Dave Chisnall Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Dave Chisnall

David “Dave” Chisnall is a prominent English professional darts player, widely recognized for his heavy-scoring prowess and as a consistent contender in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Nicknamed “Chizzy,” he first made a significant impact in the darts world as the runner-up in the 2010 British Darts Organisation (BDO) World Championship. The following year, he transitioned to the more lucrative PDC circuit, where he has since become a formidable force. Known for his rapid throwing style and his ability to hit maximums (180s) frequently, Chisnall has captured numerous PDC Pro Tour and European Tour titles. While a major televised title has eluded him, he has reached the final of several premier events, including the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and the Masters, solidifying his reputation as one of the elite players in the sport.

Dave Chisnall Overview

Early Life and Education of Dave Chisnall

David Chisnall was born in St Helens, Merseyside, England, on September 12, 1980. Growing up, his initial sporting passion was football, a game he played until a broken foot at the age of 17 steered him towards darts. His introduction to the sport was casual, starting with games in local pubs like the Church Tavern in St Helens after a friend invited him to play for a team. Chisnall’s natural talent was immediately apparent; he famously hit a 180 with his very first three darts. This early success fueled his interest, and he began playing more competitively, eventually moving on to county-level darts. There is not much publicly available information regarding his formal education, as his focus shifted towards honing his skills on the dartboard, a decision that would ultimately shape his professional career.

Dave Chisnall’s Career

Dave Chisnall’s professional darts journey began in the British Darts Organisation (BDO), where he started to make a name for himself. His early career saw him win several titles, including the BDO Gold Cup in 2007 and the Isle of Man Open in 2008. His breakthrough moment came at the 2010 BDO World Darts Championship, where he embarked on a remarkable run to the final, ultimately losing to Martin Adams. This performance announced his arrival on the world stage.

In January 2011, Chisnall made the pivotal decision to switch to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), earning his Tour Card through the inaugural Q-School. He adapted to the higher level of competition with impressive speed. In his debut year, he won a Players Championship event and was named the PDC Best Newcomer for 2011. The following year, 2012, was even more successful; he won five Players Championship titles and was voted the PDC Pro Tour Player of the Year. A career highlight from this period was his stunning 4-1 victory over the legendary 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor in the second round of the 2012 PDC World Championship.

Over the subsequent years, “Chizzy” has cemented his status as one of the world’s top players. He is renowned for his phenomenal scoring ability, making him one of the most prolific 180-hitters in the game. This scoring power has led him to numerous finals of major televised PDC tournaments, though the ultimate victory in one of these premier events has proven elusive. He has been the runner-up in the World Grand Prix (2013, 2019), the Grand Slam of Darts (2014), the Masters (2016, 2022), and the Players Championship Finals (2016). His best performance at the PDC World Championship was a run to the semi-finals in 2021.

Despite the lack of a major televised title, Chisnall’s career is decorated with a multitude of other victories. He is a serial winner on the PDC’s floor tournaments and the European Tour. As of late 2024, he has amassed 18 Players Championship titles and eight European Tour titles, making him one of only four players to reach that number of European Tour wins. His consistency has kept him as a fixture in the upper echelons of the PDC Order of Merit for over a decade, reaching a peak ranking of world number five.

Dave Chisnall Personal Life & Family

Dave Chisnall maintains a relatively private personal life away from the high-pressure environment of the darts circuit. He is a family man, married to Michaela Chisnall (formerly Davis). His wife, Michaela, also plays darts, and the couple fittingly met at a darts tournament, the St. Anne’s Open, in 2008. They tied the knot on January 14, 2017, in a ceremony held in Morecambe, where the couple resides. The wedding had a subtle darts theme, with the vicar humorously calling the couple to the “oche” instead of the altar.

The couple has two children. Their first child, a daughter named Lexie Rose, was born in September 2011. A decade later, in October 2021, they welcomed their second child, a son named Parker Owen. Chisnall has spoken about the difficulty of balancing his professional career with family life, particularly after the passing of his mother, who he described as his biggest fan. He dedicated his first tournament win after her death, the 2022 Belgian Darts Open, to her memory. Originally from St Helens, Chisnall now lives with his family in Morecambe, Lancashire. He is also a known supporter of Liverpool Football Club.

Awards and Achievements of Dave Chisnall

• BDO World Championship Runner-up: 2010
• World Grand Prix Runner-up: 2013, 2019
• Grand Slam of Darts Runner-up: 2014
• The Masters Runner-up: 2016, 2022
• Players Championship Finals Runner-up: 2016
• PDC World Championship Semi-Finalist: 2021
• UK Open Semi-Finalist: 2012
• Premier League Darts Semi-Finalist: 2015
• Players Championship Titles: 18 wins
• European Tour Titles: 8 wins (including Baltic Sea Darts Open, Dutch Darts Championship, Hungarian Darts Trophy, Belgian Darts Open, European Darts Open, Flanders Darts Trophy)
• PDC Best Newcomer: 2011
• PDC Pro Tour Player of the Year: 2012
• Televised Nine-Dart Finish: 2015 Grand Slam of Darts

Dave Chisnall Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Dave Chisnall’s net worth is estimated to be around £3 million. This wealth has been accumulated primarily through prize money from a long and successful career in professional darts. Having been a consistent top-tier player since joining the PDC in 2011, his career earnings have surpassed the £3 million mark. The PDC Order of Merit, which ranks players based on prize money won over a two-year period, reflects his consistent earning power. For instance, his earnings for the two-year period leading into late 2025 were £387,500. His biggest paydays have come from deep runs in major tournaments, such as the £100,000 he earned for reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 PDC World Darts Championship. In addition to tournament winnings, Chisnall’s income is supplemented by sponsorship agreements, most notably with darts manufacturer Harrows, and appearance fees from exhibition events.

Legacy and Influence

Dave Chisnall has carved out a significant legacy in the world of professional darts as one of the most exciting and powerful scorers of his generation. While a major televised PDC title has remained just out of his grasp, his influence is defined by his relentless consistency and his ability to compete at the highest level for over a decade. He is widely regarded as one of the best players to have not won a major, a testament to both his immense talent and the incredibly high standard of competition during his era. His rapid-fire, aggressive throwing style makes him a fan favorite and a thrilling player to watch. Chisnall’s success after transitioning from the BDO to the PDC served as an inspiration for other players looking to make the same move, demonstrating that it was possible to quickly establish oneself among the elite. Fellow professionals respect his scoring prowess, and he is known for his friendly demeanor and good sportsmanship, contributing to a positive image off the oche.

Interesting Facts about Dave Chisnall

• He hit a 180 with his first three darts he ever threw.
• Before committing to darts, he was a keen footballer until he broke his foot at age 17.
• His walk-on music for televised events is “Dizzy” by Vic Reeves and The Wonder Stuff.
• He hit his first televised nine-dart finish at the 2015 Grand Slam of Darts against Peter Wright.
• In a 2017 World Championship quarter-final against Gary Anderson, Chisnall hit 21 180s, which at the time was the joint-highest ever recorded in a PDC match.
• His wife, Michaela, is also a darts player, and they compete in the same local league in Morecambe.
• He was named after another St Helens sporting figure, rugby league player Dave Chisnall.

Controversies

Dave Chisnall’s career has been notably free of any major controversies. He is generally viewed as a professional and well-respected figure on the circuit. The only minor incident of note occurred during the 2022 PDC World Darts Championship when he was forced to withdraw from the tournament ahead of his third-round match after testing positive for COVID-19. This was a significant blow as he was in good form, but the withdrawal was a result of health protocols in place at the time and not due to any personal wrongdoing.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram: Not publicly available
• Twitter: @ChizzyChisnall
• YouTube: Not publicly available

Final Words about Dave Chisnall

Dave Chisnall remains a formidable and highly respected competitor in the world of professional darts. His career, built on a foundation of relentless scoring and a multitude of tournament wins, stands as a testament to his enduring talent and dedication. While the quest for that elusive first major televised title continues, his status as one of the sport’s elite players is undeniable. Known affectionately as “Chizzy,” his exciting style of play and his reputation as a friendly and grounded professional have earned him a strong and loyal fanbase. As he continues to compete at the highest level, his powerful throw and unwavering determination ensure that he remains a constant threat in every tournament he enters, with the darting world ever-watchful for the moment he finally lifts one of the sport’s biggest trophies.