The Dart Side of Life - The Adrian Geiler Column #9: Q&A: Insights on Darts, Career, and What’s Next
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Which matches shaped him? How did he become a commentator? And what does darts in Germany need to reach the next level? The key answers—concise and to the point. Adrian answers community questions on defining moments, personal goals, and the growth of the sport.
Hello darts fans,
I want to use this edition of my column to bring you on board: What have you always wanted to ask me? I asked you on Instagram to send me your questions. I picked out a few—and now they’ll be answered honestly and without filter. There’s also a small leak… Let’s go!
When did you first come into contact with darts? (lukas_n_d)
I remember we had a steel dartboard in my parents’ house. I must have been around 6, 7, maybe 11 or 12. But it was taken down pretty quickly—first the cabinet (where it was hanging initially), then the wall (where it was moved) couldn’t handle all the missed throws.
Did any specific match get you into darts? (pa_otto7)
I clearly remember THE big duel between Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor at the 2007 World Championship. But the match that truly fascinated me was the 2011 World Championship final between Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson. At that time, I was completely hooked on darts because a roommate and I had set up a dartboard in our room. We played a ton—and then Adrian Lewis throws a nine-darter in the final. Unreal.
Do you also play darts yourself passionately? (ronnystute)
Yes—but not very often! The walls in my childhood and student rooms suffered a lot, which is why my wife vetoed having a board in our shared (rented) apartment. Totally understandable—but I keep trying. I already have a board from BULL’S, you can see it in the background of my social media videos.
Favorite German player? (tobold)
I can’t get around the BULL’S guys—also because of the sporting successes I’ve had the chance to commentate on. With Martin Schindler’s title in Riesa, I went viral for the first time. His mentor Ioannis Selachoglu connected me with BULL’S—that creates a bond. And after having calzone with Niko Springer during the NextGen, I followed his rise more closely and emotionally than others. So I’d name those two (though I also love Leon Weber, Arno Merk, and Max Czerwinski).
What makes darts the best sport in the world for you? (saschu44)
The authenticity (thank God I’m writing this and don’t have to pronounce it). Darts is real—no one can fake anything. You have to be yourself. Darts is a mirror of who you are. Achieving that fascinates me.
How did you become a commentator for DAZN? (captain_pfledo)
When DAZN launched in 2016, I had just had my first TV gigs at SPORT1+ for the UEFA Youth League. I got those because I was nominated for the German Radio Award in 2015. SPORT1 liked what I did—and when DAZN (located on the same campus) asked for commentator recommendations, my name came up. That’s how I got my first games. And when the European Tour moved to DAZN in 2022, they needed more darts commentators. Some people there knew about my love for the sport—and that’s how I slipped into it.
What’s the most legendary match you’ve commentated? Or your Top 3? (dan_iel89_)
1. Germany’s win against England at the 2025 World Cup of Darts. Nobody expected it, but magic happened in the Frankfurt cauldron.
2. Martin Schindler’s comeback win against Ryan Searle in Basel 2024. Surviving seven match darts and staying composed like that was unique.
3. Niko Springer’s win in Budapest 2025. He took out one top player after another and stayed cool in the decider. I still can’t believe how effortlessly it all worked.
How could darts grow even bigger in Germany? (ttimon08)
I think it needs a German superstar—someone who consistently competes for titles and can keep up with the world’s best. The foundation for a massive boom is already there.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years? (davidropertz)
I want to become one of the voices of the sport. Thanks to the support from BULL’S, I’m not entirely dependent on commentary—but that’s my Plan A. I want to cover the big events, hopefully with major German success.
What’s your advice for people who want to become commentators or hosts? (simon_kraus_0109)
Passion, hard work, and humility. Work hard, put yourself forward—but without arrogance. Lots of internships and plenty of (sometimes tough) feedback helped me enormously. And then you also need a bit of luck. If I hadn’t met the right people at the right time and done the right things, my life would probably have turned out very differently.
What would you be doing if you hadn’t gone into sports journalism? (leandara)
A tough question, because I always saw myself in sports journalism due to my deep passion for it. I studied business administration, so I probably would have ended up in that field. Let’s say: marketing for a sports club or company.
What are your Top 3 sports? (marcokrumbach)
I’m interested in almost all sports. Besides darts, definitely Formula 1 (my childhood hero is Michael Schumacher), ski jumping (my second hero: Martin Schmitt), and football (which I’ve always played and followed).
How did you end up going bald? And was your partner okay with it? (dalo_tv)
I already had a high hairline as a teenager. Desperate attempts to save it with various products (shampoos!) lasted until my early 20s. Then my ex-girlfriend broke up with me, and I thought: time for a change (literally). I cut my hair short and stuck with a modern short hairstyle. My current wife met me like that—and says: “With your old hairstyle, I wouldn’t have dated you.” So once again, good timing!
How do you take care of your beard? (kevinbernbacher)
Wash it daily, apply beard balm daily, use beard oil daily. And once a month, go to the barber to get the contours cleaned up.
How much do you love your “6–7” moment with Kevin Doets? (the_geheimwaffe_180)
I think about it every day—and then I just grin.
When will you stand next to me in costume in the crowd? (obelix823)
I’ll do that when a BULL’S player becomes world champion. I’ll even let you choose the costume (please be kind to me!).
Will there ever be your own darts available to buy? (luis_021008)
I can’t say anything yet 🤫. But let’s just say: we’re working on it!
Thanks for taking part!
Game on,
yours, Adrian