Professional darts player Dom Taylor has received a six-month ban after testing positive for banned substances during the 2025 PDC World Championship, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has confirmed. The 27-year-old, who had reached the second round of the prestigious tournament, has also forfeited his £25,000 prize money and lost his PDC Tour Card for 2026.

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Details of the Failed Drugs Test

According to the DRA, Taylor admitted breaching anti-doping regulations during a disciplinary hearing held on 7 January 2026.

“The Committee is satisfied that Taylor’s ingestion of both cocaine and cannabis occurred out of competition and was not following the commencement of the World Championship,” the ruling stated.

This marks Taylor’s second anti-doping violation. He previously served a one-month suspension in late 2024 following a failed drugs test, and the six-month ban is consistent with UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) guidelines for repeat offences.

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Impact on the 2025 PDC World Championship

Taylor had won his first-round match against Oskar Lukasiak, progressing to face Jonny Clayton, the fifth seed, in the second round.

Due to the suspension, Taylor was removed from the draw, and Clayton was awarded a bye into round three.

“I am sincerely sorry for my actions,” Taylor posted on Facebook. “My mental health has been affected by personal traumas, and I will be getting the help I need.”

The ruling has also affected Taylor’s ranking: by forfeiting his prize money, he has fallen just outside the PDC top 64, resulting in the loss of his 2026 Tour Card.

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Reaction and Context

The darts community has expressed concern over repeat anti-doping violations and the challenges players face with mental health pressures. Taylor’s case highlights the strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations in professional darts, particularly under Ukad and DRA guidance.

Former players and pundits have emphasized the importance of support systems for athletes, citing that Taylor’s struggles with personal trauma underscore the broader issue of mental health in high-pressure sports.

“Professional darts is demanding, and players need guidance both on and off the oche,” said a former tour player. “This is a cautionary tale about ensuring athletes get the help they need before it escalates into disciplinary action.”

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Consequences for Dom Taylor’s Career

• Six-month suspension from all professional darts events.
• Forfeiture of £25,000 prize money from the 2025 PDC World Championship.
• Loss of 2026 PDC Tour Card after dropping outside the top 64.
• Mandatory engagement with mental health support and rehabilitation programs.

Taylor’s ban runs until mid-2026, after which he may attempt to requalify for the PDC Tour Card and return to professional competition.