Adrian Lewis Faces Tough Decisions Amid Family Health Crisis

Adrian Lewis, the two-time PDC world champion, is evaluating his future in professional darts as he grapples with personal challenges, including his wife’s serious health condition. Lewis, known as ‘Jackpot,’ stepped back from competitive play 26 months ago after struggling with performance and the stress associated with the sport. He has since participated in exhibition events across the UK, contemplating a return to the professional circuit.

In a recent appearance on the Tops and Tales podcast, Lewis revealed that his decision to step back was significantly influenced by his wife, Sarah, who suffers from an incurable kidney disease. He shared, “We obviously spent a lot of time in hospital,” highlighting the emotional and physical toll the situation has taken on their family. In addition to his wife’s illness, Lewis also mentioned the complexities of caring for his daughter, who has both autism and ADHD, requiring additional support.

Currently, Lewis cannot compete in PDC events as his Tour Card expired at the end of 2024. To regain his position on the ProTour, he would need to return to Q-School, where aspiring players compete for their tour cards. Despite this, he remains hesitant to make a hasty decision. “I’ll never write it off and say I’m never going back to the PDC because that would be my aim again,” he stated, expressing a cautious approach to his potential return.

While reflecting on his time away from the professional arena, Lewis emphasized the importance of being mentally prepared before re-entering competitive darts. “I want to make sure I’m 100 percent ready, mentally right, and just go at it all guns blazing,” he affirmed. His commitment to mental well-being underscores the pressures athletes face, particularly in high-stakes environments.

Lewis, who enjoyed a successful 20-year career in the PDC from 2004 to 2024, became a back-to-back world champion in 2011 and 2012, adding a third major title at the 2013 European Championship. The intensity of the sport often took a toll on him, as he described to The Guardian earlier this year. He explained, “It’s like a rollercoaster because you’re going through that many emotions when you’re on the stage.” This mental strain, coupled with the demands of traveling and competing, contributed to his decision to step back from the spotlight.

As he considers his next steps, Lewis is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. He noted, “I feel as if it’s a crossroads,” indicating that his future in darts hinges on both personal circumstances and professional aspirations. For Lewis, the balance between family responsibilities and his passion for the sport remains a delicate one.

With a potential return to professional darts on the horizon, Lewis’s journey serves as a reminder of the human side of competitive sports. The pressures athletes face extend beyond the game, intertwining personal struggles with their professional commitments. As he navigates this challenging period, fans and fellow players alike await his decision with great interest.