30 Facts About Peter Wright

Peter Wright: The Flamboyant Darts Player

Peter Stuart Wright, known as "Snakebite," is a Scottish darts player who has left an indelible mark on the sport. His journey from a local player to a world champion is filled with fascinating milestones and achievements. Let's dive into 30 facts about this remarkable athlete.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Wright's journey in darts began early but took a unique path before he found his stride.

1. Wright qualified for the first round of the 1995 BDO World Darts Championship at 24 but took a break to work as a builder and tyre fitter while playing in local leagues.
2. He resumed his professional career in his late 30s, starting a full schedule of PDC events in 2008, marking a new chapter in his life.
3. In 2010, Wright qualified for his first PDC World Darts Championship, a significant milestone that set the stage for future successes.
4. By 2013, Wright entered the top 16 for the first time, showcasing his growing prowess on the darts circuit.

Major Achievements and Titles

Wright's career is decorated with numerous titles and accolades, highlighting his skill and dedication.

5. Wright reached his first world final at the 2014 PDC World Darts Championship, finishing as runner-up to Michael van Gerwen.
6. He won his first major PDC title at the 2017 UK Open, ending a 20-year wait for glory.
7. As of September 2024, Wright has won 14 televised titles, including eight major titles.
8. He has also excelled in non-televised PDC events, winning 34 titles, placing him fourth on the all-time list behind Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor, and Gary Anderson.
9. Wright hit a televised nine-dart finish during his run to the final of the seventh Players Championship, a rare and prestigious accomplishment.

World Championship Triumphs

Wright's victories in the PDC World Darts Championship are among his most significant achievements.

10. Wright won the PDC World Darts Championship twice, first in 2020 with a 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen and again in 2022.
11. In addition to his world championship titles, Wright won the World Matchplay in 2021, showcasing his consistency in major tournaments.
12. Wright has held the position of PDC World No. 1 on two occasions in 2022, a testament to his dominance in the sport.

Doubles Success and High Averages

Wright has also found success in doubles events and achieved impressive averages throughout his career.

13. Wright and Gary Anderson ensured Scotland's first final appearance in the World Cup by beating the Dutch duo of Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld in the semi-finals.
14. Wright reset his highest televised average to 108.13 while eliminating Kim Huybrechts 10-5 in the opening round of the World Matchplay.
15. He reached the semi-finals of the World Matchplay for the first time in 2021, losing to Michael van Gerwen 17-12.

Players Championship and European Tour

Wright's success extends to the Players Championship and European Tour events.

16. Wright has won multiple Players Championship titles, including three in a single year, demonstrating his consistency.
17. He has had significant success on the European Tour, winning titles like the German Darts Championship and the German Darts Open.
18. In 2021, Wright achieved a hat-trick of European Tour tournament wins by whitewashing Michael van Gerwen 6-0 in the final of the European Darts Grand Prix.

Personal Style and Equipment

Wright is known for his flamboyant personality and unique style, both on and off the stage.

19. Wright's walk-on music is Pitbull's "Don't Stop the Party," adding to his charismatic stage presence.
20. He uses 22g Red Dragon darts, which he has found effective in his performances.
21. Although born in England, Wright is often associated with Scotland due to his heritage and representation in international competitions. His home town is Mendham.

Online Presence and Fan Engagement

Wright maintains a strong online presence, connecting with fans and sharing updates on his career.

22. Wright has an official website (https://snakebitewright.com/) and is active on social media platforms, including Twitter (@snakebitewright).
23. Renowned as one of the sport’s most flamboyant performers, Wright's charismatic stage presence and ability to entertain the crowd have made him a fan favorite.

Career Milestones and Controversies

Wright's career has been marked by significant milestones and a few controversies.

24. Wright’s maiden world championship triumph in 2020 sealed a 7-3 win over Michael van Gerwen, cementing his place as a world-class player.
25. He won his first professional title on the PDC Pro Tour in 2012, marking the beginning of his rise through the ranks.
26. Wright has represented Scotland in the World Cup of Darts, achieving significant success and promoting Scottish darts.
27. In 2021, Wright was involved in a social media controversy that led to him withdrawing from the Scottish World Cup of Darts team. The fallout involved his wife Jo, Adrian Lewis, and members of Gary Anderson's management team.

Continued Success and Legacy

Wright's career continues to flourish, with numerous achievements highlighting his skill and dedication.

28. Wright returned to PDC major televised action by reaching the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay in 2021, with impressive wins over Joe Cullen and Ian White.
29. He reached the semi-finals of the European Championship in 2021 but was ousted by Mensur Suljović 11-8, showcasing his continued growth and competitiveness.
30. Peter Wright's legacy in professional darts is multifaceted, with numerous titles and accolades contributing to the sport’s popularity through his flamboyant personality and entertaining performances.

Peter Wright's Lasting Legacy

Peter Wright, known as "Snakebite," has left an indelible mark on the world of professional darts. From his early days as a builder and tyre fitter to becoming a two-time PDC World Darts Champion, Wright's journey is nothing short of inspiring. His flamboyant personality, unique style, and impressive skill set have made him a fan favorite and a formidable competitor. With 14 televised titles, including eight major ones, and 34 non-televised PDC titles, Wright's achievements speak volumes about his dedication and talent. His victories in the UK Open, World Matchplay, and multiple Players Championship events showcase his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Beyond his titles, Wright's charismatic stage presence and entertaining walk-ons have brought a new level of excitement to the sport. Peter Wright's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of darts players and fans alike.