Saturday, July 18, 2026
Column 719
John Lowe MBE – the Classiest Man in Darts
I first met John Lowe in the mid-1990s at an exhibition he and Cliff Lazerenko staged on Cape Cod following the Witch City Open. Like just about every player in the room, I was a little awestruck.
At the time, I never could have imagined how often our paths would cross over the next three decades. John slaughtered me once at the North American. We shared some pints. We even co-authored a couple of columns together. Somewhere along the way, one of the greatest players ever to throw a dart became a friend.
What I also could have never imagined was that one day I’d be reflecting on his final exhibition.
John Lowe has always been one of the true gentlemen of our sport. Quiet, gracious and unfailingly generous with his time, he carried himself with a dignity that earned him admiration far beyond his extraordinary achievements at the oche.
John’s accomplishments have been recited so often they’ve become part of darts folklore. Three world championships – in three different decades. The first televised nine-dart finish. More major titles than most players can dream to achieve. An MBE. A place in the PDC Hall of Fame.
But that’s not why I’ll remember him.
I’ll remember the gentleman.
In a sport that has produced its share of colorful characters, loud personalities and oversized egos, John Lowe somehow managed to become perhaps the most respected man ever to stand at the oche. He treated world champions, pub players, promoters, fans and journalists exactly the same – with warmth, patience, humility and genuine respect.
He represented darts the way every governing body should expect its champions to represent the sport. 
On August 21st, in his hometown of Chesterfield, John will throw his final exhibition. Fittingly titled “The Farewell Tour,” it will also coincide with the release of his memoir, Here I Go Again. There will be speeches, memorabilia, Steve Beaton sharing the stage, and one last opportunity to watch Old Stoneface toe the line.
It feels like the end of an era. It is the end of an era.
Thankfully, John’s legacy won’t be measured only by the trophies he lifted or the records he set. It will be measured by the countless players he inspired, the friendships he forged, and the dignity with which he carried himself for more than half a century.
There have been other champions. There have been bigger characters.
But there has never been a classier man to represent the sport than John Lowe.
Stay thirsty, my friends,
Dartoid
