The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has officially prohibited Australian qualifier Tim Pusey from using his long-standing nickname, “The Magnet,” at the upcoming 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The 33-year-old from Queensland, who secured his debut at the tournament after finishing top of the Australian Darts Association (ADA) Tour rankings in September 2025, confirmed the decision during an interview with DartsTV on October 23. While Pusey admitted he was disappointed, he also said he understood the PDC’s policy against any nicknames considered offensive, inappropriate, or potentially misunderstood.
Pusey, who represented Australia at the 2025 World Cup of Darts alongside Simon Whitlock, now faces the task of selecting a new nickname before his first-round match against an international qualifier. The tournament, expanded to a 128-player field, begins on December 15, 2025.
The decision has generated mixed reactions from fans—some labelling it unnecessary, while others praised the PDC for maintaining its family-friendly image. It follows a similar incident in 2023 involving Owen Bates, who was asked to drop his nickname “The Master” for regulatory reasons.
The Nickname Controversy
Pusey’s stage name, originally adopted as a lighthearted nod to his engaging personality, became popular during his remarkable 2025 ADA Tour campaign, where he captured three titles and averaged 96.5 across 15 matches.
However, the PDC’s Code of Conduct explicitly states that all nicknames must be appropriate for all audiences and free from language or meanings that could be interpreted as offensive. Officials deemed Pusey’s nickname inconsistent with those guidelines.
“I’ll have to come up with something new—it’s unfortunate, but I understand their position,” Pusey told DartsTV. “Fans really enjoyed it, but I’m sure they’ll get behind whatever name I use next.”
He even hinted at potential replacements like “The Aussie Arrow” or “Pusey Power,” encouraging fans to send in suggestions on social media.
This isn’t the first time the PDC has made such a ruling. Two years ago, Owen Bates faced a similar situation ahead of his World Championship debut. The PDC’s consistency in enforcing its naming rules shows its commitment to keeping the sport professional, inclusive, and appropriate for all audiences.
Pusey’s Road to Ally Pally
Pusey’s qualification marks a milestone in his darts journey. By topping the ADA Tour Order of Merit and defeating Damon Heta in the final event, he secured his first-ever appearance at the World Darts Championship and took home £20,000 in prize earnings along the way.
With the 2025/26 World Championship expanding its total prize fund to £5 million (including £1 million for the champion), the Australian star is eager to make a strong impression on his debut.
“Playing at Ally Pally is every player’s dream,” Pusey said. “Nickname or not, I’ll be focused on giving my best performance.”
Pusey’s 2025 season highlights include a World Cup semi-final appearance with Whitlock and a breakthrough Pro Tour victory over Ryan Meikle in 2024. He joins an impressive Australian lineup at the Worlds, featuring Whitlock (seeded No. 32) and Simon Stevens (Tour Card qualifier).
PDC’s Policy and Fan Reaction
According to PDC Chairman Barry Hearn, the organization’s nickname policy is designed to ensure the sport remains “family-friendly, globally respectful, and in line with professional standards.”
Despite the reasoning, opinions among fans remain divided. Social media users voiced contrasting takes under the hashtag #PuseyBan, with one side criticizing the decision as “overly strict,” while others supported the move to preserve the image of the sport.
- “Banning ‘The Magnet’? Darts should be about fun and freedom!” one fan wrote.
- Another countered: “Good call—keep it clean and professional for younger fans watching.”
Fellow player Owen Bates, who experienced a similar situation, commented: “It’s disappointing at first, but fans adapt. What matters most is how you perform, not what they call you.”
As Tim Pusey prepares for his World Championship debut, one thing is clear — nickname or not, the Australian talent is ready to make his mark on the biggest stage in darts.
