PDC World Darts Championship 2025: Bahamas Darts Sensation Sweeting Shares Surprise Encounter with World Champion Humphries

Rashad Sweeting made history at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, becoming the first player from the Bahamas to represent his country on the sport’s grandest stage.

Though his debut ended in a spirited defeat to Swedish thrower Jeffrey de Graaf, Sweeting captured the hearts of the Alexandra Palace crowd and fans watching from around the globe.

Nicknamed “The Candyman,” Sweeting lit up the stage with his infectious personality and undeniable charisma. 

By the end of the tie, the London audience was serenading him with chants of “walking in a Sweeting wonderland,” a testament to the impression he left on his first outing.

While the result may not have gone his way, Sweeting left with a story as sweet as his nickname, a chance encounter with world number one Luke Humphries that gave him the confidence to shine under the bright Ally Pally lights.

"I Thought It Was the Cleaners!"

Recalling the moment Humphries walked into his practice room, Sweeting shared the now-iconic anecdote during his post-match interview.

“I’m going to tell you the funny story,” Sweeting began, with a grin. “I was in the room practising upstairs in the hotel, and I was throwing darts. I heard a swipe on the door—it was jammed, like the person had trouble getting in. I thought it was the cleaners.”

“So, I went to the door, opened it, and I looked up, and I said, ‘You’re [Luke] Humphries! Do you want me to come out here because you're the best player in the world? You want me to get out?,” he told SportsBoom.com. 

Sweeting’s humility and humour caught Humphries off guard. But the world number one quickly put him at ease.

“He said, ‘No, no, you're good, you're good,’ and we started a conversation from there.”

That impromptu meeting turned into a moment of mentorship, as Humphries shared valuable advice with Sweeting about handling the pressure of a world championship debut.

“He gave me courage and advice about the game and what to expect,” Sweeting explained.

“And he asked me about my country—how it starts there. Very cool guy. Very cool. I love it, man.”

Sweeting Earns His Spotlight

Sweeting’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by Humphries, who earlier in the week mentioned him during a press conference. Though Humphries couldn’t recall Sweeting’s name, the Bahamian star was thrilled to have left a lasting impression on the world’s top player.

“I was in my room, and somebody told me, ‘Rashad, look, Luke Humphries has mentioned you.’ He didn’t remember my name, but I’m the only one here [from the Bahamas]. It’s still awesome.”

For Sweeting, Humphries’ words were a validation of his journey to the world stage, a journey from a nation not traditionally associated with darts to the iconic Ally Pally.

The Start of Something Special

Though Sweeting’s run at the 2025 World Darts Championship may have ended earlier than he hoped, the pride of the Bahamas has already inspired fans and players alike. 

His story of perseverance, passion, and an unforgettable meeting with Luke Humphries has ensured his debut will be remembered long after the final dart is thrown.

Fans may have never heard of Rashad Sweeting before today, but they certainly know him now.