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'I helped make Fortnite now I'm gearing up for World Darts Championship after career change'

Alex Spellman made his World Darts Championship debut in 2023, losing in the first round to Ryan Joyce, but the American will get another crack at the Alexandra Palace event this year

[Alex Spellman is set to compete in his second World Darts Championship in December]

Alex Spellman is set to compete in his second World Darts Championship in December(Image: Getty Images)

Fortnite producer Alex Spellman has secured his spot in his second World Darts Championship following a dramatic career shift. The 37-year-old made his first appearance at Alexandra Palace in 2023, where he was defeated in the first round by Ryan Joyce.

However, Spellman is set to return to the world's most prestigious darts stage after winning his second CDC continental event earlier this month, securing his place in the 2026 World Championship.

Alongside Leonard Gates, Spellman became the second North American player to win multiple CDC continental titles and is also set to make his debut at the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton this November.

But Spellman, a four-time winner on the CDC Pro Tour, hasn't always been a darts player. In fact, the American once worked for Epic Games, the creators of the popular video game Fortnite.

Speaking to MODUS' Tungsten Talk, he said: "I went to college for computer information systems. I worked in IT for a hardware company called Lowe's - not sure if you have that over here - and I hated everything about it.

[Alex Spellman lost 3-1 to Ryan Joyce during his first World Darts Championship appearance]

Alex Spellman lost 3-1 to Ryan Joyce during his first World Darts Championship appearance(Image: Getty Images)

"My wife and I had always talked about making a change, so we bought a house two hours away, which forced me to find a new job. I got lucky and landed a contract role at Epic Games - the producer of Fortnite, Gears of War, and Unreal Tournament.

"I started as a contractor, became full-time after a year, and I got there about three months before Fortnite was released.

"I did IT work and some programming - not on the game itself, more on the infrastructure side - but I loved every second of it. I was there for about six years."

Spellman took up darts in 2008 and quickly recognised he might have what it takes to turn professional after competing in a pub tournament.

[Alex Spellman is set to compete at his second World Darts Championship]

Alex Spellman is set to compete at his second World Darts Championship(Image: Getty Images)

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"I didn't really start playing until 2008," Spellman revealed. "I had a board growing up - I think most Americans do - but we're just throwing at it. We don't necessarily know the rules or anything like that. We used to have what's called blind draw or blind pairs - you just get a random partner.

"I happened to be in the bar with my dad and uncle one night, and they needed an extra person. I was the only one willing to do it, and I did pretty decent.

"I actually made more money in that two-hour span than I did working eight hours at a grocery store for minimum wage in college! So initially, I stuck with it for the big money - the big $200 (152) I made that night."

Spellman has already pocketed 15,000 simply for reaching the World Championship - regardless of whether he suffers another first-round exit. Should he triumph in his opening match, he stands to earn an additional 10,000.

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