Jenny Segers/PDC Europe

'I’ve let myself down' - Danny Lauby gives harsh assessment of performance on PDC Pro Tour

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 11:42 AM ET

Danny Lauby is back on home soil this weekend as he prepares to compete in the 2025 US Darts Masters, the fourth event of this year’s World Series of Darts. The 32-year-old American faces a tough test in the opening round against former World Champion Rob Cross.

For Lauby, it’s a return to his roots. Although born and raised in the United States, he has been living in England for several years to fully commit to life on the PDC circuit. Since earning his Tour Card at the start of 2024, Lauby has experienced mixed fortunes and currently sits 86th on the PDC Order of Merit.

Reflecting on the past year and a half, Lauby doesn’t sugarcoat his assessment. “It’s been bad. It’s been not good,” he admitted in conversation with Online Darts. “There’s been good moments, obviously — I know what I’m capable of, just like every other dart player on the circuit. But no, I’ve let myself down. Whether it’s a learning curve or just... it’s all hills, peaks and valleys.”

Despite the setbacks, Lauby remains fiercely determined to turn things around. “It’s not over and it’s not done. It’s just going to make me better in the long haul. I’m not short on confidence, that’s for sure, because I know I’m doing the work and doing the things. You take a hit, you keep going, keep moving forward — that’s how you win.”

Asked if he still believes he can become a top professional, his answer is immediate. “Yes, 100%,” he says. “If I didn’t think I could do this, I wouldn’t be doing it. There’s just bad times — it’s a hard game. There’s so much good talent. It can beat you down. It really does. But I’m still going to keep going through that door, no matter what — by hook or by crook, like you guys say!”

Lauby is realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. If the worst-case scenario happens and he loses his Tour Card, there’s no question about what comes next. “I’ll go back to Q-School and try to win it straight back,” he said. “I didn’t just walk up and get it the first time. I failed several times. But it’s not over. I’ll just keep going. Unless I drop dead tomorrow, I’m going to be fine.”

The American also took a moment to reflect on his recent experience at the World Cup of Darts, where he partnered close friend Jules van Dongen — though the pair were eliminated in the group stage. “Yeah, I love Jules. He’s a close friend. I’ve been through similar things that he’s going through, so I totally understand. It’s hard to watch someone struggle like that. But I think it took some balls for him to still go up there and try to make it happen. We both could’ve played better — it just didn’t work out for us.”