Darts fans react to wasp incident at Alexandra Palace
Darts supporters are bracing themselves for the possible end of one of the World Championship’s most unlikely cult figures after the Alexandra Palace wasp appeared to be unceremoniously dispatched on the game’s biggest stage, reports BritPanorama.
The insect, a strange yet familiar presence during the festive fortnight in north London, had already enjoyed a starring role at this year’s tournament, hovering around some of the sport’s biggest names. On the opening day, teenage sensation Luke Littler had to take evasive action as the wasp buzzed around the oche, while it later observed Ross Smith suffer an early exit at the hands of Andreas Harrysson.
However, its reign appeared to come to an abrupt end during Luke Humphries’ opening match against Ted Evetts. Humphries, the world No 2, secured a 3–1 victory to set up a second-round meeting with 71-year-old Paul Lim. While the contest itself was largely routine, Evetts’ interaction with the wasp stole the post-match spotlight.
As the insect landed on Evetts’ shirt near his collar, the former youth world champion calmly raised his hand and flicked it away with his middle finger, waving it off with a grin. The moment quickly spread online, eliciting various reactions from fans. “No way to treat a legend of the game. He’s arguably done more for the sport than Ted Evetts,” wrote one supporter.
Another added, “The legend of the Ally Pally stage has well and truly gone, thank you Ted!” Meanwhile, some fans remained hopeful, suggesting a possible redemption arc for the wasp. Shortly thereafter, during Gabriel Clemens’ 3–0 win over Alex Spellman, another wasp seemed to resurface, much to the amusement of onlookers.
This phenomenon has installed itself as a festive tradition, raising questions about why Alexandra Palace so often hosts uninvited six-legged guests. Opened in 1875 and protected as a Grade II listed building, the sprawling venue conceals many nooks where a queen wasp can hibernate over winter. The surrounding 196 acres of parkland, rich in wildlife, further increases the chances of insects seeking warmth and shelter.
As the temperature rises with the arrival of 3,300 spectators, set to increase to 5,000 next year, the sudden warmth can awaken wasps from hibernation. Venue officials maintain they prioritise non-intrusive measures aligned with environmental responsibilities, though pest control may become necessary should safety issues arise. The issue is not isolated to darts; similar encounters have been reported during the Masters snooker each January.
This spectacle is a reminder of the quirks that make live sporting events unpredictable, how tiny creatures can capture the imagination, and how even the most seasoned competitors, for a fleeting moment, find themselves intertwined in nature’s unpredictable narrative.
