A New Era Begins: Grand Slam Glory for Valery Merkotan and Sharon McGeough

New dart champions: Sharon Mcgeough and Valery Merkotan

The city of Leicester was buzzing as the Deaf Darts Organisation (DDO) launched its first-ever Grand Slam of Darts, marking a groundbreaking moment for the Deaf sporting community across the UK. This inaugural Major Annual Tournament wasn’t just a competition — it was the official birth of something monumental. And what a birth it was, with over 120 Deaf fans roaring from the stands, unforgettable performances on the oche, and the crowning of two incredible champions: Valery Merkotan and Sharon McGeough.

The energy in the room was electric. Deaf fans travelled from all corners of the UK to witness this milestone — a tournament that represented pride, power, and progress. From the moment the first dart was thrown, it was clear this event would go down in history.

Valery Merkotan stole the show in the men’s division, bringing unmatched composure and relentless accuracy to the board. He worked his way through each round with calm confidence, thrilling the crowd with his clinical checkouts and icy finishing. His presence on the stage was one of quiet strength — a man who knew he wasn’t just playing to win, but to inspire.

On the women’s side, Sharon McGeough proved to be just as formidable. With sharp focus and unwavering determination, she navigated her matches like a true professional. The final was tense, but Sharon delivered a brilliant performance under pressure, landing a stunning double to seal her victory. The room erupted in cheers and flying hands, as Deaf fans celebrated the crowning of the first-ever DDO women’s champion.

Adding to the professionalism of the tournament was Dart Atlas, the cutting-edge platform that handled everything from scheduling to scoring. It helped bring a seamless, modern structure to the competition and ensured fans could stay informed and engaged throughout the weekend — whether they were in the crowd or watching from afar.

But beyond the stats and trophies, what made the Grand Slam unforgettable was the atmosphere. The community came alive — Deaf supporters chanting, laughing, sharing the moment together. For many, this was about more than darts. It was about being seen, heard, and celebrated in a sport they love. The energy was infectious, and the pride in the room was undeniable.

As the dust settled and champions were crowned, one thing became clear: this was not the end — it was just the beginning. Valery and Sharon didn’t just take home titles; they carved their names into DDO history. They became symbols of what this movement is all about — excellence, representation, and unity through sport.

Leicester will forever be remembered as the place where DDO made its mark. The stage is now set for what’s to come — bigger events, stronger competition, and a growing Deaf darts community hungry for more.

The crown has been claimed. The journey has begun. Welcome to the new era of Deaf darts.