William Borland: The Fearless Scottish Darts Player Who Turned Pressure Into History
A high-voltage story of breakthrough brilliance, tough setbacks, and a determined return to the PDC stage
William Borland is known in darts for delivering one of the sport’s most unforgettable pressure moments. He is a Scottish darts player who stepped onto the biggest stage and produced a finish that instantly became part of modern darts folklore. At the same time, his path has not been smooth, and the harsh reality of professional darts has tested his consistency and ranking position.
This article covers William Borland’s verified background and career in a clear, search-friendly way, focusing on what is publicly confirmed. You’ll find his key milestones, what made him famous worldwide, and how his return to top-level competition shows the mental grind—and the rewards—of elite darts.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Borland |
| Nickname | Big Willie |
| Date of Birth | 8 November 1996 |
| Age (2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | East Calder, West Lothian, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish / British |
| Profession | Professional darts player |
| Playing Hand | Right-handed |
| Walk-on Music | “A Little Respect” (Erasure) |
William Borland’s Early Life and Darts Beginning
William Borland was born in East Calder, West Lothian, Scotland, and he began playing darts in 2008. Starting young matters in modern darts: it gives a player time to build muscle memory, scoring rhythm, and the ability to handle match pressure without rushing. Borland’s early start helped lay the foundation for the sharp, decisive moments he later became known for.
As a Scottish darts player, he came through pathways that included WDF and BDO competition before moving deeper into the PDC world. That kind of route is common for players who sharpen their game across different formats and environments. It’s an early signal of ambition, but it also means learning to adapt again and again as the level rises.
Turning Professional: The Step Into the Spotlight
Borland’s rise included major-event experience before his later PDC breakthrough. In 2017, he appeared at the World Masters, a significant event on the darts calendar, and reached the last 48. That result showed he could compete beyond local scenes and handle a tournament environment where one poor session can erase weeks of progress.
In 2018, he qualified for the BDO World Trophy and recorded a standout result by defeating Conan Whitehead in the first round. Wins like that matter because they build belief and credibility, especially when the opponent is established. It’s a positive sign of readiness, but it doesn’t guarantee long-term success—darts is ruthless, and form can swing quickly.
The PDC Chapter: Earning a Tour Card and Chasing Consistency
Borland moved further into PDC competition and, in January 2020, earned a PDC Tour Card through Q-School. Securing a Tour Card is a major career milestone because it opens the door to regular professional events and ranking opportunities. It’s also where the pressure doubles: you’re no longer chasing a single win, you’re chasing a ranking year-round.
He competed across PDC events such as Players Championship tournaments and other major pathways available to Tour Card holders. This stage of a darts career is about repetition—turning decent performances into regular money finishes. It’s exciting, but it can also be frustrating, because one hot match doesn’t protect you from a cold month.
The Moment That Made History: The Nine-Darter on the World Stage
William Borland’s name became global darts news during the PDC World Darts Championship in December 2021. In his debut match at the event against Bradley Brooks, Borland produced a nine-dart finish in the deciding leg to win the match. That is the kind of sporting moment that doesn’t just win a game—it builds a legacy.
This finish was especially dramatic because it came when everything was on the line. The deciding-leg context made it feel like a controlled explosion: fast scoring, clean finishing, and total nerve. It was a positive triumph of skill under pressure, yet it also set expectations that are difficult for any player to carry every time they walk on stage.
After the Peak: The Reality of Elite Competition
Following that famous win, Borland faced the typical next challenge: backing it up. At the same World Championship, he lost in the second round to Ryan Searle. That loss doesn’t erase the highlight, but it reflects an important truth—professional darts has depth, and big moments do not automatically translate into dominant runs.
In the seasons that followed, Borland’s results fluctuated and his ranking situation tightened. This is the negative side of the sport: form drops can threaten a Tour Card, and the margin between staying on tour and falling off it can be razor-thin. A player can be brilliant on one night and still suffer a tough year overall.
The Comeback Signal: Regaining a PDC Tour Card
A major positive turning point arrived in 2024, when William Borland regained his PDC Tour Card through Q-School. That achievement matters because Q-School is not built for comfort—it’s built to filter out anyone who can’t handle repeated pressure with minimal room for mistakes. Earning back that status shows resilience and competitiveness.
Returning to the professional circuit also means returning to the grind: travel, daily practice, match sharpness, and ranking points that must be earned again. Borland’s story here is not just about talent; it’s about persistence. In darts, mental recovery is often as important as technical skill, and a return to the tour is proof of both.
Playing Identity: What “Big Willie” Represents
Nicknames in darts are not just decoration—they become part of how fans remember a player. Borland’s nickname, “Big Willie,” is tied to his presence in big moments, especially the World Championship breakthrough. His walk-on music, “A Little Respect,” adds a recognizable rhythm to his entrance and helps shape his public identity in arenas full of noise.
As a Scottish darts player, he also represents the continuing strength of Scottish talent in the modern era. The sport has grown into a global competition, and Scotland remains a meaningful source of gritty, determined professionals. Borland’s career shows both sides of that identity: the power to shock the world, and the struggle to stay at the top level consistently.
Career Overview Snapshot (Verified Milestones)
Borland’s confirmed career story includes clear milestones: starting darts in 2008, appearing at major events like the World Masters in 2017, competing at the BDO World Trophy in 2018, earning a PDC Tour Card in 2020, and creating a historic World Championship moment in December 2021. These are the anchors of his public record.
From there, his journey includes the hard middle years that many fans don’t fully see—fighting for rankings and opportunities, then regaining professional status in 2024. That pattern is common in darts: rises are spectacular, and rebuilding is quiet but real. Borland’s timeline is a strong example of both.
Conclusion
William Borland’s career is a reminder that darts is a sport of extremes. On one hand, he delivered a historic nine-dart finish in a deciding leg at the PDC World Darts Championship—an achievement that instantly placed him in modern darts conversation. On the other hand, professional life on tour can be punishing, and maintaining rankings is a constant battle even for players with world-class moments.
Today, Borland’s story continues as a determined professional who has proven he can reach the highest peaks and also fight through setbacks. For fans of the sport and anyone searching for a true Scottish darts player narrative, his biography offers both inspiration and realism—because in darts, the board never lies.
FAQ
Who is William Borland?
William Borland is a professional darts player from Scotland, known by the nickname “Big Willie.” He competes in PDC-level darts and is recognized for a historic World Championship moment.
Why is William Borland famous in darts?
He is famous for hitting a nine-dart finish in the deciding leg to win his match against Bradley Brooks at the PDC World Darts Championship in December 2021.
Where is William Borland from?
He was born in East Calder, West Lothian, Scotland.
When did William Borland start playing darts?
He began playing darts in 2008.
When did William Borland earn a PDC Tour Card?
He earned a PDC Tour Card in January 2020 through Q-School and later regained a Tour Card again in 2024 via Q-School.
What is William Borland’s walk-on song?
His walk-on music is “A Little Respect” by Erasure.
Is William Borland a Scottish darts player?
Yes. He is Scottish by birth and nationality and is widely described as a Scottish darts player in the professional darts world.
