Rapid Ricky: The Fastest Arm in Darts
Three darts thud into the board before the caller's finished announcing the last score. Blink at the wrong moment and you've missed an entire visit from Ricky "Rapid Ricky" Evans.
Who Is Rapid Ricky?
Ricky Evans is an English professional from Kettering, born on July 29, 1990. He turned pro in 2012 and has climbed steadily through the PDC ranks ever since.
The nickname isn't marketing. Watch one leg and you'll see it — he throws faster than just about anyone on the professional circuit.
Is He Really the Fastest?
Among ranked professionals, Evans is widely regarded as the quickest thrower in the game. His three-dart visits are over almost before opponents have settled at the oche.
Speed doesn't automatically mean accuracy, though. What makes Evans stand out is that he keeps his scoring sharp while throwing at a pace nobody else matches.
Career Highlights
Evans made his first real waves in 2013, reaching the World Youth Championship final. He didn't take the title, but the run marked him as a player to watch.
He's not a world champion yet, and that's worth saying plainly. Still, he's a top-tier competitor who's pushed plenty of big names hard, including Michael van Gerwen, Simon Whitlock, and Mervyn King.
The Showman
Ricky's quick arm isn't his only standout trait — he's also one of the sport's natural entertainers. He plays to the crowd and has been known to celebrate a win with a dance move or two.
That mix of pace and personality makes him a favorite for casual fans. If you're new to darts and want an exciting player to follow, he's an easy pick.
What Darts Does He Throw?
Evans throws 22g Red Dragon darts. That's a middle-of-the-road weight, which fits the pattern — most pros land somewhere in that range, as covered in what dart weight the pros use.
- Front-weighted barrels support a comfortable and controlled three-point grip
- Deep grooves and triple-milled surfaces provide a secure grip for more consistent throws
- The included storage box keeps up to 12 darts and spare parts organized and protected
Don't copy his tempo at home, though. Most players score better with a steady, repeatable rhythm — see these tips on throwing darts accurately.
Related Questions
What is Ricky Evans known for in darts?
He's known as "Rapid Ricky" for his incredibly fast throwing speed. It's the quickest release in the professional game.
Where is Ricky Evans from?
He's from Kettering, England.
When did he turn professional?
Evans started his professional darts career in 2012.
Has his speed changed the game?
His pace hasn't rewritten how darts is played, but it's made him one of the sport's most distinctive figures. Every match he plays carries an extra layer of excitement.
Ricky Evans Super Fast Scoring and Doubles – 2016 PDC World Championship (Video)
Next time a PDC event's on, watch an Evans leg — just don't look away mid-visit.