It takes a village to raise a world champion player.

That village is the town of St Helens, between Liverpool and Manchester. Growing up in a close knit working-class family, darts is in Michael’s blood. Both parents played – his mother Sandra throwing when pregnant with their son. And the family saga continues, with Michael playing to win, as much for his wife and kids as himself. Life away from the dart scene for Michael is tranquil one. Residing on a farm in Cheshire with wife Dagmara and sons Michael Junior and Kaspar, the Smith family enjoy the peaceful lifestyle of tending to their land and animals, including their six dogs.

The champion has always had a tribe in his corner: from the mum who played darts while pregnant with him, to the pub regulars where he still plays when on home turf.  Shot chose Michael Smith, because we see in him the value we hold dear – that family is everything, grit and tenacity always pay off, and there’s no substitute for experience.