Elias Storm
| Elias Storm | |
|---|---|
 Storm at the 2025 ODF World Championship | |
| Personal information | |
| Nickname | "The Cyclone" |
| Born | February 21, 1999 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Home town | Chicago |
| Darts information | |
| Playing darts since | 2015 |
| Darts | 24g Target Storm Signature |
| Laterality | Right-handed |
| Walk-on music | "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC |
| Organisation (see split in darts) | |
| Current world ranking | World No. 1 (as of 2026) |
Elias Storm (born 21 February 1999) is an American professional darts player who competes in Open Darts Federation (ODF) events. He is a three-time ODF World Champion, having won the title in 2023, 2025, and 2028, and is currently ranked world number three. Storm has held the world number one ranking for over 100 weeks between 2023 and 2028, and has won 13 major titles, including two Premier Leagues, two World Cups of Darts, the Grand Prix (2023, 2028), the 2025 Continental Masters, and the 2028 American Masters. Across all competitions, he has claimed over thirty career titles.
Widely regarded as the most successful American player in darts history, Storm is known for his composure, scoring consistency, and tactical control. As of the end of 2028, he holds the record for the highest seasonal win rate (81.2% in 2025), has led the yearly averages three times, and is the only player to win ODF Player of the Year in three consecutive seasons.
Storm began playing darts at age 13 and turned professional in 2018. He made his televised debut at the 2018 ODF Grand Slam and reached his first World Championship semi-final in 2021. After breaking into the top 10 in 2022, he won his first world title in 2023, becoming the first American to do so. Storm has since appeared in four World Championship finals, winning three, and is one of only four players in ODF history with multiple world titles.
Early life
Storm was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He was introduced to darts at the age of 13 by his father, who was an active pub league competitor. Elias began playing casually but soon became obsessed with the strategic depth and mental composure the game demanded. By 16, he was regularly competing in regional amateur events, and his name began circulating within the American darts scene due to his unusually high scoring and calm demeanor.
Career
2018: Early exposure
Storm’s breakout year came in 2018, a season that would mark his official arrival on the professional darts scene. After years of dominating local tournaments across the Midwest, he made a bold decision to travel cross-country and compete in the ODF North American Open Qualifiers held in Las Vegas. Storm, just 19 at the time, stunned many by defeating three seasoned tour players in a single day, earning a coveted spot in the televised stages of the 2018 ODF Grand Slam—his first appearance under the lights.
At the Grand Slam, Storm was drawn into a tough group featuring the reigning world champion Logan White, Dutch veteran Ricco van Haalen, and Canadian qualifier Marcus Tenley. Despite the daunting opposition, Storm held his own. He lost his opening match 5–4 to Tenley in a scrappy affair but bounced back to defeat van Haalen 5–2 with a 98.1 average, including a 121 checkout that drew audible gasps from the crowd. Although his 1–2 record wasn't enough to qualify for the knockout stages, his composure and stage presence left a lasting impression on commentators and analysts alike.
Following the Grand Slam, Storm remained active on the North American circuit. He entered eight ODF-affiliated floor events between July and November, finishing inside the Top 16 on six occasions. His most notable performance came at the Toronto Invitational, where he reached the semifinals after averaging over 100 across three matches. While he eventually fell to top-seeded Bryce Morton, Storm's ability to string together ton-plus scoring with minimal visible emotion became a focal point in post-match discussions.
Storm’s rise continued as he was granted a wildcard entry to the 2018 ODF Continental Masters Qualifier held in Orlando, Florida. It was there he delivered what many considered the upset of the tournament, defeating World No. 18 Alberto Ferrera 6–3 in the opening round. The performance included five maximums and a 144 checkout, and was widely circulated on social media platforms within hours. Although he lost in the next round, the win over Ferrera raised eyebrows across the ODF landscape and solidified Storm as more than just a flash-in-the-pan rookie.
His fast throw, clipped rhythm, and fearless body language became a point of intrigue. Several ODF pundits began drawing comparisons between Storm and a young Michael van Gerwen, with a few even suggesting he had the makings of a future world-beater. During post-match interviews, Storm’s calm and mature demeanor further enhanced his growing mystique, especially for a player barely out of his teens. That winter, he was featured in a Darts Central Magazine article titled “Storm Warning: America’s Silent Hurricane”, which brought even more attention to his early performances.
By the end of 2018, Storm had unofficially climbed into the Top 80 of the ODF Order of Merit and had accumulated enough ranking points to be granted a provisional Tour Card for the 2019 season. While he had yet to win a title, the sheer volume of pundits, players, and analysts beginning to talk about him made it clear that a major shift was brewing in North American darts. For Storm, 2018 was not just a year of qualification—it was the beginning of a career that would soon redefine the sport’s competitive ceiling.
2019: Foundation building
Storm entered the 2019 season with cautious optimism, carrying momentum from his promising debut year. With a provisional Tour Card secured, he officially began competing full-time on the ODF circuit. While expectations were tempered, many within the darts community were eager to see how the American would fare over a full calendar season. His first televised appearance came at the 2019 ODF Continental Classic, where he reached the second round before falling 6–4 to Dutch sharpshooter Jeroen Klausen in a match that featured ten maximums and three ton-plus finishes.
Throughout the early part of the season, Storm focused on building consistency across floor events. He participated in 14 of the first 16 Players Tour events, recording three quarter-final finishes and one semi-final appearance at the Oklahoma Masters. His performance in that tournament, where he averaged over 97 across five matches, marked his first deep run at an official ODF Tour event. Analysts began to note his growing ability to close out legs in fewer than 15 darts—a hallmark of elite-tier performance. Despite not capturing a title, he had quietly worked his way into the Top 50 of the ODF Order of Merit by mid-July.
Storm’s most significant breakthrough came during the 2019 ODF North American Championship, where he stunned former world finalist Craig Ellison in the second round with a 6–1 demolition that included a 170 checkout. In the semifinals, he battled World No. 5 Logan White in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2018 encounter. Though Storm lost 7–6 in a last-leg decider, the match was widely praised for its intensity and quality, with both players averaging over 101. The performance, coupled with his composed post-match interview, elevated his profile significantly in media coverage and fan discussions.
In August, Storm qualified for his first World Series event at the ODF Vegas Masters, earning the final North American wildcard. There, he faced top-seeded Rafael Turner in the opening round. Despite being a heavy underdog, Storm pushed the match to a final-leg thriller before narrowly losing 6–5 after missing two match darts. His average of 99.6 was the second-highest of the night, and his fearless approach on stage drew widespread praise. The following week, he returned to the Players Tour and reached back-to-back quarter-finals, pushing his seasonal win percentage above 60% for the first time in his career.
The tail end of the season saw Storm continue to make incremental gains. At the 2019 ODF Invitational Open, he reached the last 16, taking out two seeded players along the way. His doubling percentage for the year improved to 44%, a notable step up from his debut season, and his three-dart average hovered around the 95 mark. While his televised results remained limited, his consistency on the floor circuit and ability to compete with top-tier opponents had firmly established him as a rising force within the organization.
By December, Storm had officially secured a full two-year Tour Card and finished the year ranked World No. 38. More importantly, his performances had earned him qualification for the 2020 ODF World Championship, marking the first time he would appear on the sport’s biggest stage. His climb from obscurity to the world’s top 40 in less than 24 months was widely considered one of the most impressive developmental arcs in modern ODF history. The 2019 season, though lacking silverware, laid the foundation for what many believed would be a championship-laden future.
2020: First world stage appearance
Storm began the 2020 season with heightened expectations after his breakthrough into the world’s top 40 the previous year. With a full two-year Tour Card secured and a World Championship debut on the horizon, many in the darts community were watching closely to see whether the young American could transition from promising talent to consistent contender. His preparation for the season began early, participating in exhibition matches across the Midwest before traveling to Europe for the opening slate of Players Tour events.
In January, Storm made his highly anticipated debut at the 2020 ODF World Championship. Drawn against English veteran Ryan Colgrave in the first round, he impressed with a calm and measured performance, winning 3–1 in sets with an average of 94.7. The match showcased his ability to handle pressure under the bright lights, particularly a 124 checkout on the bull that closed out the second set. In the second round, he faced World No. 6 Darren Knox, a seasoned competitor with a reputation for grinding down inexperienced players. Though Storm lost 4–2, the match was fiercely competitive, and his composure once again drew praise from pundits and fans.
Following his World Championship exit, Storm shifted focus back to the floor circuit. He played 12 of the first 13 Players Tour events, reaching one semi-final and three quarter-finals. His most notable run came at the 2020 Berlin Open, where he defeated four top-32 players before narrowly losing to Alfie Traynor 6–5 in the semis. His scoring power continued to improve, with multiple matches featuring six or more 180s and averages creeping above the 100 mark. Statistically, his three-dart average for the first half of the year stood at 96.8—up nearly two full points from the previous season.
The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the season midway, forcing the cancellation or rescheduling of several ODF events. During this hiatus, Storm became more active online, hosting darts livestreams and participating in remote tournaments organized by the ODF. His streaming sessions gained a small but loyal following, offering fans a more personal look at his practice routines, equipment preferences, and mindset. He also began working with a sports psychologist, citing a desire to sharpen his mental game during the downtime. In interviews, he emphasized that the break was “a chance to reset, refocus, and return even stronger.”
When the circuit resumed in the fall, Storm returned in strong form. At the 2020 Continental Masters, he reached the last 16 for the first time at a televised major, averaging 98.3 across four matches before losing 10–8 to Max Mad in a match that featured six 180s apiece. The performance pushed him to a new career-high ranking of World No. 27. He closed out the year by reaching the quarter-finals at the ODF Invitational Challenge, reinforcing the notion that he was becoming a serious threat in long-format matches.
By the end of 2020, Storm had fully cemented his status as one of the most promising rising players on the tour. His year-end average finished at 96.2, and his checkout accuracy ranked 12th among all Tour Card holders. With another World Championship appearance secured for 2021 and continued upward momentum, Storm entered the new year no longer seen as a developing prospect—but as a player capable of challenging the sport’s elite.
2021: Deep major run and top 20 breakthrough
Storm entered the 2021 season with clear goals—break into the top 20 of the ODF Order of Merit and reach the latter stages of a televised major. His preparation had intensified during the offseason, as he doubled down on fitness, mental coaching, and technical refinement. Speaking in an early-year interview with ODF Insider, Storm stated, “I’ve had the taste of the stage now. But I’m not here to just be solid—I’m here to win.” That intent became clear immediately in January with a commanding performance at the 2021 ODF World Championship.
At the World Championship, Storm was drawn against Sebastian Langley, a dangerous unseeded opponent, in the first round. He opened with a 3–0 victory that included a 103.2 average—the highest of his career at the time. In the second round, he edged past Tobias Griggs in a gritty 4–3 battle, winning the final set 3–2 with a 110 checkout. Storm’s run continued into the quarter-finals after dispatching World No. 8 Craig Ellison in straight sets. Although his journey ended in the semifinals with a 6–2 loss to Logan White, his consistent scoring and ruthless finishing earned him widespread acclaim. It marked his first appearance in the last four of a major and pushed him to World No. 18 by the end of the tournament.
Building on this momentum, Storm started the Players Tour circuit in dominant form. He reached five quarter-finals and two semi-finals in the first 10 events, with one of his most consistent stretches to date. At the 2021 European Darts Open, he produced a flawless 12-darter to close out a deciding leg in the round of 16, drawing a standing ovation. His scoring average across the first half of the year stabilized at 97.4, placing him among the tour’s most efficient players in the scoring phase. Storm’s rise was further solidified with a wildcard invite to the 2021 ODF Champions Cup, where he reached the quarter-finals in his debut.
Off the stage, Storm’s media presence expanded considerably. He signed a long-term endorsement deal with Target Darts, who launched his first official product line—the “Storm Cyclone Series”—to strong commercial reception. His previously modest social media following grew exponentially, and he became a regular feature on ODF digital content. Despite the increasing spotlight, Storm maintained his famously calm demeanor, often attributing his emotional discipline to “treating every match the same, whether it’s a pub leg or a world semi-final.”
The latter part of the season saw more deep runs. At the 2021 Continental Masters, Storm again reached the quarter-finals, this time falling in a deciding leg to Max Mad after missing three match darts. He avenged that loss two weeks later by defeating Mad en route to the final of the 2021 Denver Open, his first televised final. Though he fell short against Alberto Ferrera, Storm’s run was statistically dominant—averaging 100.6 across six matches and recording the tournament’s highest checkout success rate. The performance elevated him to World No. 14 and sparked growing talk of his potential to win a major in the near future.
Storm closed out 2021 with his most successful season to date. He finished the year with a career-best three-dart average of 97.1, eight Top 8 finishes, and over $340,000 in prize money—doubling his earnings from the previous two years combined. His poise in high-pressure matches, growing consistency, and upward trajectory positioned him as a genuine contender for every major going forward. By the time the season ended, Storm was no longer seen as a rising star; he was now firmly recognized as one of the sport’s elite.
2022: Major consistency and elite status
Storm began the 2022 season under the weight of rising expectations. Now firmly ranked inside the top 15 and fresh off a standout 2021 campaign, he was considered by many pundits as a potential major champion in waiting. His preparation included an early trip to Europe to train alongside fellow professionals and an intensive analytics-driven review of his missed doubles from the previous year. Entering the 2022 ODF World Championship as the 9th seed, he was widely tipped for another deep run—and delivered on cue.
In the first three rounds, Storm defeated Erik Volker, George Renley, and Tomasz Jurek with an aggregate score of 12 sets to 4. His third-round victory over Jurek was particularly dominant, featuring eight 180s and a 107.4 average—his highest in a world championship match to date. In the quarter-finals, he faced defending champion Logan White in what was billed as a grudge rematch of their 2021 semi-final clash. Storm pushed the match to a deciding set but was ultimately edged out 5–4 in a tense, high-quality affair. Despite the defeat, his tournament average of 100.2 ranked second overall, and his composure in high-pressure legs once again impressed commentators.
Storm maintained his elite form across the regular season. Between February and August, he reached the semi-finals or better in six out of eleven Players Tour events. His victory at the 2022 Texas Open marked his first floor title, where he defeated Victor Linz 8–5 in the final with a 102.9 average. The win, while not a televised major, broke a long-standing mental barrier for Storm, who had previously fallen short in several late-stage matchups. Interviews following the event revealed a more confident and assertive tone from the American, who stated, “It’s not just about playing well anymore—it’s about winning. I know now that I belong at the very top.”
In the televised majors, Storm reached the semi-finals of the 2022 Continental Masters and the final of the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts. His Grand Slam run was particularly impressive, featuring comeback victories against Max Mad and Ricco van Haalen, before narrowly losing 16–14 to Alex Brow in one of the year’s most talked-about finals. The match featured three 170 checkouts and a combined average of over 101, with Storm holding throw for most of the contest before Brow surged late. The performance was widely regarded as one of Storm’s finest to date and further cemented his place among the sport’s elite.
The second half of the season was defined by consistency. While Storm did not add another title, he posted Top 8 finishes at both the 2022 European Masters and the ODF Invitational, and ended the season as one of only three players with over 30 match wins in televised events. His three-dart average finished at 98.4—the highest of any American player that year—and his checkout percentage over 130 was statistically the most efficient on tour. Analysts praised his evolved game management, describing him as “impossible to rattle” and “the most tactically aware player under 30.”
By the end of 2022, Storm had reached a career-high ranking of World No. 7. His earnings exceeded $500,000 across all competitions, and he became the first American since Craig Ellison in 2015 to hold a Top 8 ranking for more than 20 consecutive weeks. More importantly, he had established a reputation as one of the game’s most dependable big-stage performers. Heading into 2023, the narrative was no longer about whether Storm could win a major—it was about when, and how many.
2023: Breakthrough World Champion
Storm entered 2023 as one of the most feared players on the professional circuit. Ranked World No. 7 and having reached multiple major finals the previous season, he was widely tipped as a top contender for the 2023 ODF World Championship. Drawing upon five years of experience and an increasingly clinical finishing game, he arrived at the Alexandra Palace with a sharpened mindset and a clear objective—to win his first world title.
Seeded sixth, Storm opened his campaign with a straightforward 3–0 victory over Martin Redway, averaging 101.3 and landing six 180s in just nine legs. He followed that with a 4–1 win over Dutchman Hugo Dreijer, where he executed a 170 checkout and hit 48% on his doubles. In the third round, he faced World No. 11 Samuel Broadley, who had been one of the form players of the season. Storm rose to the occasion, winning 4–2 in a match defined by long, punishing legs and a 104.8 average—his highest ever on a world stage at the time.
The quarter-finals saw Storm face Max Mad in what would become one of the tournament’s most-watched matches. Storm surged to a 3–0 set lead before Mad clawed back to level it at 3–3. In the deciding set, Storm held his nerve, hitting a 12-dart leg to close out the match 4–3. He then swept past Victor Linz 6–1 in the semi-finals, playing with unmatched composure and averaging over 102 for a third consecutive match. His spot in the final marked the culmination of years of steady growth, and set the stage for a championship clash against longtime rival Logan White.
The final between Storm and White was immediately framed as a generational showdown. White, a former world champion, was seeking to reclaim his dominance, while Storm was chasing his first title. The match lived up to the billing, with both players trading sets early before Storm pulled away. At 6–5 up, he produced a clinical final set, winning three straight legs with finishes of 68, 100, and 81 to seal a 7–5 victory. His final average of 101.9 and 46% checkout rate were among the best in ODF finals history, and his reaction—a simple fist pump and nod to the crowd—reflected his now-iconic stoicism.
Storm’s world title win was met with universal acclaim. Pundits praised the completeness of his campaign—averaging over 100 in five of six matches, recording the fewest missed doubles of any player in the tournament, and displaying tactical brilliance in his pace and scoring discipline. Former world champions including Craig Ellison and Rafael Turner hailed him as “the future of darts” and “the most disciplined player of the modern era.” The win also made him the first American to lift the trophy since the ODF's reformation in 2012.
Following his triumph, Storm rose to World No. 2 in the ODF Order of Merit, less than £40,000 behind top-ranked White. His signature dart line, the “Storm Cyclone 2.0,” became the best-selling release in Target’s history within a month of launch. With his first world title secured and a wave of media attention building, 2023 was not just the year Storm became champion—it was the year he became the face of the sport.
Storm returned to the tour just four weeks after his World Championship win, and immediately continued his winning form. In his first Players Tour appearance of the year, he reached the final of the 2023 Midwest Classic, defeating four seeded players before narrowly falling 8–6 to Ricco van Haalen. Despite the loss, Storm’s 104.2 tournament average sent a clear message that his world title was no fluke. He followed this with a semi-final appearance at the 2023 European Masters and a quarter-final finish at the 2023 Las Vegas Invitational, maintaining a tour-leading win percentage through the first half of the season.
The defining moment of his post-title campaign came in October at the 2023 ODF Grand Prix. Entering as the No. 2 seed, Storm delivered one of the most dominant tournament performances of the decade. He defeated Alberto Ferrera, Logan White, and Victor Linz in succession without dropping a single set—culminating in a 5–0 demolition of Alex Brow in the final. The match lasted just under 37 minutes and featured four 180s, a 161 checkout, and a 108.5 average—his career-best in a televised final. The Grand Prix win made Storm the first player since 2018 to win both the World Championship and a major ranking event in the same calendar year.
By the end of the season, Storm had added three Players Tour titles to his résumé and appeared in six televised semi-finals or better. He ended the year with a three-dart average of 99.4—the highest on the ODF circuit—and officially reached World No. 1 in November, overtaking White after 11 months at the top. His influence extended beyond results; Storm’s quiet intensity, strategic mastery, and refusal to engage in media theatrics set a new standard for professionalism in the sport. The 2023 season was not just a breakout—it was the full arrival of a generational talent at the peak of his powers.
2024: Premier League dominance and World No. 1 reign
Storm entered 2024 as the reigning world champion, Grand Prix winner, and the sport’s newly crowned World No. 1. With a full calendar of televised majors ahead of him, and global expectations at an all-time high, Storm began the year with relentless focus. In press conferences leading into the season opener, he maintained his usual understated tone, stating, “The goal is to keep improving. One title doesn’t define the ceiling.” Behind the scenes, however, Storm had invested in new coaching staff, video analysis tools, and refined physical training—preparing for the most intense season of his career.
His title defense at the 2024 ODF World Championship was anticipated as the highlight of the early season. Storm began strongly, defeating debutant Noah Kreiger and Dutchman Timo Vos with dominant scorelines, including a 104.7 average in the second round. However, his campaign was unexpectedly cut short in the quarter-finals, where he lost 5–4 to an inspired Alex Brow in a deciding leg thriller. Despite averaging 102.6 and landing eleven 180s, Storm struggled with timing on critical doubles. While the result shocked many fans, he accepted the loss with grace, calling it “a reminder that nobody owns this game.”
The early exit only seemed to sharpen his resolve heading into the 2024 ODF Premier League Darts season. Making his second appearance in the event, Storm began the 16-week league stage in ruthless form. He topped the table with 11 wins from 16 nights, posting an overall leg differential of +42 and the highest 3-dart average across the field. His consistency on Thursdays became a focal point of ODF media coverage, with many analysts referring to him as “untouchable in short-format darts.” He qualified for the playoffs as the clear favorite and backed it up with a resounding 10–5 semi-final win over Logan White.
In the final, Storm faced Max Mad—the only player to beat him twice during the regular season. The matchup proved one-sided. Storm dominated from the outset, hitting a 170 checkout in the third leg and closing out the match 18–12 with a 105.1 average and an 11-dart leg to finish. The victory marked his first Premier League title and added yet another major to his growing legacy. More impressively, he became the first player in ODF history to win the Premier League after being eliminated from the World Championship earlier in the same year.
Throughout the summer, Storm continued to collect results on both the floor and stage. He won back-to-back Players Tour events in June, defeating Samuel Broadley and Ricco van Haalen in consecutive finals, and later claimed the 2024 American Masters in front of a sold-out Chicago crowd. The home-soil triumph held personal significance, as it was the first major event Storm had ever played professionally in his birth city. He called the experience “surreal” and credited the atmosphere for helping him play his best darts of the year, averaging over 101 across all five matches.
In August, Storm competed in the second edition of the ODF World Cup of Darts, this time partnering with rising talent Ethan Steel. The American duo reached the semi-finals, narrowly falling to England’s pairing of Alex Brow and Logan White in a deciding-leg classic. Despite not repeating his 2023 title win, Storm’s leadership of the younger Steel was praised heavily, and his sportsmanship throughout the tournament drew applause from fans across both sides of the Atlantic. It marked one of the few times Storm’s performance was praised more for intangibles than raw statistics.
Storm’s attempt to defend his Grand Prix title ended in the quarter-finals after a stunning 3–1 upset by Victor Linz, who played one of the best matches of his career. While the loss halted any hopes of a title repeat, Storm rebounded quickly by reaching the final of the 2024 Continental Masters, where he again met Logan White. The final went the full distance, with both players averaging over 100 and trading high checkouts throughout. Storm missed a match dart at tops in the 20th leg and ultimately lost 11–10 in one of the year’s most-watched matches. Despite the narrow defeat, his consistency and elite-level performances throughout the season kept him atop the Order of Merit.
As the season wound down, Storm added one final trophy to his shelf with a dominant run at the 2024 ODF Invitational Championship, defeating Craig Ellison in the final. His final average of 104.0 capped off a year where he had posted double-digit ton-plus averages in televised play. He also ended the year with the highest checkout percentage on the ODF circuit and became the first player since 2016 to top the averages chart for two consecutive seasons.
By December, Storm had retained his position as World No. 1 for 51 consecutive weeks, setting a modern-era ODF record for most ranking points in a single season. He closed out 2024 with four titles, including the Premier League, Invitational, and two Players Tour wins, and a yearly three-dart average of 99.9. More than any specific victory, however, it was Storm’s unwavering standard and calm dominance that defined the season. For the second straight year, he was named ODF Player of the Year, becoming only the third player in history to win the award back-to-back.
2025: Second World title and era-defining dominance
Storm entered 2025 at the peak of his powers, widely considered the most complete player in professional darts. With back-to-back Player of the Year awards, the World No. 1 ranking firmly in hand, and unmatched consistency across all formats, expectations for the new season were immense. Rather than shying away from the pressure, Storm embraced it, stating in pre-tournament interviews that he was “still improving” and that “2024 wasn’t the limit—just the beginning.” His target for the year was clear: to reclaim the World Championship and continue reshaping the modern standard for excellence.
At the 2025 ODF World Championship, Storm delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in the tournament’s long history. Opening with a 3–0 rout of qualifier Jackus Ortega, he followed with a 4–0 dismantling of Viktor Renaldi in which he averaged 105.2 and landed nine 180s. His third-round victory over Samuel Broadley was equally ruthless, ending 4–1 with an 81 checkout to seal the final set. In the quarter-finals, he faced Alex Brow in their third world championship meeting—this time exacting revenge for the 2024 loss with a clinical 5–2 win, dropping only five legs.
Storm’s semi-final opponent, teenage phenom Ethan Steel, was riding a wave of momentum after eliminating Logan White in the previous round. The match was billed as a potential generational shift, but Storm shut down that narrative emphatically. He won 6–0 in under an hour, averaging 106.9 and recording a 66% checkout rate—one of the most lopsided semi-finals ever recorded on the Ally Pally stage. His demeanor never changed throughout the onslaught, offering only a nod to the crowd as he advanced to his second world final.
In the final, Storm met Max Mad, a longtime rival with whom he shared a close head-to-head record. The first three sets were tightly contested, but Storm’s accuracy on doubles and his ability to maintain a 100+ average proved decisive. After pulling away in the mid-sets, he closed out the match 7–1 with a 121 checkout in the final leg. It was a staggering display of control, with Storm hitting 13 maximums, averaging 104.4, and not facing a single break of throw. The victory secured his second world title and established him as the first American player in history to win multiple ODF World Championships.
Following his triumph, Storm was praised across the darts world for what many deemed the most complete championship run in the modern era. He became only the fifth player to average over 100 in every match of a world title-winning campaign and ended the tournament with the fewest legs lost since the 32-seed format began. His mental control, precision finishing, and strategic dominance were compared to the peaks of legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. Media outlets dubbed the season “The Year of the Cyclone.”
Storm continued his form in the early months of the season with two Players Tour titles, defeating Tomasz Jurek and Jeroen Klausen in consecutive finals. At the 2025 ODF Premier League Darts, he returned as defending champion and once again topped the table, securing 12 wins across 16 nights. In the playoffs, he swept past Victor Linz 10–3 in the semis but was narrowly defeated in the final by Brow, who edged him 18–16 in a deciding leg thriller. Despite the loss, Storm retained his top ranking and posted the highest tournament average of the field for the second straight year.
In July, Storm teamed with Steel to win the 2025 ODF World Cup of Darts for the United States—the second title of his career in that event. Their chemistry was praised throughout the tournament, and Storm’s guidance of the 17-year-old was credited as vital to their success. The win also marked the first time an American pair had won multiple World Cups, further strengthening Storm’s case as the greatest player to ever represent the U.S. on the international stage.
Storm added another major to his trophy cabinet at the 2025 ODF Continental Masters, where he defeated White in the final with a 10–7 scoreline. The victory came just days after Storm had suffered a rare early-round exit at the Grand Prix—only his third televised match loss of the calendar year. His rebound at the Masters solidified his resilience, and he later cited the defeat as “a useful reminder that no one is above the grind.” The second half of the season also featured two more Players Tour wins, bringing his total career titles across all formats to 26.
By year’s end, Storm had achieved every goal he set. He reclaimed the World Championship, added two more major titles, finished first in the Order of Merit for the third straight season, and once again led the tour in average (100.3) and checkout percentage. He was named ODF Player of the Year for the third consecutive year—a feat only previously matched by Phil Taylor—and ended 2025 with a win rate of 81%. Already a two-time world champion at just 26 years old, Storm’s grip on the sport had transitioned from dominant to era-defining.
2026: Sustained excellence and chasing a third crown
Storm began the 2026 season with a familiar target on his back. As the reigning two-time world champion and world number one for over a year, he entered the new campaign with pressure from rising stars and returning legends alike. Despite the weight of expectations, Storm remained unfazed, telling reporters ahead of the 2026 ODF World Championship that his motivation was “as strong as ever,” and that the third world title was “not a dream—just a matter of when.” His calm self-assurance set the tone for yet another consistent year.
At the World Championship, Storm opened his title defense with back-to-back wins over Jason Tulliver and Fredrik Menzel, both in straight sets. In the third round, he faced a serious test from Polish qualifier Mateusz Krukowski, who pushed the match to five sets before Storm eventually pulled away with three consecutive 14-dart legs. His run continued with a 5–3 victory over Victor Linz in the quarter-finals, where he landed ten maximums and averaged 103.4. In the semi-finals, Storm met Logan White in their most dramatic encounter yet. Despite leading 4–2, Storm was ultimately defeated 6–5 after missing match darts in the deciding set—a rare lapse in what had otherwise been a near-perfect tournament.
The loss marked the first time in his career that Storm had been denied in a World Championship semi-final, and his frustration was visible during the post-match interview. However, he was quick to refocus, stating, “This isn’t the end of anything—it’s just fuel.” True to form, Storm rebounded quickly. Within a month, he had claimed his first title of the year at the 2026 Florida Classic, where he defeated Samuel Broadley 8–4 in the final with a 106 average. He followed that with a deep run in the 2026 ODF Masters, where he reached the semi-finals before falling to a resurgent Max Mad in a last-leg decider.
Storm’s Premier League campaign was his most turbulent to date. After dominating the 2024 and 2025 editions, his 2026 season was plagued by illness and travel fatigue. He finished fourth in the league table, still managing to qualify for the playoffs despite missing two weeks due to a non-COVID respiratory infection. In the semi-finals, he faced White once again, but struggled to find rhythm and was defeated 10–7. It marked the first time Storm had failed to reach the Premier League final, ending a streak of three consecutive appearances in the title match.
Mid-year, Storm returned to top form at the 2026 ODF Grand Slam of Darts, where he captured his first Slam title with a 16–11 win over Alex Brow. The victory was especially significant, as it completed his personal collection of all five major televised ODF events—a feat only three players in history had achieved. His tournament run included a 109.8 average in the quarter-finals, a new career high in a televised major. The win also reestablished Storm’s dominance heading into the final stretch of the season, keeping him atop the Order of Merit despite growing pressure from the next generation.
Storm closed the year with a semi-final at the Continental Masters and a runner-up finish at the ODF Invitational, bringing his tally of televised semi-finals or better to 25. His end-of-year three-dart average stood at 99.0, and he again finished with the highest checkout percentage on tour. Although he did not reclaim the World Championship, his consistency across all formats, resilience in adversity, and unmatched stage presence ensured his reign at the top continued into a fourth consecutive year. Heading into 2027, Storm remained the sport’s gold standard—a master technician still evolving, still winning, and still chasing history.
2027: Rivalries intensify and the title drought begins
Storm entered 2027 with one of the longest-running periods of dominance in modern darts, having held the World No. 1 ranking since late 2023. However, the darts landscape was shifting rapidly. The rise of young stars like Ethan Steel, the continued resurgence of Logan White, and the revitalized form of Max Mad created a fiercely competitive environment at the top. While Storm remained the most consistent player across all formats, 2027 would become his first full season without a televised title, leading many to question whether his iron grip on the sport was beginning to loosen.
At the 2027 ODF World Championship, Storm was once again considered a title favorite and navigated the early rounds with clinical efficiency, defeating Louis Hargrave and Niko Andersen without dropping a set. In the third round, he edged out Kaito Murayama 4–3 in a nervy, scrappy affair that saw both players struggle on doubles. In the quarter-finals, he faced Ethan Steel in what would become a defining encounter. Storm led 4–2 in sets before Steel mounted an incredible comeback, eventually winning 5–4 in a dramatic sudden-death leg. The loss marked Storm’s earliest World Championship exit since 2020 and ended his streak of four consecutive semi-final appearances.
Despite the disappointment, Storm remained composed and defiant in interviews. “If people think this is a downfall, they haven’t been watching closely enough,” he said, pointing to his averages and tournament consistency. His focus turned to the 2027 ODF Premier League Darts, where he qualified automatically for a fourth consecutive year. However, the league campaign proved challenging. Storm failed to win any of the first five nights and was in danger of missing the playoffs entirely for the first time. A late surge saw him win three of the final six nights, narrowly finishing fourth. In the playoffs, he was eliminated in the semi-finals by White, who averaged 106 in a clinical display.
Mid-season, Storm reached back-to-back finals on the Players Tour, but fell short in both against Steel and Jeroen Klausen, respectively. His only title of the year came at the non-televised 2027 Dallas Classic, where he edged past Ricco van Haalen 8–6 in the final. While the win was welcome, it did little to quiet discussion about Storm’s declining title count. For the first time in four seasons, he had gone over 300 days without lifting a major trophy—an unthinkable drought for a player once considered nearly unbeatable.
At the 2027 Grand Prix and Continental Masters, Storm performed admirably but failed to reach the finals. He was knocked out in the quarters of the former by a red-hot Alex Brow, and in the semis of the latter by Steel once again, this time 10–8 after a missed bullseye for a 164 finish. Storm’s numbers remained elite—he ended the year with a 98.6 three-dart average and the second-highest checkout percentage—but his aura of inevitability on the big stage had clearly been dented. The rise of Steel, in particular, was casting a new shadow across the sport.
Storm concluded the season still ranked World No. 1, having defended enough ranking points from his dominant 2025 and 2026 campaigns to hold off Steel and White. However, for the first time in five years, he was no longer considered the outright best player in the world—just one of several at the summit.
2028: Storm strikes back
After a rare titleless campaign in 2027, Storm entered 2028 under renewed scrutiny. For the first time in half a decade, his dominance was no longer taken for granted. Younger players like Ethan Steel and Jeroen Klausen had started to win consistently, and pundits speculated whether Storm’s golden run was truly over. Rather than retreat, Storm embraced the challenge, describing the new year as “an opportunity to shut a few mouths.” His form in early exhibitions suggested renewed energy, and many sensed a comeback on the horizon.
The 2028 ODF World Championship was Storm’s primary focus, and he approached the tournament with laser-sharp intent. After dispatching Marco Trujillo and Fabian Stolz in the early rounds, he met Klausen in the third round—a rematch of their 2027 floor final. Storm produced his best performance in over a year, averaging 105.9 and hitting a 170 checkout en route to a 4–1 win. In the quarter-finals, he swept aside Victor Linz 5–2 with ruthless scoring, setting up a blockbuster semi-final against Steel. This time, Storm controlled the pace, holding throw throughout and winning 6–4 in a clinical display that ended Steel’s unbeaten streak in world championship knockout matches.
In the final, Storm faced a resurgent Logan White in what would become an instant classic. Both players averaged over 102 and traded 12-dart legs, big finishes, and moments of brilliance. Tied at 6–6 in sets, Storm found another gear in the deciding set, closing out the match with legs of 13, 14, and 11 darts to reclaim the title. The 7–6 victory secured his third ODF World Championship and reaffirmed his place among the greatest to ever play the game. It also silenced doubters, as Storm became the first American player in ODF history to win three world titles.
Storm’s return to form continued throughout the year. He claimed his second ODF Grand Prix title in April, defeating Steel once again in a dominant 5–1 final. At the 2028 ODF Premier League Darts, he topped the table with 10 wins and advanced to his fifth playoff final. There, he avenged his 2027 semi-final loss to White with an 18–14 victory, earning him his second Premier League crown. The win also extended his unique record of reaching the playoffs in every season he’s participated.
Over the summer, Storm added the 2028 American Masters to his collection with a 9–3 demolition of Broadley in the final, and reached the finals of both the ODF Continental Masters and ODF World Cup of Darts, though he finished runner-up in both. His three-dart average for the season finished at 100.4—his highest since 2025—and he led the tour in 180s, checkout percentage, and legs won in under 15 darts. For the first time since 2025, Storm was again undisputed World No. 1, reclaiming the top spot from Steel mid-year and holding it through to December.
By the close of 2028, Storm had put together one of the most complete seasons of his career. With three major titles, two more finals, and an emphatic world championship win, he had silenced any remaining critics and reminded the darts world of his enduring brilliance. While the tour had become more competitive, Storm’s ability to rise in the biggest moments had not diminished. As he approached his 30th birthday.
2029: The changing of the guard?
Storm began the 2029 season still on top of the darts world—World No. 1, reigning world champion, and winner of three major titles the year prior. But the field had never been deeper. Ethan Steel had matured into a relentless rival, Jeroen Klausen was now a top-three regular, and 21-year-old prodigy Cal Derwent was beginning to generate serious buzz as the sport’s next breakout star. Storm acknowledged the shift in energy but dismissed the idea of decline, telling reporters, “It’s not about being young or old—it’s about hitting the double first. And I still do that better than most.”
His title defense at the 2029 ODF World Championship began in typically strong fashion, with straight-sets wins over Peter Drayton and Gustavo Neves. In the third round, he faced Derwent in their first-ever televised meeting. The match was electric—Derwent averaged 104 and hit five 180s in a single set, but Storm edged it 4–3 with three ton-plus checkouts in the decider. In the quarter-finals, Storm met White once again in what turned out to be a war of attrition. Storm led 3–1 but eventually lost 5–4, missing two match darts in the final leg. It was his earliest World Championship exit since 2021, and his first ever defeat at the tournament to White.
Storm’s 2029 Premier League campaign started well, with two nightly wins in the first month. However, inconsistency began to creep in, particularly on the double 16 route he had once mastered. He lost four of his last six league nights and finished fifth—missing the playoffs for the first time in his Premier League career. While the darts world didn’t overreact, it marked the first statistical dip in Storm’s televised results in nearly a decade. Steel would go on to win the Premier League, and for the first time since 2023, Storm was no longer the tour’s leading average holder.
Mid-season, Storm bounced back with his 30th career title at the 2029 Florida Masters, defeating Klausen in a 10–8 final that saw both players average over 100. The victory silenced talk of an imminent decline and proved he could still win when it counted. However, losses at the ODF Continental Masters (semi-finals to Steel) and ODF Grand Slam of Darts (quarter-finals to Derwent) underscored the growing difficulty of navigating majors in an increasingly stacked field. Storm’s elite consistency remained, but the days of multi-major seasons appeared to be slipping further into the past.
Later in the year, Storm partnered with Max Mad for what was announced as the latter’s final competitive season. The two reached the final of the 2029 ODF World Cup of Darts for the third time as a duo but lost to England’s team of White and Derwent in a tight 5–4 finale. Though a loss, it was symbolic—Storm, the veteran American icon, going head-to-head against the new wave in front of a global audience. His post-match quote was candid: “If this is the next era, I’m still planning to be in it. Just don’t expect me to move out of the way.”
Storm ended the season ranked World No. 3—his first time outside the top two since 2022. His three-dart average was still world-class at 98.1, and he held the year’s highest finish rate above 130. But 2029 marked something deeper than rankings or stats—it marked the beginning of the post-Storm conversation. The field had caught up. The crown was no longer worn by one man. Yet even as Steel, Klausen, and Derwent ascended, one truth remained clear: Storm was not gone, not finished, and not afraid. He was still in the arena—still dangerous, still precise, and still a storm.
Playing style and persona
Storm is known for his calm, deliberate approach on the oche and his near-mechanical consistency in high-stakes moments. Unlike more explosive players, Storm throws with a balanced stance, favoring a compact, shoulder-driven release with minimal body sway. His rhythm is moderately paced and deliberate, allowing him to control the tempo of matches, especially against faster throwers like Ethan Steel. He often slows down important legs intentionally, particularly when holding throw in deciding sets, and is known to walk back from the oche without eye contact, reinforcing his “silent storm” persona.
He is recognized for his exceptional finishing accuracy, particularly on combinations between 81–130, where he has historically led the ODF circuit in success rate. Analysts have repeatedly praised his ability to recover from missed doubles, with Storm often stringing together multiple 12- or 13-dart legs immediately after an error. He rarely reacts emotionally during matches and is known to reset his composure with a single deep breath between throws. His style is built more on control and pressure than outright power scoring, though he remains a consistent 180-hitter in longer formats.
Some of Storm’s most iconic moments include winning the 2023 World Championship after dropping just three sets in the entire tournament, and his performance in the 2025 semi-final against Ethan Steel, where he averaged 106.9 and closed out the match with back-to-back 12-dart legs. Another widely celebrated stretch came in the 2028 World Championship final, where Storm won the final set in 13, 14, and 11 darts against Logan White, delivering what many commentators called “the greatest deciding set ever played.”
Storm’s temperament and professionalism have drawn comparisons to legends like Dennis Priestley and Raymond van Barneveld. Fellow players, including Max Mad, have described him as “unreadable” on stage. His ability to maintain peak performance across five-set and nine-set matches has made him one of the sport’s most feared opponents in major knockout tournaments.
He does not celebrate legs loudly and avoids theatrical reactions. Instead, he typically responds to key finishes with a slow nod or a quiet fist-clench, maintaining a stoic demeanor regardless of the scoreline. His refusal to engage in gamesmanship or celebratory taunting has earned him both respect and criticism—some fans admire his discipline, while others find his lack of visible passion “robotic.” Storm has acknowledged this, stating, “I don’t play for cameras—I play to win.”
Since 2022, Storm has worn a custom charcoal-and-silver jersey featuring a minimalist cyclone emblem on the chest and shoulder. The color scheme and branding have become a visual trademark of his identity on stage, leading fans and commentators to refer to him as “The Cyclone” in both nickname and aesthetic.
Equipment
Storm uses a customized set of 24g Target Storm Signature Darts, which feature a hybrid pixel-ring grip pattern designed for a tight, consistent release. His dart setup also includes short nylon stems and slim black flights, optimized for a compact flight path. He was signed to Target Darts in 2022, and his signature range quickly became a best-seller following his first World Championship.
Personal life
Outside of darts, Storm is a private individual who rarely makes media appearances. He continues to reside in Chicago, where he maintains a quiet lifestyle with close friends and family. During his downtime, he enjoys playing chess and is an active member of the online gaming community, occasionally livestreaming turn-based strategy games to a modest following. He has spoken openly about the importance of focus and mental clarity, crediting meditation and sports psychology as key elements of his success on stage.
Legacy
Despite being only in his mid-20s, Storm is already widely considered one of the most influential players of his generation. His quick rise, consistency across majors, and unmatched composure under pressure have made him a benchmark for aspiring professionals. Former champions and commentators alike have compared his stage presence to legends of the sport, and many believe he is on course to become one of the greatest players in the history of darts if his current form continues over the coming decade.
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References