At the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, English debutant Justin Hood delivered one of the defining performances of the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals after a stunning 4–0 win over 11th seed Josh Rock. The victory was sealed with a championship record of 11 consecutive successful doubles, underlining Hood’s clinical finishing on the sport’s biggest stage.
Entering his first World Championship with little public expectation, Hood has rapidly emerged as one of the competition’s standout stories. Against Josh Rock, a seeded and widely respected contender, the Englishman showed remarkable composure, dominating key legs and converting opportunities with ruthless efficiency. His finishing accuracy set a new benchmark for the tournament and drew widespread praise from commentators.
Speaking after the match, Hood rejected the idea that his run was purely a surprise, stating that he trusted his own ability and embraced the chance to prove himself under the bright lights of Ally Pally. His performance statistics reflected that confidence, combining solid scoring phases with near-perfect execution on the doubles.
The significance of the win extended beyond sporting achievement. By progressing to the quarter-finals, Justin Hood secured a substantial prize sum, bringing him closer to a long-held personal ambition: opening his own Chinese restaurant. This off-stage goal has become a notable part of his story and has helped him connect with fans following his rapid rise.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, Hood now stands among the elite remaining players, with potential opponents including former world champions and established title contenders. Regardless of how far he ultimately goes, the 2025/26 World Darts Championship will be remembered as the event where Justin Hood announced himself at the highest level of professional darts.
