating the grand opening of Target’s new Manchester shop. Despite a packed schedule, the day proved to be an enjoyable one for the man known as “Shaggy.”

Speaking to Online Darts at the event, Williams said: “Unbelievable. I spent most of the day doing media stuff, so I haven’t even seen everything downstairs. But from what I’ve heard, it’s been buzzing. People are saying great things. Fair play to them – they really know how to put on a show. The engineering, the milling – every year you think it can’t get better, and yet it does.”

Williams also touched on the bigger picture of darts equipment: “It’s really important for the sport. With global issues, rising costs, and higher demand, everything’s getting more expensive and slower to produce. So to see efforts to keep darts gear affordable – that’s brilliant for the sport and the fans.”

Strong Floor Form in 2025

Williams’ 2025 season has been something of a rollercoaster on the floor, but he’s managed to make an impact. He’s reached the third round five times, converting those runs into four semi-finals and a final – narrowly losing Players Championship 19 to James Wade, 8-3.

One of his recent highlights came in a 6-2 win over Dom Taylor, in which he found tops-tops twice in the same match – a rare and crowd-pleasing feat.

“I’m really happy with how I’ve played on the floor. Hitting tops twice in a game was a nice moment. I’m enjoying it all – the Euro Tours too, even though I’ve only played one this year. I’m just having fun and looking forward to the rest of the season,” he said.

He also reflected on an emotional moment with Taylor after the match: “He was in a bad place at the time. He apologised later that night. I get it – I’m taking money out of his pocket. But we had a laugh in the end.”

Translating Floor Success to the Big Stage

While Williams’ floor form has impressed, replicating that success on TV has proved elusive. After reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 World Championship, expectations rose – but consistent deep runs have yet to follow.

With the Players Championship Finals and World Championship fast approaching, Williams is hoping to peak at the right time.

“I’ve got no idea why it hasn’t clicked on TV, but this is the best floor form I’ve ever had. Four semis, one final – and there are still seven events left. I’ve tweaked my equipment slightly, and it’s working. I hit my first competitive nine-darter a few weeks ago, so something’s clicking. Hopefully, that carries into Minehead and Ally Pally. Honestly, I can’t wait.”

Being ranked inside the top 40 has its perks, too: “I’m seeded now, which means I don’t have to worry about drawing one of the top guys in the first round.”

“I’m a Nut Job – And I Won’t Change”

Known for his flamboyant style and larger-than-life personality, Williams is a true entertainer – though not everyone appreciates his on-stage antics. But criticism doesn’t faze him in the slightest.

“Not at all. They’re not doing what I’m doing, so it’s not their problem. I’m genuinely a nutter – a nut job. I play it up a bit more on stage, but off stage, I’m the same. I won’t change. People either love it or they don’t – that’s fine. I really don’t give a flying monkey. If you don’t like it, switch over. Feel free to bugger off and do whatever you want.”

Chasing That First Major

Despite having a floor title under his belt from 2022, Williams is still chasing that elusive first major crown. And he believes that once he gets one, more will follow.

“I’d like to think so. I’ve got the talent. It’s all about preparation and how things fall on the day. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. One day I lose in round one, the next I reach a semi-final – darts can be backwards like that.”

He’s made some subtle changes this year, hoping they make a difference when it counts most: “I’ve been experimenting – different flights, different points – and things feel a lot more consistent now. That’s what I need going into October, November, and December. I’m happy with where my game’s at.”

With his game improving and confidence growing, Scott Williams is determined to make 2025 his breakthrough year on the big stage.