Australian darts player Tim Pusey, known on tour as “The Magnet,” has been prohibited by the PDC from using his popular nickname at the 2026 World Darts Championship. (Dartsnews.com)
Why the Ban Happened
According to the PDC, when Pusey’s nickname is combined with his surname, it creates a potentially offensive double meaning — a pun that they say is “inappropriate” for the Ally Pally stage. (Dartsnews.com)
Pusey confirmed he will be playing without the nickname on his shirt this December. (The Independent) He revealed he’s now considering a new nickname — possibly even letting fans choose it. (Dartsnews.com)
PDC’s Policy on Nicknames
The PDC reserves the right to block nicknames that are “offensive, vulgar or inappropriate.” (SPORTbible) Pusey’s situation is not the first of this kind; Owen “The Master” Bates was also barred from using his nickname at a previous World Championship due to its suggestive implications. (SPORTbible)
Pusey’s Reaction
Pusey has taken the decision in good humour and said he might run a fan poll to choose a new name. (The Independent) He joked that “anything can be turned” by fans, referring to how quickly the Ally Palace crowd might twist a nickname in chants. (7NEWS)
Despite the change, Pusey remains upbeat about making his World Championship debut and says he’s excited to be part of the 128-player field.
