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Nicholai Bado

In a place where the Bado name is already etched into Gibraltar's history, Nicholai “Nico” Bado is emerging as the next big story. At only 15, he plays with a determination and maturity beyond his years, showing the talent and temperament of a future star.   Nico’s darting journey began in an unexpected place—around the family table at Christmas, throwing with fellow Gibraltarian Craig Galliano. The competitiveness and excitement of the game instantly grabbed his attention. “Once I picked up the darts, I was hooked,” Nico recalls. From there, his passion grew quickly, guided by the constant support of his parents and his coach, Alex Nuñez.   In 2021, Nico joined Team360, a move he describes as much more than just improving his darts. “It’s about being surrounded by people who push me to be better, support me, and give me the chance to grow as both a player and a person.”   His rise since has been nothing short of remarkable. Nico’s proudest achievement so far is winning a JDC  Advanced Tour Event, alongside becoming the youngest-ever winner of a Gibraltar Seniors event - where he posted an impressive 92 average in one match and sealed the final 6–2. In 2023, he etched his name further into the record books by winning all six ranking events in a single season at the Gibraltar Darts Association Youth National Championship.   A huge admirer of Michael van Gerwen, Nico looks up to MVG’s composure under pressure, his style of play, and the way he carries himself both on and off the oche. That inspiration fuels Nico’s own ambitions: “My ultimate goal is to become a professional darts player and compete at the very top level. In the future, I see myself on the PDC tour, walking onto the biggest stages in the world.”   Looking ahead, he also hopes to see the introduction of a youth edition of the World Matchplay, offering young players the chance to experience the same iconic atmosphere at their level—a stage Nico himself seems destined to reach.