In a heartbreaking scene at the Winter Gardens, Cameron Menzies has announced his immediate retirement from professional darts following a major health setback during his second-round clash against Ross Smith at the World Matchplay.
The 35-year-old Scot, known for his fiery passion and emotional celebrations, was forced to withdraw from the tournament midway through the match after collapsing briefly at the oche. Medical staff rushed to his aid as Menzies clutched his chest and struggled to maintain his balance, leaving the packed Blackpool crowd in stunned silence.
After receiving initial treatment backstage and being evaluated by paramedics, Menzies returned to the stage—not to continue, but to say goodbye.
‘My body is telling me what my heart won’t accept’
With tears streaming down his face and his opponent Ross Smith standing in respectful solidarity, Menzies took the microphone and delivered a speech that brought the arena to its feet.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m done,” Menzies said, his voice cracking. “The doctors have told me what I’ve been running from for two years. My heart isn’t built for this anymore. The stress, the travel, the pressure—it’s literally breaking me.”
He continued: “I’ve had warnings. Palpitations. Dizziness. I ignored them because I love this sport more than I love myself sometimes. But tonight, standing up there, I couldn’t see the board. I couldn’t feel my left arm. And I thought—I have a little girl at home. I want to walk her down the aisle one day.”
The crowd, many in tears themselves, rose for a prolonged standing ovation as Menzies embraced Smith, who whispered words of support before exiting the stage to allow his opponent his moment.
Ross Smith: ‘It puts everything in perspective’
Smith, who had been leading 6-4 in the first-to-13 contest when the incident occurred, later spoke with visible emotion.
“That’s not how you want to win a match. That’s not how you want anyone to lose their career,” Smith said. “Cam is one of the toughest competitors on tour. We’ve had battles, we’ve had words, but tonight I just wanted to hold him up. Darts is a game. Life isn’t. He made the right call.”
Smith confirmed he had offered to forfeit the match, but Menzies refused, insisting that Smith “earned every leg” and deserved to progress.
The signs were there
Those close to Menzies have revealed that the Scot had been battling anxiety and stress-related health issues for over 18 months. He had previously withdrawn from several Players Championship events citing “exhaustion,” but always returned with characteristic grit.
His manager, Darren Fletcher, told reporters: “Cam has been hiding it. He’d take beta-blockers just to steady his hand. He’d fly home after every tournament to see his daughter because he was terrified something would happen to him on the road. But he never stopped. He didn’t know how to stop. Now his body has made the decision for him.”
Menzies’ retirement comes just months after what many considered the peak of his career—a semi-final run at the UK Open and a career-high ranking of No. 22 in the PDC Order of Merit.
‘No regrets, only gratitude’
In his final words from the stage, Menzies offered no bitterness—only thanks.
“I came from nothing. I played in working men’s clubs for £50 winner-takes-all. I shared hotel rooms with three other lads just to afford entry fees. And I got to play in front of you beautiful people,” he said, gesturing to the Blackpool faithful.
“I beat van Gerwen once. I took Phil Taylor to a decider. I made my dad proud. And that’s more than I ever dreamed.”
He ended with a smile, raising his darts one last time: “These arrows gave me everything. But they almost took everything too. So I’m hanging them up. Not in anger. In peace.”
What’s next for Menzies?
The PDC has already confirmed that Menzies will be offered a permanent ambassadorial role, with chairman Barry Hearn stating: “Cam is family. He will always have a home here. If he wants to coach, commentate, or just turn up and drink our tea, the door is open.”
Menzies also hinted at a future in punditry, joking through tears: “Someone has to tell these kids they’re throwing like amateurs. Might as well be me.”
The darts world reacts
Tributes poured in within minutes. Luke Littler called Menzies “an inspiration” and “the reason I never give up on a leg.” Michael van Gerwen posted: “Respect, Cam. You fought harder than anyone I know. Enjoy your family now.”
As Menzies walked off the Winter Gardens stage for the final time, he paused at the top of the stairs, turned back, and blew a kiss to the crowd.
The arena erupted one last time.
And then he was gone—leaving behind a career defined not by titles, but by heart. A heart that, tonight, finally told him to stop.
If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, or cardiac health concerns, please seek professional medical advice. The PDC has confirmed it will be providing enhanced mental and physical health screening for all tour card holders moving forward.