Jocky Wilson is one of the most unforgettable characters in darts history. Known for his vibrant personality and memorable performances, Wilson’s legacy lives on as a true Scottish darting icon. He won the BDO World Championship twice, in 1982 and 1989, and later co-founded the PDC, helping shape the sport we know today. Although he passed away in 2012 at age 62, the stories about him continue to bring smiles, especially for those who knew him well, like two-time world champion Dennis Priestley.
In a recent episode of William Hill’s Club 501 podcast with Wayne Mardle, Priestley shared some hilarious tales about his time with Wilson, shedding light on the legend’s bold personality.
“No, You Can F-Off!”
Wilson was known for his blunt and straightforward nature. He was once labeled as a bit of a wild card, but Priestley, however, had a different view. “He wasn’t a lunatic at all,” Priestley clarified. “If he’d lost a game, you had to leave him alone—pretty normal. But if fans approached him too soon, he had his way of telling them off!”
Priestley recalls a specific incident during the Jersey Open. Wilson had just come out of the restroom when a young boy and his mother approached him. Before they could even finish asking for an autograph, Wilson cut them off with a blunt “No, you can f-off!” Priestley couldn’t believe it. “I was just standing there, stunned,” he laughed, remembering the scene.
“You’re Right, Dennis!”
Wilson’s straightforward style didn’t go unnoticed by Priestley. During the 1989 News of the World finals, Wilson lost his first match and was in no mood to chat. While practicing in the back rooms, Wilson kept shooing away kids waiting at the door with his classic “f-off!” Priestley finally spoke up, saying, “Jocky, you shouldn’t treat people like that.” Wilson initially shrugged it off, but about ten minutes later, he turned to Priestley, nodding in agreement: “You’re right, Dennis, I shouldn’t!” It was a rare moment of reflection for the Scottish star.
The Vegas Victory and “Shaking Like a Leaf”
Priestley and Wilson later became a well-known doubles team, and their partnership led to some great memories. During a tournament in Las Vegas, Wilson hit the winning double in a match but turned to Priestley, visibly shaken. “I’m shaking like a leaf. Can you buy me a drink?” Wilson asked.
He was so short on cash that they had to share a couple of beers before heading back to win the pairs tournament together. “He hadn’t got a penny,” Priestley chuckled, “but we went on and won it!”
A True Character in Every Way
Priestley’s stories reveal a side of Jocky Wilson that fans rarely saw—a unique mix of humor, unpredictability, and a love for the game. Wilson’s legacy is more than just his titles; it’s in the laughter and unforgettable memories he left behind.
As Priestley fondly put it, “He was definitely a character.”
You can watch the full interview here:
