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Kenyan darts player David Munyua has etched his name into history after pulling off a sensational victory at the World Darts Championship, becoming the first Kenyan to win a match at the tournament staged at Alexandra Palace in London.
The 30-year-old debutant, who works full-time as a veterinarian in Murang’a, overturned a 2–0 deficit to defeat world number 18 Mike De Decker 3–2 in a dramatic first-round encounter on Thursday.
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Having earned his place through the African Darts Group Qualifier, Munyua shocked the Belgian star with a spirited comeback that electrified fans at the iconic Ally Pally arena. His triumph has been widely described as one of the biggest upsets in the championship’s history.
After fighting back to level the match at 2–2, Munyua delivered a breathtaking 135 checkout on the bullseye to stay alive, before clinching the win with double 20 on his fourth match dart.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Munyua struggled to contain his excitement.
“It’s amazing. I didn’t expect this at all, but now that it’s happened, I’m really happy,” he told Sky Sports.
“This is a huge moment for the sport, for Africa and for Kenya. I gave it my best and the result turned out well.”
The victory guarantees Munyua a minimum of £15,000 (approximately Sh4.3 million) in prize money and earns him a second-round showdown against either Netherlands’ Kevin Doets or England’s Matthew Dennant.
While congratulating Munyua, De Decker voiced his displeasure with the crowd’s conduct during the match, calling out booing and whistling as unacceptable, especially given past complaints when UK players face similar treatment abroad.
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Munyua’s rise to the global stage is remarkable. Until this year, he had never travelled outside Africa and relied on sponsorship support to make the journey to London.
His performance not only delivered a shock result but also won admiration from fans worldwide. Social media was awash with praise for his calmness under pressure, with many pointing to the 135 finish as the defining highlight.
Former BDO World Champion Mark Webster also lauded Munyua, saying the grit and drama he showed perfectly captured the spirit of the World Championship.
As the tournament continues, Munyua’s breakthrough win stands as a powerful symbol of progress for Kenyan and African darts on the international stage.
