Justin Hood, who captured hearts at the World Darts Championship last winter, has opened up about the harsh realities of sudden fame, including a surge in online abuse. The 33-year-old English darts player became a fan favourite at Alexandra Palace with his entertaining walk-ons and impressive performances, but the spotlight has brought unwanted attention.
From Anonymous to Target
Before the World Championship, Hood was relatively unknown on the professional tour. Now, he says recognition is constant. “I used to get recognised once in a blue moon, now it’s every time you go out to practise. It’s nice, but it’s difficult sometimes,” Hood told Metro. However, the increased visibility has also led to a flood of hate messages. “If you lose, some of the stuff we get, it’s just horrible really, but it’s part of it, I suppose,” he added.
Hood revealed that the abuse has taken a toll on his mental health, prompting him and his partner to consider stepping back from social media. “I spoke to my partner about it and we’re probably going to come off the socials soon and just let her run Instagram. It puts a downer on your day when you’re trying your best out there and it’s not working,” he said. He noted that the criticism often turns personal, affecting his family. “There’s not a harsher critic in the world than a dart player on themselves when they lose. It is hard to read it sometimes, especially when they’re getting a bit personal about your family and stuff like that. It does affect your mental health after a while.”
World Championship Run and Financial Relief
Hood’s debut at the World Championship was remarkable. He beat Nicky Kenny in the first round, stunned sixth seed Danny Noppert with a 103 average, then defeated Ryan Meikle and hammered Josh Rock 4-0 before losing to Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals. The run earned him £100,000, alleviating the financial fears that had plagued him. “It’s been nice having to not go to events thinking ‘I’ve got to win this now to pay my bills’,” Hood said. “Last year I lost three or four games in a row over the space of two months. I was like, ‘How am I going to afford rent next month?’ Then, luckily, you win a few games and pick some money up.”
Since the World Championship, Hood has reached the final of a Players Championship for the first time. While he is satisfied with his form, the constant abuse remains a challenge. “We’re part of the top 128 players in the world. I could go all year without winning much and I’m still playing a decent level,” he said. “I still get a lot of friendly messages and people encouraging you and it’d be a shame that I don’t get to see all that. But there’s only so much you can take before you want to come off it.”
Chinese Restaurant Dream and Nickname Change
Hood’s ambition to open a Chinese restaurant, a topic that went viral during the World Championship, remains alive. “My manager is looking into all of it at the moment. It’s been so busy since the Worlds that we haven’t had time to sit down and sort anything out. But it’s definitely going to happen. Just not 100 per cent sure when,” he said. He joked that fellow darts stars Luke Humphries and Luke Littler might be partners in the venture.
Another change is his nickname. The moniker “Happy Feet,” inspired by a story of borrowing oversized shoes that made him look like a penguin, has been replaced by “Pocket Rocket” after Warner Bros raised objections. “I got told it was Warner Brothers weren’t too happy, apparently. It went so viral at the Worlds, with me messing about and that. I think they cottoned on and we weren’t allowed it. We’re not going to argue with them!” Hood explained.
Looking ahead, Hood is confident he can replicate his World Championship success. “I’m never surprised at what I do. I know how good I am. It’s just it’s nice to prove it sometimes. I know if I can put the time in, I can be a top 16 player in the world,” he said.
