Rockstar Cullen looks for a rinse and repeat of his 2023 Blackpool bonanza

Joe Cullen is perhaps one of the few darts players who could carry of the nickname of  'The Rockstar', but every since his 2008 appearance in the UK Nuts TV program 'New Kids on The Oche' he has worn the moniker well. 

The 36-year-old, who’s about to make his 11th Winter Gardens appearance, faces a man who practically co-wrote the Blackpool playbook – James Wade. Darts World caught up with Cullen ahead of the curtain-raiser to get his thoughts on facing Wadey and kicking off the biggest event of the summer:

“Funny enough, two years ago when I made the semis, I was the first match on then too – against Mike De Decker. I didn’t even realise until Mark Webster pointed it out.”

“When the draw came out this time, I thought I might be on Sunday afternoon. But getting the first match on Saturday means no hanging about – you know exactly when you're starting. I remember at the Worlds one year, I was due on after Anderson vs Artut. Once a player hits the two-set mark, you’re in that backstage limbo, thinking you’ll be on soon... then it went all the way to a last-leg decider. I ended up waiting another hour.”

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Incredibly inconsiderate from that pair if you ask me Joe. So… Wade in round one. Discuss?

“To be fair, if you look at the top 16 seeds, there’s no one you’d happily take. Everyone’s dangerous. But with James, I know exactly what I’m getting. No surprises. If I don’t play well or not sharp enough, it’s an early bath.”

The Yorkshire arrow-smith has been making the trip to Blackpool since 2012, and the place still gives him that buzz:

“To be honest, when I arrive, it always feels like I was there recently. Reaching the semis in 2023 feels like last year – time’s flown. It’s one of those events I always look forward to. As a professinal dart player, if you can’t get up for the Matchplay, you’re in trouble.”

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So a big Winter Gardens fan then?

“100% my favourite venue. There’s something about the place – you walk in and the atmosphere hits you. The Worlds is great too, but it’s a different type of vibe. With it being close to Christmas, it feels like a works do – 40% out for a party night, and 60% proper darts fans. Blackpool? That’s 100% fans, but it’s still got that Ally Pally energy.

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“I remember Gary Anderson hitting a nine-darter against me in the 2018 Matchplay – the crowd were just floating, like something magical was happening. Ally Pally’s set-up has changed a bit the last few years, probably trying to match the Winter Gardens landscape layout. But Blackpool feels intimate – no one’s a million miles away from the action.”

Does the pressure to defend the ranking £s earned in 2023 weigh on his mind?

“I wouldn’t say pressure, but I’m definitely aware of it. It’s not like I feel I must defend it, but you do have to back up what you’ve done. That’s always been the way with the PDC – you know exactly what’s coming two years down the line.”

Spare a thought for Joe – being first on means he’ll have to go without his cherished pre-match afternoon nap - some Rockstar! Honestly, the sacrifices these players make for the game!

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