Which darts player was nicknamed “The Crafty Cockney”?

Eric Bristow was the darts player nicknamed “The Crafty Cockney.”

Bristow was an English professional who became one of the defining stars of darts during the sport’s television boom. He won the World Professional Darts Championship five times, in 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985 and 1986.

The nickname referred both to his East London identity and to his sharp, confident playing personality. Bristow was born in Hackney, London, in 1957, and his distinctive character helped make him recognizable far beyond the darts stage.

He was also a major figure in the early Professional Darts Corporation era. After retiring as a player, he worked as a commentator and remained closely associated with the sport until his death in 2018. John Lowe and Jocky Wilson were also world champions, but neither was known by this nickname.