'It’s nothing compared to what it was': John O'Shea won't play WDF World Masters, calls BDO win still a 'sore subject'

John O’Shea, affectionately known as “The Joker,” has always been one of darts’ most charismatic and unpredictable figures. Now, at 50, he’s back in the spotlight – fitter, hungrier, and more determined than ever.

Having just turned 50, O’Shea reflected on the celebrations. “Probably the longest birthday party ever,” he said to Online Darts. “It started in June, my birthday was in July, and I only got rid of Jimmy Walker yesterday out of Ireland. He drank the place dry! So yeah, it’s been a good 50. I feel better for it.”

His physical transformation has been equally impressive. O’Shea has lost over three and a half stone, a change he says is showing in his clothes – and his darts. “The thing about my darts at the moment is I find myself a lot more focused,” he explained. “I’m thinking about what I’m doing as opposed to just firing them at the board and hoping for the best. I’m more involved in the game now, not just thinking about myself.”

This newfound focus has extended beyond his personal game. O’Shea has started an academy, coaching younger players and learning from their throws. “There’s loads going on – coaching, lessons, seeing different throws. It’s good. This is probably the best version of me at the moment, but I still reckon there’s more to come. I’ve still got a lot to give this game.”

Flourishing in the current darts ecosystem

O’Shea has found a thriving environment outside the PDC Pro Tours, with success in the ADC and MODUS Super Series, and the Global Championship in Ireland adding to his momentum. “At the moment I don’t think I can be caught,” he said. “That’ll qualify me for Portsmouth in December. And now Champions Week this week – I’m confident. There’s just so much I can do. I could go back and play for Ireland, but I’ve got to get my Tour Card back first.”

Despite these accomplishments, the itch to compete at the highest level remains. “I’ll keep going back until I get it back, and then I’ll end it on my terms – not the way it ended before,” O’Shea admitted. “I still get sleepless nights thinking, ‘If I walk away now, what could have been?’ I think there’s still something big in me in this game.”

Back with a new focus

Looking ahead, O’Shea is determined to reclaim his PDC Tour Card. “When I got my card originally, I was picking up results – even made a Pro Tour final,” he said. “Now, with my management team – Rob, Josh, Scotty – it’s a completely different atmosphere. It’s not about money; it’s about trophies. That suits me because we think the same. I’ve got to go back one more time. After that, if it doesn’t work out, we’ll see. But it’ll be on my terms.”

Even his thoughts about the World Masters – a tournament he won and still remembers fondly – reveal O’Shea’s enduring competitive fire. “It’s nothing compared to what it was,” he said of the current format.