Kenya’s David Munyua produced a sensational comeback to defeat world number 18 Mike de Decker at the PDC World Championship 2026 in London, sparking a “crazy” reaction back home. The 30-year-old veterinarian became the first player from Kenya to compete at Alexandra Palace and marked his debut with a stunning 3-2 victory.

Munyua’s Historic Win

Munyua’s debut appeared to be heading for defeat when he dropped the first two sets against the Belgian, the reigning World Grand Prix champion. However, Munyua rallied, taking the next two sets in deciding legs to level the match. A spectacular 135 checkout in the final set secured his place in the second round and stunned the darts world.

“It’s going crazy back in my country – everybody is like ‘we did it’. It’s a great feeling,” Munyua said after his victory.

His win marks a historic moment for African darts, showing that players from the continent can compete at the highest level of the sport. Munyua reflected on the simplicity of the game, noting that “you don’t need acres of land to play – you only need a room with a board and the darts.”

Overcoming Pressure and Nerves

Despite the crowd’s intensity, Munyua remained composed:

“I could not feel my hands. I had to calm down and concentrate because the crowd was going crazy. It was either do-or-die because Mike is a top player.”

Munyua credited his colleagues and support network for allowing him to pursue darts alongside his full-time career as a veterinarian, demonstrating his dedication and determination.

Next Challenge

Munyua will face either Dutchman Kevin Doets or England’s Matthew Dennant in the second round on Friday, keeping the spotlight on his remarkable debut. His success has already inspired darts fans in Kenya and across Africa, potentially boosting interest in the sport on the continent.

Reactions from Mike de Decker

Despite acknowledging Munyua’s historic achievement, De Decker criticized the behavior of some spectators during the match:

“Well done to David but the crowd wow… booing and whistling shouldn’t be something that’s normal or supported. First to complain when it happens to UK players in Europe but then doing the exact same thing when the tournament is in the UK,” he posted on Instagram.

De Decker’s comments highlight the passionate atmosphere at Alexandra Palace, which can sometimes affect players on both sides.