Professional darts star Joe Cullen has made a startling confession about how his 'Rockstar' nickname almost derailed his career before it truly began. The Bradford-born player revealed that his partying lifestyle during his early twenties nearly cost him his place in the sport's elite circles.
The Party Lifestyle That Threatened Everything
In an exclusive tell-all interview, Cullen explained how his hard-partying ways during his youth directly impacted his performance on the oche. "I was probably going out four times a week at one point," the 34-year-old admitted. "I was living up to the 'Rockstar' nickname a bit too much."
The consequences were severe and immediate. Cullen described how his ranking plummeted from inside the world's top 32 to barely clinging to his professional tour card. "I went from 31 in the world to nearly losing my tour card," he revealed, highlighting the dramatic fall from grace that served as his wake-up call.
The Turning Point That Saved His Career
The reality check came when Cullen realised he was risking everything he'd worked for. "I was going out on a Saturday night and playing the World Championship on a Sunday afternoon," he recalled. The turning point arrived when he understood that his lifestyle was incompatible with professional success.
"I had to grow up," Cullen stated frankly. "I realised that if I wanted to make a career out of darts, I had to knuckle down." This moment of clarity prompted a complete lifestyle overhaul that would ultimately transform his career trajectory.
From Nearly Washed Up to Premier League Star
The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Since committing to professionalism, Cullen has achieved career-high rankings and secured coveted spots in the PDC Premier League. His dedication to the sport has paid dividends, proving that talent alone isn't enough without the right mindset and discipline.
Now balancing family life with his professional commitments, Cullen represents the new generation of darts professionals who treat the sport with the seriousness it deserves. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration to aspiring players everywhere.
Cullen's journey from party-loving prospect to established professional demonstrates that in the high-pressure world of professional darts, talent must be matched with dedication to reach the very top.
