Hood Stuns Rock with Historic Darts Victory at World Championship
In a stunning twist at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship held at London’s Alexandra Palace, English player Justin Hood produced one of the most unexpected results in recent memory by defeating Josh Rock in emphatic fashion. The match, played on a packed night of last-16 action, saw Hood whitewash the highly-ranked Northern Irishman 4-0 in a performance that left fans and pundits alike reeling. The victory has instantly become one of the defining upsets of the tournament and has thrust Hood into the quarter-final spotlight.
Hood’s path to this remarkable result did not feature the limelight often reserved for top-ranked players, but his consistency and precision throughout the match showcased his ability to rise to the occasion. From the outset, he maintained relentless scoring and clinical finishing, averaging consistently high numbers that kept Rock under constant pressure. With every leg won, the momentum grew, and a sense of disbelief spread through the Alexandra Palace crowd as Hood refused to relent.
Rock, ranked among the sport’s elite, entered the contest as the clear favourite, having built a reputation for powerful scoring and calm under pressure. Expectations were that he would advance comfortably, but Hood’s performance disrupted that narrative entirely. Rock struggled to find rhythm in key moments, allowing Hood to capitalise and take control. The 4-0 scoreline does little to convey how comprehensive Hood’s play was on the night, as he rarely looked troubled by his more illustrious opponent.
The Englishman’s finishing was the highlight of his performance, with an astonishing run of double finishes that kept the pressure squarely on Rock throughout. Hood hit 11 consecutive doubles at one point, an achievement that brought gasps of appreciation from the audience and underscored the precision of his play. Although he just missed out on a perfect finish in one leg, his composure on the doubles was a defining factor in dismantling Rock’s challenge.
For Rock, this defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow. He has been one of the standout players on the circuit, known for his attacking style and confidence on the oche. However, on this occasion, those strengths were not enough to overcome Hood’s relentless accuracy. Rock’s defence was tested early and often, and despite his best efforts, he could not find a way back into the contest once Hood established his lead.
The reaction from the darts community has been one of amazement and admiration for Hood’s achievement. Many commentators highlighted that few, if any, saw this result coming, with pre-match expectations heavily favouring Rock. Hood’s victory is being talked about as one of the great upsets in World Championship history, a match that will be recounted for years as an example of how unpredictable and thrilling darts can be at its highest level.
With this win, Hood progresses to the quarter-finals, where he will face another top contender, setting up another fascinating chapter in his unexpected championship run. His confidence will be high after dismantling a player of Rock’s calibre, and many fans will now be watching closely to see just how deep he can go in the tournament. Hood’s journey has captured the imagination of supporters, who relish the rise of an underdog in a field often dominated by established stars.
The atmosphere in Alexandra Palace on the night of Hood’s victory was electric, with fans of all allegiances applauding the quality of darts on display. Although some Rock supporters were subdued by the result, the overall response was one of respect for Hood’s performance. It was a night that demonstrated the unique drama of darts, where momentum can shift rapidly and where any player in form can outshine even the most celebrated names.
Hood’s background has become part of the story’s appeal, as he has gradually worked his way up through the ranks, earning recognition through persistence and steady improvement rather than overnight fame. His victory over Rock will no doubt inspire other players outside the top echelons of the sport, reinforcing the belief that dedication and focus can lead to breakthrough moments on the biggest stages.
As the World Championship continues, Hood’s achievement will be remembered as a benchmark for upset victories, one that encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability of professional darts. His 4-0 win over Rock will be talked about not just for the result itself, but for the manner in which it was achieved — with precision, calm and unshakeable resolve. The tournament headlines may have expected other names, but on this night it was Justin Hood who delivered one of the most memorable performances of the year.
