Richardson 3-0 Van Barneveld (2012)
An upset doesn’t get much bigger at the worlds than a debutant taking down a five-time world champion in the first round, but that is exactly what happened when James Richardson whitewashed Raymond van Barneveld.
The majority inside Alexandra Palace would have expected a comfortable Van Barneveld victory after storming off with a 12-darter against the throw, but the Dutchman failed to kick on, and Richardson capitalised.
The world number 82 produced an eye-catching performance on the Ally Pally stage, including two 145 checkouts on his way to an astonishing 3-0 victory.
It was the first time in 11 years that Van Barneveld was knocked out in round one, and Richardson was in disbelief after his monumental achievement.
"I'm genuinely lost for words after what's happened," said Richardson after beating one of the sport's most iconic figures. "I'm a bricklayer who's just beaten the five-time world champion in the most important tournament in darts."
Smith 4-3 Taylor (2014)
In the second round of the competition in 2013, fans across the globe were stunned when Michael Smith took to the stage against Phil Taylor.
‘The Power’ came into this match after winning his 16th world title 12 months earlier, whereas 32 seed Smith was whitewashed 3-0 on his two previous times at the tournament.
What unfolded at Alexandra Palace was unthinkable, as the world number one seed floundered on the outer ring, while his opponent held his nerve to clinch a famous 4-3 win and a memory he will never forget.
"I’m speechless right now, and my heart's still pounding! I want to go on now and prove this win over Phil wasn’t a flash in the pan,” Smith said after the win. “Tonight’s win is a great achievement for me, but I want to win the whole tournament."
The St Helens native wasn’t granted his wish that year, although his day of destiny arrived in 2023 when he overcame Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in a thrilling final.
Shepherd 6-4 Mardle (2008)
After 14 years of the World Championship being staged at Circus Tavern, 2007/08 was the first year the tournament was held at Alexandra Palace, and no one could have foreseen Kirk Shepherd’s dramatic run.
Coming into the tournament as a PDPA qualifier with odds of 1000/1, the sheet metal worker from Ramsgate, Kent, defied all odds by reaching the final.
Shepherd racked up victories over number four seed Terry Jenkins, before seeing off Mick McGowan, Berrie Bates and Peter Manley to set up a semi-final showdown with Wayne Mardle.
Many expected his fairytale run to come to an end against Mardle, who impressively dispatched Taylor in the quarter-finals, but Shepherd had other ideas.
In a captivating clash, the Englishman shocked the world by producing a stunning 6-4 victory over Mardle to etch his name into darting folklore before sadly losing 6-2 against a clinical John Part in the final.
Munyua 3-2 De Decker (2026)
There’s always at least one player at the worlds who does something incredible on debut, and during Thursday’s afternoon session, it was Munyua who became the latest Ally Pally hero.
Munyua, a veterinarian in everyday life, already made history by becoming the first Kenyan to feature at the tournament, but sensed an opportunity to go one better.
Former World Grand Prix champion De Decker threatened to ruin his party by opening a two-set lead after Munyua missed multiple darts for the second set on double tops.
But thousands of spectators chanting his name and an incredible atmosphere inside Ally Pally spurred the Kenyan qualifier towards an extraordinary fightback.
Including an incredible 135 finish on the bull and going six darts into a nine-dart attempt, the 30-year-old came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in sets to stun the number 18 seed, and even caught a wasp in the process.
Munyua’s beaming smile, on-stage antics and impressive darts have already seen him become a cult hero, and he will face Kevin Doets in round two.