ROB GILLAN
Rob Gillan, known on the oche as "The Villain", is a seasoned New Zealand darts player proudly representing the disabled darts community on the international stage. Hailing from Dunedin, Rob’s journey in darts began in his junior years, well before life’s challenges reshaped his sporting path. After an accomplished run as an international wheelchair basketball player, he retired from the sport in 2016 and fully shifted his competitive focus to darts.
Since 2018, Rob has flown the New Zealand flag in ParaDarts competitions around the globe. He throws 23g Target Darts and competes regularly with both Otago Darts and Mosgiel Darts, where he goes head-to-head with able-bodied players in local league play. Rob is also a key figure on the national ParaDarts circuit, regularly participating in New Zealand ParaDarts World Ranking tournaments—events that serve as stepping stones to the World ParaDarts Championships and the World Masters.
A dedicated and methodical player, Rob’s practice routine is focused on fine-tuning his finishing game. Using tools like the Target Darts Counter, he drills games such as Bob’s 27, finishing on 50 and 121, and various checkout exercises. He strives for daily practice, although balancing the demands of work, family life, and injury management often adds to the challenge.
Rob’s darts career is marked by some proud milestones. In 2020, during the COVID lockdown, he won a British online tournament which earned him a match against PDC star Michael Smith. Despite losing 3–1, Rob famously hit a 180—something Smith didn’t manage in the game. Later that year, Rob secured a remarkable equal 3rd place finish in the Dutch Open, one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
Looking ahead to 2025, Rob has already qualified for the World ParaDarts Championships in Europe, but he's setting his sights even higher—aiming to win the upcoming World Ranking events in August to climb the international rankings.
Off the dartboard, Rob is a proud father of two, a dog lover, and a hard worker who balances his sporting commitments with family and career. He also channels his leadership into advocacy, founding New Zealand ParaDarts in 2023, a groundbreaking initiative that has grown from a one-man effort to a 15-strong national community, building visibility and opportunity for disabled players across the country.
Inspired by the tenacity and style of fellow Target player, Nathan Aspinall, Rob "The Villain" Gillan continues to push boundaries, inspire others, and prove that passion, skill, and determination know no limits.
