Justin Hood's remarkable journey to the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship is the most heartwarming tale of the 2026 tournament. The 32-year-old debutant extended his extraordinary run at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday.
He thrashed one of the pre-tournament favourites, Josh Rock, 4-0 in the fourth round. In what ranks among the finest displays in World Championship history, Hood nailed 11 doubles consecutively and nearly achieved 12, narrowly missing double 16 when throwing for the match.
The Somerset arrow-slinger, who takes on Gary Anderson in the last eight on New Year's Day, hasn't just wowed with his performances at Ally Pally. He's also charmed fans with his captivating interviews and his inspiring rise from humble beginnings...
How tall is Justin Hood?Hood stands at 5ft 4in, placing him amongst the smallest competitors on the circuit. Hood has made light of his stature, joking that he occasionally struggles to retrieve his darts, particularly when they land in the double 20 section.
Following his victory over Danny Noppert in the third round, he remarked: "I know how good I am and how good I can be, but it's hard to reach the darts and I am too short. It's a nightmare!"
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Does Justin Hood have a job?Hood held several jobs before turning professional by securing a PDC Tour card through Q-School at the beginning of 2025. He grafted in a warehouse for a decade before relocating to a hotel with his partner, where they both served as night porters.
"I'd do four days, she did three days. We stayed above it," said Hood, who then risked the pair's life savings to have a go at Q-School. "I jacked that in, in the middle of November 2024, for Q School. I took the gamble, spent all our savings on a hotel down in Milton Keynes for eight weeks, and it paid off.
"It wasn't the best experience in the cheapest hotel I could find, but I said, 'We've got to take the gamble.' I put all my time into it and it has paid off."
What will Justin Hood do with his prize money?Now guaranteed at least £100,000 for reaching the quarter-finals, Hood can contemplate fulfilling his dream of owning a Chinese restaurant. On his love of Chinese food, he said: "I just love Chinese food. How long has it been a dream for? 15 years. We're getting closer, though."
Before defeating Rock, he told talkSPORT: "It's coming, I said if I can reach the £60,000 round [fourth round], that's enough. Luke Humphries said he would buy in with me, and I'm going to hold him to that."
After the match, he confirmed: "I think we're there, I don't have a choice now."
If he pulls off another upset by defeating Anderson, Hood will have even more money to invest in his culinary venture, as he will be guaranteed £200,000. The tournament runner-up will receive £400,000, while the winner will pocket a record £1million.
What is Justin Hood's nickname? Hood also possesses one of the most entertaining monikers in the darting world - Happy Feet - which pays homage to the hit film featuring a tap-dancing penguin. The nickname originated from an unfortunate footwear blunder at a tournament.
He recalled: "At county [level], you've got to wear black trousers and black shoes. I went up there with trainers on, and wasn't allowed to wear them. I've got size nine feet.
"I had to borrow my mate's size 13s. Went on stage, toed the oche, and it looked like flippers. They just bent back. Ever since then, it was Happy Feet and it's just stuck. After the film, the penguins."
