Wayne Mardle, the darts legend, has taken on a new role as a commentator and pundit for Sky Sports, becoming the face of the sport on the channel.
Famous for his Hawaiian shirts and lively dance moves, Mardle is back on the microphone for the Premier League Darts, which kicked off last week.
He earned the nickname Hawaii 501, a play on the TV series Hawaii Five-O, after losing a bet and beginning to wear Hawaiian shirts.
Mardle’s love for darts began at a young age when his father taught him to play, and he won his first competition at the Double Top pub on his 13th birthday. He has since had a successful career in the sport, first as a professional player, then transitioning to a commentator and pundit.
Mardle, who now also works as a professional speaker and has established the Wayne Mardle School of Darts, started commentating at the 2011 PDC World Darts Championship. He ventured into this career alongside legends of the game such as Sid Waddell and Dave Clark.
Before showcasing his expertise as a commentator and pundit, Mardle had an impressive career as a professional player, reaching the world championship semi-finals five times. In a candid interview with the Guardian, he revealed the pressures of playing and his decision to stop, stating, “I can honestly say I was fraught with the pressure and the tension.”
Mardle, who famously produced an iconic piece of commentary during the 2023 PDC World final, is married to Donna Mardle, with whom he has no children. He often keeps his private life out of the public domain, emphasizing that their life revolves around their beloved dog, Sherlock.
