Darts star with sport's riskiest nickname BANNED from using moniker at Ally Pally
The 2025-26 PDC World Championship is fast approaching, as darts' biggest stars prepare to swarm Alexandra Palace and battle it out for the £1million grand prize
The man with the most taboo nickname in darts has been BANNED from using his moniker at the 2025-26 PDC World Championship. Australian player Tim Pusey recently qualified for the tournament at Alexandra Palace, but he’ll have to come up with a new nickname before he steps up to the oche.
That’s because his current one is 'The Magnet'. Out of context, it doesn’t sound so risque, but when paired with his surname, it proves rather provocative.
“I don’t have any of that (the nickname) on my shirt,” Pusey, 33, told Tungsten Tales. “I’ll have to find a new one and maybe we’ll have to put it to a poll and get something.
“'It’s hard because anything can be turned (laughs)… at the moment I don’t have any and the chants can be colourful.”
Scottish football legend Ally McCoist has even weighed in after news of the ban emerged. The former Rangers striker said on talkSPORT: “He’s got to keep it, come on!
READ MORE: Michael van Gerwen's pal expresses concern for star - 'Behind brave face it's emptiness'READ MORE: Darts star accused of 'fixing' match hits back after private message requesting money“He’s keeping it. It’s the best nickname. I love it man, it’s hilarious! Where’s your sense of humour, darts people? Come on, man.”
The PDC have history when it comes to banning saucy nicknames. In 2023, World No.80 Owen Bates was blocked from using his: 'The Master'.
Pusey’s surname alone gives fans a laugh, and he was serenaded in Wollongong, Australia earlier this year. Fans chanted: “Oh, Pusey, we love you.”
Few crowds on the darts circuit are as raucous as those at Ally Pally and they’ll no doubt have some fun with the Aussie. Pusey sealed his place in the World Championship in September, finishing top of the Australian Darts Association Tour rankings.
The tournament begins in London on Thursday, December 11 and concludes with the final on Saturday, January 3. Luke Littler will be aiming to defend his crown, having thrashed Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the 2025 final nine months ago.
Should Tim Pusey be allowed to use his nickname? Have your say in the comments section.
Teenage sensation Littler banked a cool £500,00 after his triumph. For the upcoming tournament, the prize money has increased to an eye-watering £1million.
The competition has also been expanded, with 128 players taking part as opposed to 96. “The £1m prize for the world champion reflects darts' standing as one of the most exciting and in-demand sports in the world," PDC chief executive Matt Porter said.
“However, the increased prize funds announced today demonstrate our commitment to growing earning potential for players at all levels within the PDC system. Expanding the player fields for the World Darts Championship and Grand Slam of Darts will provide more opportunities than ever before for players around the world to feature in televised PDC events.
“The incredible growth of the PDC in recent years has seen darts elevated to levels never seen before both in terms of playing opportunities and global interest and this is a huge moment for all players with the ambition to make it to the very pinnacle of the sport.”
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.