Dean Winstanley

Born on February 10, 1981, Dean Winstanley, known as ‘Over The Top’, began playing darts actively at the age of 22, turning professional in 2008. His early career saw immediate success in the British Darts Organisation (BDO), where he secured significant titles such as the German Open, England Open, and Belgium Open in 2010. These achievements propelled him into the spotlight, culminating in a remarkable run to the final of the 2011 BDO World Championship in his debut appearance, where he finished as runner-up to Martin Adams. He continued his strong performance in the BDO by also reaching the final of the 2011 World Masters, further cementing his reputation as a formidable player in the darts community.

In 2012, Winstanley transitioned to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), earning his tour card through Q School. This move marked a new chapter in his career, where he swiftly made an impact, reaching his first PDC major semi-final at the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts. One of his most memorable career highlights occurred during the 2013 PDC World Championship, where he achieved a televised nine-dart finish against Vincent van der Voort, an exceptional feat in professional darts. Throughout his PDC tenure, Winstanley consistently participated in major tournaments, including the World Championship, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and UK Open, showcasing his consistent performance at the elite level.

His career progression included reaching the last 16 at the PDC World Championship in 2015 and a quarter-final appearance at the Players Championship Finals in 2014, demonstrating his capability to compete with the world’s best. After falling outside the top 64 in the world rankings and a suspension in 2016, Winstanley’s focus shifted, though he remains a recognized figure in darts history, particularly for his nine-dart finish and consistent performances across both major darts organizations.