Man Who Produced First Ever TV Nine-Dart Finish Received Life-Changing Prize

The man who produced the first-ever televised nine-darter was handed a life-changing prize.

Over the years, we have been treated to stunning nine-dart finishers, most notably during the PDC World Darts Championship.

During last year's tournament, Christian Kist hit the first nine-darter and received a £60,000 bonus from tournament sponsor Paddy Power.

Australian star Damon Heta then achieved the same feat in a third-round match.

The most memorable nine-dart leg in recent history occurred during the 2023 final, when Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith were both on a nine.

Van Gerwen missed his ninth before Smith successfully took out 141.

Back in 1984, John Lowe became the first man to achieve a televised nine-darter during the MFI World Matchplay event in Slough, England.

Lowe, who was playing against Keith Deller, hit two 180s before finishing 141 with treble 17, treble 18 and double 18 to complete his perfect leg.

In his own words, it was a moment that changed his life forever. "I still feel privileged to be the one to make history," he said on the 30th anniversary of his achievement. "I didn't have to think about the 141. I had rehearsed this in practice and in my head so many times."

John Lowe made history back in 1984. Image: Getty

How much did he earn for making history?

Lowe earned a mind-blowing amount of £102,000. In fact, the sum he received would be worth around £325,000 in 2025 when adjusted according to inflation.

Back in 2021, Lowe spoke about the repercussions of hitting the first televised nine-dart finish.

“It’s been done a few times on TV now, but in 1984 mine was massive," he told Oche, as per DartsNews.

“It took darts to a new level. Especially because sport is measured by money. I picked up over £100,000 for that nine-darter in the same year that John McEnroe won Wimbledon and received £90,000 – while Seve Ballesteros won The Open and got £60,000."

Lowe added: "It was a lot of money then, it’s probably like a million quid today. I went into the hotel bar in Slough and told the barman to give everyone a bottle of champagne. Then we had a party and believe me we drank the place dry – it was the biggest moment in my career.”