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JUSTIN HOOD left his job as a hotel porter and risked his life savings to pursue a career as a full-time darts player.
As one of the shortest competitors on the professional circuit at 5ft 4in, he is on the verge of achieving his dreams, just one game away from success.
Justin Hood triumphed over Ryan Meikle, moving closer to his aspiration of opening a Chinese restaurant.Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Hood is competing for a £100,000 prize in the next round of the Darts World Championship.Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Hood continued his “fairytale” debut by defeating barber Ryan Meikle, who doesn’t need a haircut, with a score of 4-1 in the third round, achieving an average of 94.68.
The Glastonbury-raised star only qualified through Q School last January and is now making waves.
Hood shared, “I initially worked in a warehouse on night shifts for ten years. Then my partner and I became night porters at a hotel.
“I worked four days while she worked three. We lived above the hotel.
“I quit in mid-November 2024 to attend Q School.
“I took a risk, using all our savings for an eight-week stay in a hotel in Milton Keynes, and it paid off.
“The experience wasn’t the best in the cheapest hotel I could find, but I believed we needed to take the risk. I dedicated all my time to it, and it has been rewarding.”
Hood is quite the character, celebrating his victories by sticking out his tongue and lifting his shirt to show off his bare belly, fueled by his love for Chinese food.
His nickname, Happy Feet, comes from a time when he had to borrow oversized shoes for a county game at age 18.
Now residing in Weston-super-Mare, the 32-year-old stated, “At county, you must wear black trousers and shoes.
“I arrived with trainers and wasn’t allowed to wear them. I wear size nine shoes.
“I had to borrow my friend's size 13 shoes. When I stepped onto the stage, they looked like flippers. They bent back.
“Since then, I've been called Happy Feet, inspired by the movie about the penguins.”
Hood has already secured £60,000 for reaching the fourth round, which could increase by £40,000 if he makes it to the last eight on New Year’s Day.
What’s Justin Hood’s dream Chinese order? 🤔🇨🇳 #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/inunJ9CPlD
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2025
Justin Hood's Dream Chinese Order
Justin Hood has shared his ideal Chinese food order as he moves closer to realizing his dream of opening a restaurant back home.
- Special Curry
- Egg Fried Rice
- Singapore Chow Mein
- Pot of Curry Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Salt and Pepper Chicken
- Salt and Pepper Chips
- Spare Ribs
“My partner isn’t a huge fan, but I convince her to order extra, and the next morning, I’m there, saving the day once again.”
This should provide him enough funds to open that restaurant back home.
Hood remarked, “I’ve always loved Chinese food. How long has it been a dream? About 15 years.
“We’re getting closer. I have a few interested parties, so one more win, and next year it could become a reality.”
Bricklayer Charlie Manby, 20, is also making his PDC Worlds debut like Hood and is set to compete against Gian van Veen on Tuesday.
Madcap Evans, 35, made a grand entrance to a Madonna track, dancing with green pom-poms, but his darts did not match his dance skills.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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