In a stunning and unexpected announcement, former PDC Tour champion Paul Nicholson has confirmed his retirement from professional darts. The revelation came not through a formal statement, but live on air while he was providing commentary for a darts event.
A Surprise Mid-Match Declaration
The 46-year-old, famously nicknamed 'The Asset', was working on the MODUS Super Series broadcast when he decided the time was right to share his decision with the world. Nicholson disclosed that he had never spoken the words out loud until that very moment, telling viewers, "I can actually tell you, at this point in time, I've never said this out loud until now, I am retired. I have decided to not play darts anymore."
He elaborated that the choice was cemented over the recent new year period, confirming, "I am 100 per cent media now and I've decided not to play darts anymore." The announcement was made during coverage of a Seniors Showdown clash between Johnny Haines and Terry Jenkins.
Peak Years and Memorable Rivalries
Nicholson's career peak arrived around 2010-2012. His crowning achievement was winning his sole televised title at the 2010 Players Championship. He followed this by reaching the final of the 2011 Championship League and was a runner-up at the 2012 World Cup of Darts, representing his adopted country, Australia.
The Newcastle-born player was also known for his flamboyant persona and theatrical stage entrances, often casting himself as a pantomime villain who revelled in crowd reaction. He cultivated a notable, if short-lived, rivalry with darts legend Phil 'The Power' Taylor.
Their most famous encounter came at the 2011 UK Open, where Nicholson memorably defeated Taylor to reach the quarter-finals and gestured him off the stage. Taylor later described Nicholson as "very, very silly" for the act. The 16-time world champion then dominated their rivalry, winning the next 14 consecutive matches against 'The Asset'.
Sliding from the Spotlight and a Final Farewell
While the news confirms the end of an era, it may not come as a complete shock to followers of the sport. Nicholson has not featured on the PDC circuit since 2019, when he opted to skip Q School to work on his game. A much-anticipated comeback never materialised, and he has now drawn a permanent line under his playing days.
Having experienced how quickly a player can fall from the elite level, Nicholson will now channel his deep knowledge and natural flair for performance entirely into his media career. Fans of the sport have not heard the last of his distinctive voice, but they will no longer see him throwing competitively on the oche.
His retirement marks the close of a 16-year professional chapter defined by one major title, a fiery rivalry, and an unforgettable character who embraced the drama of the game.
