John Lowe – The Darts Legend’s Biography, Net Worth and Personal Life
John Lowe, the legendary English darts player, is still alive as of 2025. Born on 21 July 1945 in New Tupton, Derbyshire, he is now 79 years old. Despite retiring from professional competition in 2007, he remains active in the sport by performing exhibitions and appearing as a speaking guest across the country. His calm, unflappable presence on stage earned him the nickname “Old Stoneface,” a moniker that still follows him today. He continues to live in Chesterfield with his wife Karen, where they support Sunderland football club and he enjoys playing golf.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Born: 21 July 1945 (age 79 as of 2025)
- Status: Alive, former professional darts player
- Nickname: “Old Stoneface”
- Career Highlight: Three-time World Champion (BDO, 1979, 1987, 1993)
What You Need to Know
- John Lowe is one of the most successful darts players of the 1980s and 1990s, winning three World Championships in three different decades.
- His recorded career prize money stands at £395,889, though his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed.
- He is still alive as of 2025 but has retired from competitive play.
- He earned the nickname “Old Stoneface” for his calm demeanor on the oche.
- Lowe was awarded an MBE in 2019 and inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2005.
- He was a carpenter before turning professional darts player in 1975.
- He hit the first televised nine-dart finish in 1984, earning £102,000.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Lowe |
| Date of Birth | 21 July 1945 |
| Place of Birth | New Tupton, Derbyshire, England |
| Nickname | Old Stoneface |
| Professional Career | 1970s–2007 (retired) |
| World Titles | 3 (BDO: 1979, 1987, 1993) |
| Recorded Career Prize Money | £395,889 |
| First Televised Nine-Dart Finish | 1984 (prize: £102,000) |
| Spouse | Karen Lowe (married since at least the 1980s) |
| Children | Two from a previous marriage |
| Alive as of 2025 | Yes |
| Honours | MBE (2019), PDC Hall of Fame (2005) |
What Is John Lowe’s Net Worth and Career Earnings?
John Lowe’s financial success is anchored by his historic 1984 nine-dart finish, which earned him £102,000 – a life-changing sum at the time. He invested that money into a pension fund after tax. His recorded total career prize money is £395,889, according to Darts Database. However, his exact net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates are speculative. Beyond prize money, Lowe has generated income through exhibitions and speaking engagements, leveraging his enduring popularity.
Although three world titles might suggest a larger fortune, prize money in the 1970s and 1980s was much lower than today. Lowe’s net worth is modest compared to modern stars like Van Gerwen – Age, Wife, Net Worth and Career Profile, but his legacy is measured in achievements, not pounds.
Major Titles and Prize Breakdown
Lowe won 15 BDO/WDF major titles, including two World Masters and two World Cup singles titles. His three World Championship wins came in 1979 (£10,000 prize), 1987 (£44,000 prize), and 1993 (£44,000 prize). The nine-dart finish bonus in 1984 made him the first player to achieve that feat on television. He also held the World No. 1 ranking on four occasions.
Who Are John Lowe’s Wife and Children?
John Lowe is married to Karen Lowe. They have lived together in Chesterfield since at least the 1980s. He has two children from a previous marriage, but their names are not publicly documented. This level of privacy suggests the family prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Unlike some sports figures, Lowe has not shared personal family details in interviews.
The lack of official sources about his wife’s background or children’s names indicates a deliberate choice to keep personal matters private. Most information comes from brief mentions in biographical profiles and interviews.
What Is John Lowe’s Nickname?
John Lowe is universally known as “Old Stoneface”. The nickname reflects his calm, expressionless demeanor while throwing darts, even in high-pressure moments. Unlike the fiery personalities of rivals like Eric Bristow, Lowe’s stillness became his trademark. Darts historians and fan sites often remark that his nickname captures the mental toughness that made him a three-time world champion.
Full Biography of John Lowe – Darts Career Highlights
Born in New Tupton, Derbyshire, John Lowe worked as a carpenter in the building trade until 1975, when he turned professional. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first World Championship in 1979. He became a household name in the 1980s, part of the golden era of darts alongside Bristow and Jocky Wilson.
In October 1984, at the MFI World Matchplay, Lowe made history by hitting the first televised nine-dart finish. The moment was broadcast live on ITV and earned him immediate fame. He went on to win world titles in 1987 and 1993 – the only player to win the BDO World Championship in three separate decades. After retiring from competitive play in 2007, he has remained a regular on the exhibition circuit.
Honours and Recognition
In 2005 he was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame. In 2019 he was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to darts and charity. He continues to represent the sport with dignity, often compared to contemporaries like Lee Westwood in terms of longevity and class.
John Lowe competed primarily in the BDO era, before the PDC split. He never played in the PDC World Championship. His 15 major titles place him among the most decorated players, but the sport’s fragmented history means his achievements are sometimes underappreciated by modern fans.
John Lowe Career Timeline: Key Dates and Achievements
- 1945 – Born in New Tupton, Derbyshire.
- 1975 – Quits carpentry to turn professional.
- 1979 – Wins first BDO World Championship.
- 1984 – Hits first televised nine-dart finish, winning £102,000.
- 1987 – Wins second World Championship.
- 1993 – Wins third World Championship.
- 2005 – Inducted into PDC Hall of Fame.
- 2007 – Retires from competitive darts.
- 2019 – Awarded MBE.
- 2025 – Still alive, active in exhibitions and golf.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear About John Lowe
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 21 July 1945 | Exact net worth figure – not publicly confirmed; estimates vary |
| Three BDO World Championships | Names of his children – not widely documented |
| Still alive as of 2025 | His wife’s maiden name and personal background |
| First televised nine-dart finish (1984) | Exact year he stopped playing in any official capacity |
| Recorded career earnings £395,889 | Detailed breakdown of exhibition income |
John Lowe’s Place in Darts History
John Lowe is a pivotal figure in the history of darts, part of the generation that popularized the sport in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s. His career spanned the transition from the BDO to the PDC era, but he remained loyal to the BDO. His calm “Old Stoneface” persona and historic nine-dart finish secured his place in the sport’s folklore. Despite three world titles, his net worth is modest compared to modern players, reflecting the lower prize money of his era. The lack of detailed public information about his personal life suggests a preference for privacy that contrasts with today’s social media–driven athletes.
Quotes and Sources About John Lowe
“John Lowe is one of the most prominent throwers from the late 1970s onwards.”
— Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
“He was known for his calm, unflappable demeanor on the oche, earning the nickname ‘Old Stoneface’.”
— Darts historians and fan sites
For a deeper dive, the Wikipedia page offers a comprehensive career summary. The Lancashire Post published a detailed interview in 2019 covering his life after retirement. His official speaker profile is hosted by Champions Speakers. Additional biographical details appear on Play with the Best and in a PDF from Wabba Fitness.
John Lowe at a Glance
John Lowe remains a revered figure in darts, known for three world titles, the first televised nine-dart finish, and a stoic persona that earned him the nickname “Old Stoneface.” He is still alive at 79, enjoying a quiet retirement in Chesterfield with his wife Karen. While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, his career earnings of nearly £400,000 and his historic achievements ensure his legacy endures. For a comparison with a modern great, see Van Gerwen – Age, Wife, Net Worth and Career Profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Lowe
What is John Lowe’s full name?
John Lowe (no middle name widely known).
How many world titles did John Lowe win?
He won three BDO World Championships (1979, 1987, 1993).
Did John Lowe ever play in the PDC?
He primarily played in the BDO and did not compete in the PDC World Championship.
What is John Lowe’s highest recorded prize money?
£102,000 for the nine-dart finish at the 1984 MFI World Matchplay.
Is there a book or autobiography by John Lowe?
No known autobiography. There is a separate author named John Lowe who writes about architecture.
When did John Lowe retire?
He retired from competitive darts in 2007.
Does John Lowe still play exhibitions?
Yes, he regularly does exhibitions across the UK and appears as a speaking guest.
What was John Lowe’s profession before darts?
He worked as a carpenter in the building trade until 1975.
Where does John Lowe live now?
He lives in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, with his wife Karen.
Why is John Lowe called ‘Old Stoneface’?
Because of his calm, expressionless demeanor while playing darts, even under pressure.
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