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{{Infobox darts player
{{Short description|English darts player}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}}
{{IDF Darts Player
| name = Max Mad
| name = Max Mad
| image = MaxMad2032.png
| image = [[File:MaxMadImage2026.png|250px]]
| caption = Mad at the 2032 ODF Premier League
| caption = Mad in 2026
| nickname = "Mayhem"
 
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|8|5}}
| full_name = Max Mad
| birth_place = [[Houston]], [[Texas]], [[United States]]
| nickname = Mad
| hometown = [[Austin]], [[Texas]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|3|27|df=y}}
| homecountry = {{USA}}
| birth_place = [[Manchester]], England
| since = 2013
| hometown = [[Manchester]], England
| darts = 22g Unicorn Max Mad Signature
 
| since = 2012
| darts = 24g Red Dragon Mad Gen 2
| laterality = Right-handed
| laterality = Right-handed
| music = "Welcome to the Jungle" by [[Guns N' Roses]]
| music = "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones
| organisation = {{ODF}}
 
| currentrank = World No. 8 (as of {{CURRENTYEAR}})
| currentrank = World No. 3 (as of Apr 2026)
| world_championships =  
 
* '''ODF''':
<!-- ================= MAJORS ================= -->
** Semi-finalist (1): 2023
| World Championship = '''Winner (2)''': [[2023 IDF World Darts Championship|2023]], [[2024 IDF World Darts Championship|2024]]
| premier_league =  
| HMC =
* Finalist (1): 2024
| Premier League = Semi-finals: [[2026 IDF Darts Premier League|2026]]
| other_tournaments =  
| Matchplay = '''Winner (1)''': [[2025 IDF World Matchplay|2025]]
* Continental Masters (2022)
| Grand Prix = '''Winner (1)''': [[2025 IDF World Grand Prix|2025]]
* World Cup of Darts (2023)
| European = Quarter-finals: [[2025 IDF European Championship|2025]]
}}'''Max Mad''' (born 5 August 1996) is an American professional darts player who competes in [[Open Darts Federation]] (ODF) events. He is a two-time ODF World Champion, having won the title in 2018 and again in 2021—becoming the first player in ODF history to win the championship on debut and reclaim it three years later. As of 2034, he is ranked world number eight and is a four-time major winner, with additional titles at the [[2022 ODF Continental Masters]] and the [[2023 ODF World Cup of Darts]] alongside [[Elias Storm]]. Across all competitions, he has claimed 15 career titles.
| Grand Slam = Quarter-finals: [[2025 IDF Grand Slam of Darts|2025]]
| T16 Shootout = Runner-up: [[2025 IDF Top 16 Shootout|2025]]
| PC Finals = Quarter-finals: [[2025 IDF Players Championship Finals|2025]]
| Super Series Finals = Semi-finals: [[2025 IDF Super Series Finals|2025]]
 
<!-- ================= TITLES ================= -->
| majors = 4
| titles = 9
 
<!-- ================= CAREER ================= -->
| careerrecord =
| careerprizemoney =
 
| updated = Updated May 2026
}}
 
'''Max Mad''' (born 27 March 2001) is an English professional [[darts]] player who competes in [[International Darts Federation]] (IDF) events. He is nicknamed "Mad" and is currently ranked [[IDF Order of Merit|world number three]]; he was world number one during 2023. He is a two-time [[IDF World Darts Championship|IDF World Champion]], having won the first two editions of the tournament in [[2023 IDF World Darts Championship|2023]] and [[2024 IDF World Darts Championship|2024]]. He has also won the [[IDF World Matchplay]] and [[IDF World Grand Prix]], and is regarded as one of the most successful players in the early history of the IDF.
 
Mad was the dominant player of the IDF's opening period, becoming the inaugural world champion in 2023 and successfully defending the title in 2024. His early world-title success made him the first major figure of the organisation's professional era. He reached a third World Championship final at the [[2026 IDF World Darts Championship]], where he lost 7–6 to [[Logan White]] in the first deciding-set final in the tournament's history.
 
During the 2025 season, Mad remained one of the leading players on the circuit despite losing in the quarter-finals to [[Alex Brow]] at the [[2025 IDF World Darts Championship]]. He won the [[2025 IDF World Matchplay]] and [[2025 IDF World Grand Prix]], as well as Pro Tour titles at the [[2025 IDF Darwin Classic]] and [[2025 IDF Hobart Throwdown]]. His rivalries with Brow and White became central to the IDF's early storylines, with Mad serving as the established champion challenged by a younger generation of major winners.
 
Known for aggressive scoring, emotional stage presence and strong long-format match play, Mad is considered one of the IDF's best pressure players. His performances in set-play events and major finals have made him one of the most recognisable players in the federation.
 
==Early life==
Mad was born on 27 March 2001 in [[Manchester]], England. He began playing darts through local youth leagues and developed a reputation as a strong scorer before becoming a regular winner in regional events. His early career was shaped by a direct, high-tempo approach and a willingness to attack trebles even in pressure legs.
 
As a junior, Mad was initially regarded as more powerful than consistent. He could produce outstanding scoring bursts but was vulnerable on doubles in deciding legs. His improvement on double 16, double 10 and tops became one of the main reasons for his later success in long-format IDF matches.
 
==Career==


Mad began his career in Texas amateur leagues before turning professional in 2018. That same year, he stunned the darts world by winning the [[ODF World Championship]] as an unseeded qualifier, defeating four top-ranked opponents and lifting the trophy in his first televised appearance. Following a period of inconsistency, he returned to the top in 2021 with a second world title, followed by his first non-World Championship major win at the Continental Masters in 2022 and a World Cup team victory the year after.
===Early career===
Before the establishment of the IDF's full professional structure, Mad competed in domestic English tournaments and open events. He was considered one of the strongest young English players entering the IDF system, and his early ranking quickly rose through qualification events.


Known for his chaotic rhythm, theatrical entrances, and emotionally charged playstyle, Mad remains one of the most popular and unpredictable figures on the ODF circuit. His fast-paced throw, momentum-driven bursts, and volatile finishing have made him both a crowd favorite and a constant threat to the sport’s elite. He has earned wins over nearly every top player of his generation, including Storm, [[Ethan Steel]], and [[Cal Derwent]].
Mad was one of the first players to commit fully to the IDF circuit. His early results gave him a prominent position in the inaugural World Championship field, where he immediately became the standard-bearer for the new organisation.


== Career ==
===2023: Inaugural world title===
=== Early career (2013–2020) ===
Mad won the inaugural [[2023 IDF World Darts Championship]], becoming the first world champion in IDF history. The win gave the new championship its first defining figure and made Mad the early face of the IDF professional era.
Mad began playing darts in amateur circuits throughout Texas, gaining attention for his unique style and trash-talking flair. He attempted Q-School multiple times before earning a full ODF Tour Card in 2018. During his early years, Mad struggled to maintain consistent results and often exited in the early rounds of floor events.


=== 2018: World Champion on debut ===
In the final, Mad defeated [[Luke Littler]] 7–4. He produced his best darts in the middle stages of the match, breaking Littler's resistance through heavy scoring and improved finishing. The victory made Mad the first player to lift the IDF Worlds Trophy.
Max Mad’s entry into professional darts could not have been more dramatic. After earning a last-minute qualification through the 2017 ODF North American Play-In Series, Mad entered the [[2018 ODF World Championship]] as an unseeded debutant with no major tour experience. At 21 years old, his reputation was that of a local showman from Texas—entertaining but inconsistent. No one predicted what came next.


Mad stunned the darts world in the opening round, defeating veteran Dutchman [[Herman De Klein]] 3–1, averaging 95.8 and landing six 180s. He followed it up with a 4–0 demolition of World No. 10 [[Alberto Ferrera]], including a 167 checkout that set social media ablaze. By the time he reached the quarter-finals—having taken out [[Craig Ellison]] in a 5–3 thriller—commentators were beginning to wonder if the debutant was more than just a flash in the pan.
Following the title, Mad became the first clear leader of the IDF Order of Merit. His world title also set the standard for future champions, and he entered the following season as the player most strongly associated with the championship.


In the semi-finals, Mad produced one of the most iconic performances in ODF history, defeating then-reigning champion [[Logan White]] 6–5 in a deciding leg classic. After missing three match darts in leg 10, he rebounded with a 12-darter under pressure, hitting double 18 to reach the final. His fearless aggression and unpredictable pace had now become must-watch darts. The crowd, once skeptical, was now fully behind him.
===2024: Successful title defence===
Mad retained the world title at the [[2024 IDF World Darts Championship]], defeating [[Rhys Morgan]] 7–2 in the final. The victory made him the first player to win multiple IDF world titles and the first player to successfully defend the championship.


The final saw Mad face off against [[Victor Linz]], a steady Austrian known for grinding matches into slow, clinical wars. But Mad never allowed the tempo to settle. He opened with back-to-back 180s and never looked back, eventually winning 7–4 with an average of 102.1 and three 100+ checkouts. The moment he hit double 16 to seal the match, Mad dropped to his knees in disbelief—becoming the youngest-ever ODF World Champion, and the first player in history to win the title on debut.
His 2024 campaign was more controlled than his 2023 run. Mad dropped fewer sets and produced several of the tournament's highest averages. The final against Morgan became one of his most dominant major final performances, with Mad taking command after the opening exchanges and closing the match with a sustained spell of heavy scoring.


The win shocked analysts, broke betting lines, and instantly elevated Mad from cult personality to global darts icon. His nickname, “Mayhem,” was now literal. He ended the season ranked World No. 5, earned over $450,000 in prize money, and was awarded the 2018 ODF Breakout Star of the Year. While some still questioned whether the title was a one-off miracle, none could deny that Mad had arrived—and changed the landscape of professional darts forever.
By the end of 2024, Mad had become the IDF's first dominant champion. His back-to-back world titles created the expectation that he could control the World Championship for several years.


=== 2019: A year under pressure ===
===2025===
Following his miraculous World Championship victory in 2018, Mad entered the 2019 season with a target on his back. Now ranked World No. 5 and holding a full Tour Card for the first time, expectations were sky-high. Pundits and fans alike questioned whether his debut title was lightning in a bottle or the start of a dominant era. For Mad, the year became less about winning and more about survival under scrutiny.
Mad entered the [[2025 IDF World Darts Championship]] as the two-time defending champion and world number one. He reached the quarter-finals, where he faced [[Alex Brow]], a debutant who had quickly become one of the tournament's standout players. Brow defeated Mad 5–1, ending Mad's two-year reign as world champion.


At the [[2019 ODF World Championship]], Mad returned as defending champion but failed to replicate his previous magic. He survived a five-set scare in the first round against [[Declan Mears]], narrowly winning 3–2, but was eliminated in the second round by unseeded Austrian qualifier [[Leonard Spitz]], who outscored him in a nervy 4–2 upset. Mad’s average of just 89.6 was his lowest on the televised stage, and critics immediately began questioning his focus and preparation.
The defeat was a turning point in the early IDF era. Mad's dominance had defined the organisation's first two World Championships, but Brow's victory introduced a new leading rival. Mad remained one of the strongest players on the circuit, but he was no longer the sole dominant figure.


The rest of the season proved turbulent. Mad failed to progress beyond the last 32 in any of the major televised events, including early exits at the Grand Slam, Grand Prix, and Continental Masters. While he remained a fan favorite due to his personality and walk-ons, his inconsistent results led to a slide in the rankings. By mid-year, he had dropped to World No. 14, and whispers of “one-hit wonder” began to follow him around the circuit.
Mad responded during the Pro Tour season. At the [[2025 IDF Darwin Classic]], he defeated [[Mason Owens]] 8–6 in the final. He then won the [[2025 IDF Hobart Throwdown]], beating Brow 8–2 in the final. The Hobart result was one of Mad's most important wins of the season because it gave him a direct response to the heavy World Championship defeat against Brow.


Despite the struggles, Mad showed flashes of brilliance on the floor circuit. He reached two Players Tour quarter-finals and one semi-final in Phoenix, where he averaged over 100 in back-to-back matches for the first time since his title run. His performances were described as "chaotic but capable" by ODF analyst [[Shane Davenport]], who argued that Mad’s issue wasn’t talent—but rhythm and temperament.
At the [[2025 IDF Melbourne Slam]], Mad reached the final but lost 8–4 to Brow. He also finished runner-up to Brow at the [[2025 IDF Sydney Challenge]], losing 8–5. Those meetings made the Brow–Mad rivalry one of the most important narratives of the 2025 IDF season.


By year’s end, Mad had retained his Tour Card but failed to qualify for the [[2020 ODF Premier League Darts]], a notable step backward after entering the season as reigning world champion. He finished the year ranked World No. 17—still a top-20 player, but a far cry from the heights of the previous season. For many, 2019 was a reality check: Max Mad was still dangerous, still exciting, but no longer invincible.
Mad won the [[2025 IDF World Matchplay]], defeating [[Lukas Parker]] 18–14 in the final. The title was one of his most significant post-World Championship wins and showed that he remained one of the best long-format leg-play players in the sport. He later won the [[2025 IDF World Grand Prix]], defeating [[Zion Carter]] 6–5 in a close set-play final.


Privately, Mad acknowledged the pressure. In a post-season interview, he said, “I didn’t know how to carry a world title. I didn’t play like I had one. But I know who I am now. And I’m not done.” Those words would come to define the next stage of his career—a journey of redemption, reinvention, and reassertion on the world stage.
Mad also reached the semi-finals of the [[2025 IDF Super Series Finals]], losing to [[Logan White]], and the quarter-finals of the [[2025 IDF Players Championship Finals]], where he lost to Owens despite recording the higher average. He reached the play-offs of the [[2025 IDF Darts Premier League]] but was eliminated in the semi-finals.


=== 2020: Quiet rebuild in small events ===
====World Matchplay title====
After a punishing 2019 season that saw him exit early from all major tournaments and drop outside the world’s top 16, Max Mad approached 2020 with a humbler, more methodical mindset. With no Premier League invite and little pressure from media or sponsors, Mad used the year to reset his mechanics, focus on the floor circuit, and rebuild confidence through smaller-scale events and regional qualifiers.
Mad's victory at the [[2025 IDF World Matchplay]] was one of the defining results of his season. The tournament was played over longer leg formats, which suited his scoring power and ability to apply sustained pressure.


He opted to skip the European swing entirely in the early part of the season, choosing instead to compete in the ODF Satellite Series across North America. In January and February, he won two non-ranked invitationals in Denver and Tulsa, defeating fringe tour players and former qualifiers with averages in the mid-90s. While not broadcast or heavily publicized, the results allowed Mad to return to winning ways without the chaos of televised pressure.
In the final, Mad defeated Lukas Parker 18–14. Parker remained close through the middle part of the match, but Mad's experience in long televised finals proved decisive. The win gave Mad his first World Matchplay title and his third recognised IDF major title.


At the [[2020 Players Tour]], Mad began to show glimpses of resurgence. He reached the last 16 on three occasions and made a surprise semi-final run at Players Tour 7 in Miami, where he beat [[Fredrik Menzel]] and [[Craig Ellison]] before falling to [[Samuel Broadley]]. His average of 99.8 across the event was his best since 2018, and more importantly, he played without the reckless urgency that had defined his slump the year prior.
====World Grand Prix title====
Mad won the [[2025 IDF World Grand Prix]] later in the season, defeating Zion Carter 6–5 in the final. The tournament was played in sets and rewarded strong doubling under pressure. Mad's victory restored some of his set-play authority after losing the World Championship earlier in the year.


Mad also began working with a mental game coach and refined his pre-throw routine, slowing down his delivery and removing some of the theatrical pauses and crowd interactions that had derailed his rhythm. In interviews, he admitted that the 2018 version of himself “wasn’t built to last,” and that 2020 had become more about rediscovering why he played rather than trying to chase what he’d already won.
The title also gave Mad a second major of the 2025 season. Although Brow and White attracted much of the attention during the year, Mad's World Matchplay and World Grand Prix wins meant he remained one of the most successful players of the campaign.


Despite the improvements, Mad did not qualify for the [[2020 Continental Masters]] or [[ODF Grand Prix]], and once again missed out on the [[ODF Premier League Darts]]. However, his year-end performances on the floor circuit were enough to climb back into the world’s top 16, finishing ranked World No. 15 and securing qualification for the upcoming 2021 World Championship.
===2026===
Mad entered the [[2026 IDF World Darts Championship]] as a former two-time champion and one of the favourites. He produced another deep run, defeating several seeded players and reaching his fourth consecutive World Championship final.


While the season lacked headlines, 2020 proved to be a turning point in Mad’s evolution. No longer the sport’s chaos engine or the unpredictable underdog, Max Mad had started to lay the groundwork for something more sustainable. It wasn’t about fireworks anymore—it was about foundation. The madness had been refined, and in 2021, the circuit would find out just how dangerous that could be.
In the semi-finals, Mad defeated defending champion Brow 6–5. Brow averaged higher, but Mad survived two match darts in the tenth set before winning the deciding set. The result was one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament and gave Mad revenge for his 2025 World Championship defeat.


=== 2021: Redemption and a second world title ===
In the final, Mad faced Logan White. The match went to a deciding thirteenth set, the first IDF World Championship final to do so. Mad averaged slightly higher than White but lost 7–6. White's finishing in the decisive legs proved stronger, and Mad finished as runner-up.
Three years after shocking the world by winning the 2018 World Championship on debut, Max Mad entered the [[2021 ODF World Championship]] with something to prove. After two seasons of inconsistency and a full year spent grinding through floor events, Mad had quietly rebuilt his game. Ranked World No. 15 and considered a dark horse at best, many viewed his 2018 title as an unrepeatable anomaly. Mad had other plans.


Drawn against veteran [[Sebastian Langley]] in the first round, Mad set the tone early with a 3–0 win and a 101.2 average—his highest since his debut run. He followed it with a 4–2 victory over [[Tomasz Jurek]], surviving a late comeback attempt. By the third round, Mad looked locked in, dismantling World No. 4 [[Victor Linz]] 4–1 with relentless scoring and a 130 checkout to finish the match. Suddenly, the crowd was behind him again, and whispers of another deep run began to circulate.
Despite the defeat, Mad's run confirmed his status as the most consistent World Championship performer in IDF history. He had reached the final in all four editions of the tournament, winning two and finishing runner-up once after the 2026 event.


In the quarter-finals, he faced [[Samuel Broadley]] in what turned out to be one of the best matches of the tournament. The two traded sets in a high-scoring slugfest, but Mad's checkout accuracy proved decisive as he edged the match 5–4 with a 121 finish in the final leg. In the semi-finals, Mad squared off against rising phenom [[Ethan Steel]] in their first televised meeting. Steel came in as the favorite, but Mad produced a throwback performance—averaging 104.3 and hitting seven 180s to win 6–3.
==Premier League==


The final pitted Mad against former champion [[Logan White]], a rivalry dating back to Mad’s debut title run. The match was tense and tactical, with both players averaging over 100 through the first seven sets. Tied 3–3, Mad surged with a run of 12, 13, and 14-dart legs to take control. He sealed the title 7–4 with a 98 checkout on double 19, collapsing to the stage floor in a mix of joy and relief. With the win, he became a two-time World Champion—silencing critics and solidifying his place in darts history.
===2026===
Mad made his debut at the [[2026 IDF Darts Premier League]] as one of the senior figures in the field. The season included several of his main rivals, including Brow, White, Lukas Parker and Zion Carter. His performances were more uneven than in longer major events, but he remained a threat on individual nights because of his scoring power.


The victory marked the full-circle moment in Mad’s career. No longer a fluke or a fan-favorite novelty, he had proven his longevity and resilience. His 2021 campaign was not only a technical masterclass, but also a psychological triumph. Mad finished the season ranked World No. 3 and was named ODF’s Comeback Player of the Year. After years of volatility, the mayhem had become mature—and Max Mad was once again on top of the world.
==Playing style and persona==
Mad is known for an intense, aggressive playing style. He throws at a medium-fast pace and is most effective when he builds rhythm through repeated treble visits. His scoring power is one of his defining strengths, particularly in long matches where he can apply pressure over sustained periods.


=== 2022: Back-to-back denied, but a new major claimed ===
His finishing improved significantly during his rise to the top of the IDF. He is especially associated with double 16, double 10 and tops. Mad has also produced several high checkouts in major matches, including 170 finishes in televised events.
After reclaiming the World Championship title in 2021, Max Mad entered 2022 as one of the sport’s biggest names and most popular players. Ranked World No. 3 and coming off a career-defining comeback season, Mad was considered a serious threat to become the first player since Logan White to win back-to-back world titles. With confidence restored and a more disciplined game behind the chaos, he approached the year with a measured hunger.


At the [[2022 ODF World Championship]], Mad advanced through the early rounds with ease. He defeated [[George Renley]] 3–1 and [[Jeroen Klausen]] 4–2, then overcame a mid-match scare against [[Ricco van Haalen]] in the third round, coming back from 0–2 down to win 4–3 in a match lauded for its emotional intensity. In the quarter-finals, he produced one of his finest televised performances, averaging 104.6 in a 5–1 demolition of [[Samuel Broadley]].
Mad's stage persona is emotional and confrontational. He celebrates strongly, reacts visibly to missed doubles and often plays with a level of intensity that contrasts with calmer players such as Logan White. His nickname, "Mad", is both a shortened form of his name and a reference to his fiery presence on stage.


The semi-final, however, saw the back-to-back dream end. Mad faced [[Logan White]] in a tense rematch of their 2021 final. Both players threw at a high level, but Mad’s double trouble in key legs proved costly. He missed five set darts across sets three and five, allowing White to take control and close out the match 6–4. Despite the loss, Mad’s sportsmanship and high average (102.3) earned him praise, and many felt his level was still that of a reigning champion.
==Rivalries==


Just two months later, Mad responded with a title-winning run at the [[2022 ODF Continental Masters]]—his first career victory in the event. En route to the trophy, he defeated [[Victor Linz]], [[Fredrik Menzel]], and [[Ethan Steel]], before edging [[Cal Derwent]] 10–8 in a dramatic final. The win marked his third major title overall and helped cement his status as more than just a World Championship specialist.
===Alex Brow===
Mad's rivalry with [[Alex Brow]] became one of the defining rivalries of the IDF's early years. Brow ended Mad's reign as world champion in the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Championship, defeating him 5–1. Mad later beat Brow 8–2 in the final of the 2025 Hobart Throwdown.


While his Premier League campaign that year was erratic—he finished 5th and missed the playoffs—Mad’s overall season was seen as a success. He also reached one floor final and made three more televised quarter-finals, finishing the season ranked World No. 4. His checkout percentage and 180 rate remained in the top five across all tour players.
The rivalry continued through the 2025 Pro Tour, with Brow beating Mad in the finals of the Melbourne Slam and Sydney Challenge. Mad gained one of his biggest wins over Brow in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Championship, winning 6–5 despite Brow recording the higher average.


== Playing style and persona ==
===Logan White===
Mad is known for his quick throw, high-scoring volatility, and emotional stage presence. He frequently throws within five seconds of stepping to the oche, and his ability to string together sudden runs of scoring pressure has earned him the nickname "Mayhem." He thrives in high-energy environments and often plays to the crowd—sometimes to his own detriment, losing focus during quieter or slower-paced matches.
Mad's rivalry with [[Logan White]] developed through major matches in 2025 and 2026. White defeated Mad in the semi-finals of the 2025 Super Series Finals and then beat him 7–6 in the final of the 2026 World Championship.


He has drawn comparisons to players like Peter Wright and Wayne Mardle for his charisma and unpredictability. Commentators often refer to him as a “chaos engine,” capable of brilliance and collapse within the same set. Despite this, he has a reputation for stepping up in clutch moments and has beaten every top player on tour at least once.
The 2026 final became one of the most important matches in IDF history. Mad averaged higher but lost, making the final a major example of timing and finishing being more important than raw scoring in set play.


== Major achievements ==
===Lukas Parker===
* '''ODF Continental Masters'''
Mad and [[Lukas Parker]] have met in several important matches, most notably the final of the 2025 World Matchplay. Mad defeated Parker 18–14 to win the title. Parker's calm rhythm and steady scoring made him a difficult opponent, but Mad's experience in the longest format proved decisive.
** Winner (1): 2022
* '''ODF World Cup of Darts'''
** Winner (1): 2023 (with Elias Storm)
* '''ODF Premier League Darts'''
** Finalist (1): 2024
* '''ODF World Championship'''
** Semi-finalist (1): 2023


== Performance timeline ==
==In popular culture==
{{ODF Performance Timeline
 
|WC2021=2R
===Impact on the IDF===
|WC2022=3R
Mad was the IDF's first dominant star. His wins in the 2023 and 2024 World Championships gave the new organisation a central figure and helped establish the prestige of the World Championship.
|WC2023=SF
 
|WC2024=QF
His later rivalries with Brow and White helped the IDF move from an era of one dominant champion into a more competitive major circuit. Mad's role as the former champion being challenged by a younger generation became one of the federation's most important early storylines.
|WC2025=3R
 
|WC2026=QF
===Sponsorships===
|WC2027=2R
Mad has been associated with Red Dragon Darts and other darts equipment brands. His stage presence and world-title success made him one of the IDF's most marketable English players. He has also appeared in promotional material for major IDF events.
|WC2028=QF
 
|WC2029=3R
==World Championship results==
|WC2030=QF
 
|WC2031=QF
===IDF World Championship===
|WC2032=3R
* 2023: '''Winner''' (defeated [[Luke Littler]] 7–4)
|WC2033=QF
* 2024: '''Winner''' (defeated [[Rhys Morgan]] 7–2)
|PL2024=2nd
* 2025: Quarter-finals (lost to [[Alex Brow]] 1–5)
|CM2022=1st
* 2026: Runner-up (lost to [[Logan White]] 6–7)
|WCOD2023=1st
 
}}
==Career finals==
 
===IDF major finals: 9 (6 titles)===
{| class="wikitable"
! Legend
|- style="background:#e5d1cb;"
| World Championship (2–1)
|- style="background:#dfe2e9;"
| World Matchplay (1–0)
|- style="background:#f5deb3;"
| World Grand Prix (1–0)
|-
| All-Star Challenge (1–0)
|-
| Elite Trophy (1–0)
|-
| Top 16 Shootout (0–1)
|}
 
{| class="sortable wikitable"
! width="80" | Outcome
! width="20" | No.
! width="50" | Year
! style="width:220px;" | Championship
! style="width:180px;" | Opponent in the final
! width="80" | Score
! width="30" | Ref.
|- style="background:#e5d1cb;"
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 1.
| [[2023 IDF World Darts Championship|2023]]
| [[IDF World Darts Championship|World Championship]]
| [[Luke Littler]]
| 7–4 (s)
|
|- style="background:#e5d1cb;"
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 2.
| [[2024 IDF World Darts Championship|2024]]
| [[IDF World Darts Championship|World Championship]]
| [[Rhys Morgan]]
| 7–2 (s)
|
|-
| style="background:#ffa07a;" | Runner-up
| 3.
| [[2025 IDF Top 16 Shootout|2025]]
| [[IDF Top 16 Shootout]]
| [[Kai Mitchell]]
| 4–5 (l)
|
|-
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 4.
| [[2025 IDF All-Star Challenge|2025]]
| [[IDF All-Star Challenge]]
| [[Harrison Lewis]]
| 11–7 (l)
|
|- style="background:#dfe2e9;"
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 5.
| [[2025 IDF World Matchplay|2025]]
| [[IDF World Matchplay|World Matchplay]]
| [[Lukas Parker]]
| 18–14 (l)
|
|- style="background:#f5deb3;"
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 6.
| [[2025 IDF World Grand Prix|2025]]
| [[IDF World Grand Prix|World Grand Prix]]
| [[Zion Carter]]
| 6–5 (s)
|
|-
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 7.
| [[2025 IDF Elite Trophy|2025]]
| [[IDF Elite Trophy]]
| [[Blake Carter]]
| 6–2 (s)
|
|- style="background:#e5d1cb;"
| style="background:#ffa07a;" | Runner-up
| 8.
| [[2026 IDF World Darts Championship|2026]]
| [[IDF World Darts Championship|World Championship]]
| [[Logan White]]
| 6–7 (s)
|
|-
| style="background:#ffa07a;" | Runner-up
| 9.
| [[2026 IDF Masters of Matchplay|2026]]
| [[IDF Masters of Matchplay]]
| [[Alex Brow]]
| 12–13 (l)
|
|}
 
===IDF Pro Tour finals: 5 (3 titles)===
{| class="sortable wikitable"
! width="80" | Outcome
! width="20" | No.
! width="50" | Year
! style="width:220px;" | Championship
! style="width:180px;" | Opponent in the final
! width="80" | Score
! width="30" | Ref.
|-
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 1.
| [[2025 IDF Darwin Classic|2025]]
| [[IDF Darwin Classic]]
| [[Mason Owens]]
| 8–6 (l)
|
|-
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 2.
| [[2025 IDF Hobart Throwdown|2025]]
| [[IDF Hobart Throwdown]]
| [[Alex Brow]]
| 8–2 (l)
|
|-
| style="background:#ffa07a;" | Runner-up
| 3.
| [[2025 IDF Melbourne Slam|2025]]
| [[IDF Melbourne Slam]]
| [[Alex Brow]]
| 4–8 (l)
|
|-
| style="background:#ffa07a;" | Runner-up
| 4.
| [[2025 IDF Sydney Challenge|2025]]
| [[IDF Sydney Challenge]]
| [[Alex Brow]]
| 5–8 (l)
|
|-
| style="background:#98fb98;" | Winner
| 5.
| [[2026 IDF Perth Shootout|2026]]
| [[IDF Perth Shootout]]
| [[Harrison Lewis]]
| 8–6 (l)
|
|}
 
==Performance timeline==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! Tournament
! 2023
! 2024
! 2025
! 2026
|-
| [[IDF World Darts Championship|World Championship]]
| style="background:gold;" | W
| style="background:gold;" | W
| QF
| style="background:silver;" | RU
|-
| [[IDF Darts Premier League|Premier League]]
| —
| —
| SF
|
|-
| [[IDF World Matchplay|World Matchplay]]
| —
| —
| style="background:gold;" | W
|
|-
| [[IDF World Grand Prix|World Grand Prix]]
| —
| —
| style="background:gold;" | W
|
|-
| [[IDF European Championship|European Championship]]
| —
| —
| QF
|
|-
| [[IDF Grand Slam of Darts|Grand Slam]]
| —
| —
| QF
|
|-
| [[IDF Players Championship Finals|Players Championship Finals]]
| —
| —
| QF
|  
|-
| [[IDF Super Series Finals|Super Series Finals]]
| —
| —
| SF
|
|}
 
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%;"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! colspan="8" | Table legend
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:gold;" | W
| Winner
| style="text-align:center; background:silver;" | RU
| Runner-up
| SF
| Semi-finalist
| QF
| Quarter-finalist
| —
| Did not exist / did not play
|}
 
==High checkouts==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+Selected televised high checkouts by Max Mad
! Date
! Checkout
! Opponent
! Tournament
! Round
! Result
|-
| 3 January 2025
| 164
| [[Alex Brow]]
| [[2025 IDF World Darts Championship]]
| Quarter-finals
| Lost
|-
| 27 July 2025
| 170
| [[Lukas Parker]]
| [[2025 IDF World Matchplay]]
| Final
| Won
|-
| 12 October 2025
| 161
| [[Zion Carter]]
| [[2025 IDF World Grand Prix]]
| Final
| Won
|-
| 22 November 2025
| 170
| [[Mason Owens]]
| [[2025 IDF Players Championship Finals]]
| Quarter-finals
| Lost
|-
| 3 January 2026
| 170
| [[Logan White]]
| [[2026 IDF World Darts Championship]]
| Final
| Lost
|}
 
==Nine-dart finishes==
{{See also|Nine-dart finish}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Max Mad's televised nine-dart finishes
! Date
! Opponent
! Tournament
! Method
! Result
! {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| 22 July 2025
| [[Harrison Lewis]]
| [[2025 IDF World Matchplay]]
| 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12
| Won
|
|-
| 16 November 2025
| [[Jordan Pike]]
| [[2025 IDF Grand Slam of Darts]]
| 2 x T20, T19; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12
| Won
|
|}
 
==Awards and honours==
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Award
! Notes
|-
| 2023
| IDF Player of the Year
| Awarded after winning the inaugural World Championship
|-
| 2024
| IDF Player of the Year
| Awarded after retaining the World Championship
|-
| 2025
| IDF Long-Format Player of the Year
| Awarded after winning the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix
|}


== See also ==
==See also==
* [[Elias Storm]]
* [[IDF World Darts Championship]]
* [[Ethan Steel]]
* [[IDF World Matchplay]]
* [[IDF World Grand Prix]]
* [[Alex Brow]]
* [[Logan White]]
* [[Logan White]]
* [[ODF World Championship]]
* [[International Darts Federation]]
* [[ODF Premier League Darts]]
 
==References==
<references />


== References ==
==External links==
<references/>
* [https://www.example.com Max Mad profile] at the International Darts Federation


== External links ==
{{International Darts Federation players}}
* [https://odf.darts/maxmad Official ODF profile – Max Mad]


[[Category:American darts players]]
[[Category:2001 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1996 births]]
[[Category:English darts players]]
[[Category:ODF major champions]]
[[Category:IDF World Darts Championship winners]]
[[Category:ODF World Cup winners]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Manchester]]
[[Category:Premier League Darts finalists]]

Latest revision as of 07:54, 20 May 2026

Max Mad
File:MaxMadImage2026.png
Mad in 2026
Personal information
Full nameMax Mad
Nickname"Mad"
Born (2001-03-27) 27 March 2001 (age 25)
Manchester, England
Home townManchester, England
Darts information
Playing since2012
Darts24g Red Dragon Mad Gen 2
LateralityRight-handed
Walk-on music"Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones
IDF information
OrganisationInternational Darts Federation (IDF)
Current rankingWorld No. 3 (as of Apr 2026)
IDF major events – best performances
World ChampionshipWinner (2): 2023, 2024
Premier LeagueSemi-finals: 2026
World MatchplayWinner (1): 2025
World Grand PrixWinner (1): 2025
European ChampionshipQuarter-finals: 2025
Grand SlamQuarter-finals: 2025
Top 16 ShootoutRunner-up: 2025
PC FinalsQuarter-finals: 2025
Career titles
Other titles9
Career statistics
Updated May 2026

Max Mad (born 27 March 2001) is an English professional darts player who competes in International Darts Federation (IDF) events. He is nicknamed "Mad" and is currently ranked world number three; he was world number one during 2023. He is a two-time IDF World Champion, having won the first two editions of the tournament in 2023 and 2024. He has also won the IDF World Matchplay and IDF World Grand Prix, and is regarded as one of the most successful players in the early history of the IDF.

Mad was the dominant player of the IDF's opening period, becoming the inaugural world champion in 2023 and successfully defending the title in 2024. His early world-title success made him the first major figure of the organisation's professional era. He reached a third World Championship final at the 2026 IDF World Darts Championship, where he lost 7–6 to Logan White in the first deciding-set final in the tournament's history.

During the 2025 season, Mad remained one of the leading players on the circuit despite losing in the quarter-finals to Alex Brow at the 2025 IDF World Darts Championship. He won the 2025 IDF World Matchplay and 2025 IDF World Grand Prix, as well as Pro Tour titles at the 2025 IDF Darwin Classic and 2025 IDF Hobart Throwdown. His rivalries with Brow and White became central to the IDF's early storylines, with Mad serving as the established champion challenged by a younger generation of major winners.

Known for aggressive scoring, emotional stage presence and strong long-format match play, Mad is considered one of the IDF's best pressure players. His performances in set-play events and major finals have made him one of the most recognisable players in the federation.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Mad was born on 27 March 2001 in Manchester, England. He began playing darts through local youth leagues and developed a reputation as a strong scorer before becoming a regular winner in regional events. His early career was shaped by a direct, high-tempo approach and a willingness to attack trebles even in pressure legs.

As a junior, Mad was initially regarded as more powerful than consistent. He could produce outstanding scoring bursts but was vulnerable on doubles in deciding legs. His improvement on double 16, double 10 and tops became one of the main reasons for his later success in long-format IDF matches.

Career[edit | edit source]

Early career[edit | edit source]

Before the establishment of the IDF's full professional structure, Mad competed in domestic English tournaments and open events. He was considered one of the strongest young English players entering the IDF system, and his early ranking quickly rose through qualification events.

Mad was one of the first players to commit fully to the IDF circuit. His early results gave him a prominent position in the inaugural World Championship field, where he immediately became the standard-bearer for the new organisation.

2023: Inaugural world title[edit | edit source]

Mad won the inaugural 2023 IDF World Darts Championship, becoming the first world champion in IDF history. The win gave the new championship its first defining figure and made Mad the early face of the IDF professional era.

In the final, Mad defeated Luke Littler 7–4. He produced his best darts in the middle stages of the match, breaking Littler's resistance through heavy scoring and improved finishing. The victory made Mad the first player to lift the IDF Worlds Trophy.

Following the title, Mad became the first clear leader of the IDF Order of Merit. His world title also set the standard for future champions, and he entered the following season as the player most strongly associated with the championship.

2024: Successful title defence[edit | edit source]

Mad retained the world title at the 2024 IDF World Darts Championship, defeating Rhys Morgan 7–2 in the final. The victory made him the first player to win multiple IDF world titles and the first player to successfully defend the championship.

His 2024 campaign was more controlled than his 2023 run. Mad dropped fewer sets and produced several of the tournament's highest averages. The final against Morgan became one of his most dominant major final performances, with Mad taking command after the opening exchanges and closing the match with a sustained spell of heavy scoring.

By the end of 2024, Mad had become the IDF's first dominant champion. His back-to-back world titles created the expectation that he could control the World Championship for several years.

2025[edit | edit source]

Mad entered the 2025 IDF World Darts Championship as the two-time defending champion and world number one. He reached the quarter-finals, where he faced Alex Brow, a debutant who had quickly become one of the tournament's standout players. Brow defeated Mad 5–1, ending Mad's two-year reign as world champion.

The defeat was a turning point in the early IDF era. Mad's dominance had defined the organisation's first two World Championships, but Brow's victory introduced a new leading rival. Mad remained one of the strongest players on the circuit, but he was no longer the sole dominant figure.

Mad responded during the Pro Tour season. At the 2025 IDF Darwin Classic, he defeated Mason Owens 8–6 in the final. He then won the 2025 IDF Hobart Throwdown, beating Brow 8–2 in the final. The Hobart result was one of Mad's most important wins of the season because it gave him a direct response to the heavy World Championship defeat against Brow.

At the 2025 IDF Melbourne Slam, Mad reached the final but lost 8–4 to Brow. He also finished runner-up to Brow at the 2025 IDF Sydney Challenge, losing 8–5. Those meetings made the Brow–Mad rivalry one of the most important narratives of the 2025 IDF season.

Mad won the 2025 IDF World Matchplay, defeating Lukas Parker 18–14 in the final. The title was one of his most significant post-World Championship wins and showed that he remained one of the best long-format leg-play players in the sport. He later won the 2025 IDF World Grand Prix, defeating Zion Carter 6–5 in a close set-play final.

Mad also reached the semi-finals of the 2025 IDF Super Series Finals, losing to Logan White, and the quarter-finals of the 2025 IDF Players Championship Finals, where he lost to Owens despite recording the higher average. He reached the play-offs of the 2025 IDF Darts Premier League but was eliminated in the semi-finals.

World Matchplay title[edit | edit source]

Mad's victory at the 2025 IDF World Matchplay was one of the defining results of his season. The tournament was played over longer leg formats, which suited his scoring power and ability to apply sustained pressure.

In the final, Mad defeated Lukas Parker 18–14. Parker remained close through the middle part of the match, but Mad's experience in long televised finals proved decisive. The win gave Mad his first World Matchplay title and his third recognised IDF major title.

World Grand Prix title[edit | edit source]

Mad won the 2025 IDF World Grand Prix later in the season, defeating Zion Carter 6–5 in the final. The tournament was played in sets and rewarded strong doubling under pressure. Mad's victory restored some of his set-play authority after losing the World Championship earlier in the year.

The title also gave Mad a second major of the 2025 season. Although Brow and White attracted much of the attention during the year, Mad's World Matchplay and World Grand Prix wins meant he remained one of the most successful players of the campaign.

2026[edit | edit source]

Mad entered the 2026 IDF World Darts Championship as a former two-time champion and one of the favourites. He produced another deep run, defeating several seeded players and reaching his fourth consecutive World Championship final.

In the semi-finals, Mad defeated defending champion Brow 6–5. Brow averaged higher, but Mad survived two match darts in the tenth set before winning the deciding set. The result was one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament and gave Mad revenge for his 2025 World Championship defeat.

In the final, Mad faced Logan White. The match went to a deciding thirteenth set, the first IDF World Championship final to do so. Mad averaged slightly higher than White but lost 7–6. White's finishing in the decisive legs proved stronger, and Mad finished as runner-up.

Despite the defeat, Mad's run confirmed his status as the most consistent World Championship performer in IDF history. He had reached the final in all four editions of the tournament, winning two and finishing runner-up once after the 2026 event.

Premier League[edit | edit source]

2026[edit | edit source]

Mad made his debut at the 2026 IDF Darts Premier League as one of the senior figures in the field. The season included several of his main rivals, including Brow, White, Lukas Parker and Zion Carter. His performances were more uneven than in longer major events, but he remained a threat on individual nights because of his scoring power.

Playing style and persona[edit | edit source]

Mad is known for an intense, aggressive playing style. He throws at a medium-fast pace and is most effective when he builds rhythm through repeated treble visits. His scoring power is one of his defining strengths, particularly in long matches where he can apply pressure over sustained periods.

His finishing improved significantly during his rise to the top of the IDF. He is especially associated with double 16, double 10 and tops. Mad has also produced several high checkouts in major matches, including 170 finishes in televised events.

Mad's stage persona is emotional and confrontational. He celebrates strongly, reacts visibly to missed doubles and often plays with a level of intensity that contrasts with calmer players such as Logan White. His nickname, "Mad", is both a shortened form of his name and a reference to his fiery presence on stage.

Rivalries[edit | edit source]

Alex Brow[edit | edit source]

Mad's rivalry with Alex Brow became one of the defining rivalries of the IDF's early years. Brow ended Mad's reign as world champion in the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Championship, defeating him 5–1. Mad later beat Brow 8–2 in the final of the 2025 Hobart Throwdown.

The rivalry continued through the 2025 Pro Tour, with Brow beating Mad in the finals of the Melbourne Slam and Sydney Challenge. Mad gained one of his biggest wins over Brow in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Championship, winning 6–5 despite Brow recording the higher average.

Logan White[edit | edit source]

Mad's rivalry with Logan White developed through major matches in 2025 and 2026. White defeated Mad in the semi-finals of the 2025 Super Series Finals and then beat him 7–6 in the final of the 2026 World Championship.

The 2026 final became one of the most important matches in IDF history. Mad averaged higher but lost, making the final a major example of timing and finishing being more important than raw scoring in set play.

Lukas Parker[edit | edit source]

Mad and Lukas Parker have met in several important matches, most notably the final of the 2025 World Matchplay. Mad defeated Parker 18–14 to win the title. Parker's calm rhythm and steady scoring made him a difficult opponent, but Mad's experience in the longest format proved decisive.

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Impact on the IDF[edit | edit source]

Mad was the IDF's first dominant star. His wins in the 2023 and 2024 World Championships gave the new organisation a central figure and helped establish the prestige of the World Championship.

His later rivalries with Brow and White helped the IDF move from an era of one dominant champion into a more competitive major circuit. Mad's role as the former champion being challenged by a younger generation became one of the federation's most important early storylines.

Sponsorships[edit | edit source]

Mad has been associated with Red Dragon Darts and other darts equipment brands. His stage presence and world-title success made him one of the IDF's most marketable English players. He has also appeared in promotional material for major IDF events.

World Championship results[edit | edit source]

IDF World Championship[edit | edit source]

Career finals[edit | edit source]

IDF major finals: 9 (6 titles)[edit | edit source]

Legend
World Championship (2–1)
World Matchplay (1–0)
World Grand Prix (1–0)
All-Star Challenge (1–0)
Elite Trophy (1–0)
Top 16 Shootout (0–1)
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score Ref.
Winner 1. 2023 World Championship Luke Littler 7–4 (s)
Winner 2. 2024 World Championship Rhys Morgan 7–2 (s)
Runner-up 3. 2025 IDF Top 16 Shootout Kai Mitchell 4–5 (l)
Winner 4. 2025 IDF All-Star Challenge Harrison Lewis 11–7 (l)
Winner 5. 2025 World Matchplay Lukas Parker 18–14 (l)
Winner 6. 2025 World Grand Prix Zion Carter 6–5 (s)
Winner 7. 2025 IDF Elite Trophy Blake Carter 6–2 (s)
Runner-up 8. 2026 World Championship Logan White 6–7 (s)
Runner-up 9. 2026 IDF Masters of Matchplay Alex Brow 12–13 (l)

IDF Pro Tour finals: 5 (3 titles)[edit | edit source]

Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score Ref.
Winner 1. 2025 IDF Darwin Classic Mason Owens 8–6 (l)
Winner 2. 2025 IDF Hobart Throwdown Alex Brow 8–2 (l)
Runner-up 3. 2025 IDF Melbourne Slam Alex Brow 4–8 (l)
Runner-up 4. 2025 IDF Sydney Challenge Alex Brow 5–8 (l)
Winner 5. 2026 IDF Perth Shootout Harrison Lewis 8–6 (l)

Performance timeline[edit | edit source]

Tournament 2023 2024 2025 2026
World Championship W W QF RU
Premier League — — SF
World Matchplay — — W
World Grand Prix — — W
European Championship — — QF
Grand Slam — — QF
Players Championship Finals — — QF
Super Series Finals — — SF
Table legend
W Winner RU Runner-up SF Semi-finalist QF Quarter-finalist — Did not exist / did not play

High checkouts[edit | edit source]

Selected televised high checkouts by Max Mad
Date Checkout Opponent Tournament Round Result
3 January 2025 164 Alex Brow 2025 IDF World Darts Championship Quarter-finals Lost
27 July 2025 170 Lukas Parker 2025 IDF World Matchplay Final Won
12 October 2025 161 Zion Carter 2025 IDF World Grand Prix Final Won
22 November 2025 170 Mason Owens 2025 IDF Players Championship Finals Quarter-finals Lost
3 January 2026 170 Logan White 2026 IDF World Darts Championship Final Lost

Nine-dart finishes[edit | edit source]

See also: Nine-dart finish
Max Mad's televised nine-dart finishes
Date Opponent Tournament Method Result Ref.
22 July 2025 Harrison Lewis 2025 IDF World Matchplay 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 Won
16 November 2025 Jordan Pike 2025 IDF Grand Slam of Darts 2 x T20, T19; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 Won

Awards and honours[edit | edit source]

Year Award Notes
2023 IDF Player of the Year Awarded after winning the inaugural World Championship
2024 IDF Player of the Year Awarded after retaining the World Championship
2025 IDF Long-Format Player of the Year Awarded after winning the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Template:International Darts Federation players

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