Bizarre interruption leaves Ally Pally crowd reacting mid world darts championship
A tournament known for unpredictability
The World Darts Championship returns to Alexandra Palace each December, bringing packed stands, elaborate fancy dress and a lively atmosphere that has become part of the event’s identity.
According to Sky Sports, alongside the sporting drama, the 2025 tournament has also featured an unusual recurring distraction, a wasp that has repeatedly appeared on stage during matches and post match interviews.
Early sightings during the opening rounds
The insect first drew notice during defending world champion Luke Littler’s post match interview after his opening round victory over Darius Labanauskas on December 11, according to Sky Sports. Littler was briefly forced to pause as the wasp hovered nearby.
It later appeared during Ross Smith’s match against Andreas Harrysson, where Smith seemed largely unaware of it. Rob Cross was also seen brushing it off when it landed on his shoulder during a live interview, Sky Sports coverage showed.
Read also: Patriots pause game day as shootings in U.S. and Australia shock communities worldwide
Ted Evetts encountered the wasp during his match against world number two Luke Humphries, flicking it away as cameras continued to follow the action, according to Sky Sports.
An unexpected moment during live play
The most dramatic incident occurred during Nitin Kumar’s match against Richard Veenstra on December 14. According to Sky Sports Darts, commentators noticed the wasp flying close to the stage during the early legs.
As Kumar released a dart, television footage captured the moment it struck the insect in mid air, prompting immediate reaction from both the commentary team and the crowd inside Alexandra Palace.
Footage of the incident quickly circulated online, with fans joking that the insect had become an unofficial feature of the tournament.
Read also: Van Dijk says Liverpool ‘go forward as one’ as Salah rejoins squad
A milestone performance for kumar
Despite the brief interruption, the match carried wider significance. Kumar went on to defeat Veenstra, becoming the first Indian player to record a match win at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, according to Sky Sports.
While the unusual incident captured attention, the result ensured the evening would be remembered primarily for its place in darts history.
Sources: Sky Sports, Sky Sports Darts
Read also: Darts meltdown shocks Ally Pally as bloody aftermath overshadows world championship clash
Read also: Everyone is talking about a Barcelona takeover, but this detail is raising eyebrows
