Winner of the 1983 BDO World Darts Championship, Winner of the Unipart British Professional Championship 1987 & Guinness World Record Holder for the Fastest Three Legs of 301 in 97 Seconds

Keith Deller MBE is a former professional darts player and one of the sport’s most celebrated champions. Best known for his unforgettable victory at the 1983 BDO World Darts Championship, Keith captured the imagination of the sporting world with one of the greatest underdog stories in darts history. Nicknamed “The Milky Bar Kid” for his trademark post match drink, he became famous for his iconic 138 checkout in the World Championship final, a finish now universally known as the “Deller Checkout”. Awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to charity, Keith is now a highly sought after keynote and after dinner speaker, entertaining audiences with stories of sporting success, resilience and determination.

Keith’s darts journey began at the age of 16 when he became the Suffolk Darts Champion before reaching the divisional final of the News of the World Championship aged just 17. His early success led to victories in international competitions, including titles in Austin, Texas and Cleveland, Ohio, earning him qualification for the 1983 BDO World Darts Championship. In one of the sport’s greatest finals, Keith defeated five-time world champion Eric Bristow by six sets to five, producing the famous 138 checkout that remains one of the defining moments in darts history. He later won the Double Diamond Masters, helped England secure the WDF World Cup and Nations Cup, and claimed further professional titles including the PDC Eastbourne Open and Eastbourne Pro in 2001. Following his retirement from competitive darts, Keith spent almost three decades working as a Sky Sports spotter, playing a key role behind the scenes of televised darts coverage.

Keith’s achievements extend far beyond tournament victories. He became the first player to record a match average of over 100 at the BDO World Championship and set a Guinness World Record for the fastest three legs of 301 in just 97 seconds. His famous 138 checkout inspired the title of his autobiography, 138: Game, Shot & The Match, and remains one of the most recognised finishes in darts. In 2024, Keith was appointed MBE in the New Year Honours for services to charity after raising more than £500,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. His influence on the sport also extends into popular culture, having inspired the fictional character Keith Talent in London Fields.

Today, Keith is a popular after dinner speaker and event host whose warmth, humour and authenticity quickly engage audiences. His presentations combine entertaining stories from the golden era of darts with valuable lessons on perseverance, preparation and performing under pressure. Whether reflecting on the iconic 138 checkout, life on the professional circuit or his extensive charitable work, Keith delivers memorable presentations that inspire and entertain audiences from business, sport and the wider community.

Why Hire Keith Deller?

Keith Deller is hired for his remarkable journey from local darts champion to world champion and one of the sport’s most iconic figures. His keynote and after dinner presentations blend humour, honesty and unforgettable stories from professional darts with practical lessons on resilience, preparation and seizing opportunities. Drawing upon his legendary World Championship victory, broadcasting experience and charitable work, Keith inspires audiences to embrace challenges and achieve success through determination. His engaging personality makes him an outstanding speaker for corporate and sporting events.