The Pugwash Powerhouse: Tom Holden’s Road to the Nationals

When you talk to Tom Holden about his approach to darts, he doesn’t give you a complex breakdown of sports psychology or a rigid 4-hour practice schedule. Instead, the AADS Event 1 Champion from Pugwash, Nova Scotia, keeps it refreshingly simple: "Play for the love of the game," and "Shoot well and have fun."

It’s that calm, unassuming mental edge that has propelled Tom from local North Shore shoots to the elite ranks of Team Nova Scotia. This June, he’ll join provincial heavyweights like Braedon Campbell and Nick Smith in Ste. Hyacinthe, Quebec, for the 2026 Canadian National Darts Championships.

The Stats: Consistency is King

While Tom’s interview answers are modest, his statistics from the Atlantic Amateur Darts Series tell the story of a high-caliber competitor who thrives under the lights.

Across his AADS campaign, Tom has maintained a formidable 73.38 Season Average (3DA), peaking at a crisp 75.28. His ability to find the maximum is nearly unrivaled in the series, having already hammered home 7 180s and an incredible 46 140+ scores.

Event 1 Masterclass: On his way to the title, Tom maintained a 72.0 average over 7 matches, boasting a clinical 31.86% checkout rate.

The Big Finish: His scoring power is matched by his clutch finishing, evidenced by a massive 160 high checkout in Event 2—the kind of "bogey-killer" finish that breaks an opponent's spirit.

Tactical Simplicity

Tom’s setup is as precise as his game. He relies on 22g Kylie Edmonds darts fitted with long 66mm points, a technical choice that allows for tight grouping in the treble bed—a fact his 130 100+ scores this season clearly reflect.

When asked about his "Stage Presence," Tom’s philosophy is a masterclass in focus: "Play my game, not theirs." Whether he’s at a local fundraiser in Pugwash or facing down the best in the country at the Nationals, that unwavering focus on his own board is what makes him a dangerous draw for any opponent.

Carrying the Bluenose Banner

Tom joins a Nova Scotia roster stacked with talent, including:

Braedon Campbell (Provincial Champion)

Nick Smith

Sheldon Fudge

Chester Mackenzie

Aaron Morris

Steve Newell

Dion Laviolette

Dwayne Laviolette (Alternate)

For the fans back home in Pugwash and the AADS community, Tom’s journey is a source of immense pride. He proves that you don't need a complicated ritual to reach the top—you just need a calm head, a love for the sport, and the ability to "just play."

Good luck in Quebec, Tom! The AADS family is behind you every step of the way.