David Munyua (L) with youngster Aryan Khalsa and Peter Wachiuri/ TEDDY MULEI
Kenya’s darts sensation David Munyua is fully aware of the stakes at hand in his maiden global appearance at the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) World Championship from December 11 to January 3 at the Alexandra Palace in London.
The championship has a Sh169 million top prize.
The PDC World Championship is the crown jewel of professional darts, attracting 128 elite players all battling for a share of the Sh844 million purse and the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy.
Last year’s final drew a record 3.7 million UK viewers, the most-watched non-football broadcast in British sports history.
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Munyua carved his name into the Kenyan history books after winning the Africa Open in Nairobi in September, overcoming South Africa’s Cameron Carolissen 8–6 in a tense final to dethrone the continent’s long-time representative.
During last year's final, the South African beat Kenya's Peter Wachiuri 6-4.
“Being the first Kenyan to represent Africa is a very big moment for me. I hope when I get to that stage, I can have a good game,” Munyua said.
The magnitude of the challenge has, however, not escaped him, as he knows he is going up against the sharpest arrows and the steadiest nerves in the world.
“There’s a lot of pressure, waking up every morning knowing you’re going against the world’s best,” he admitted.
“But you have to handle that pressure. I just need to do whatever it takes to give my best.”
This moment is a product of relentless dedication.
“I have never missed any tournament in the last three years. I have always been competing to get the exposure and the experience I need,” he said.
The thought of the Sh169 million prize also fuels his fire and dreams.
“Having an opportunity like this is very special. That kind of money is crazy, I hope I get that prize,” he said.
Munyua was quick to pay tribute to Peter Wachiuri, who paved the way for Kenyan darts stars.
“Wachiuri is the one who opened the doors for me. I had a lot of expectations going into that final, and he showed us it was possible.”
As he prepares for his grand London debut, one final decision remains: his walk-on song, a hallmark of the PDC spectacle.
Each player strides to the stage accompanied by music that captures their spirit and identity.
“I am thinking about ‘Mwaki’ by Sofiya Nzau,” Munyua revealed.
“The song itself means fire; it could be a nice walk-on song, something to get me in the zone, but I am yet to decide.”