April 24, 2006
Column 247
Bazooka Joe Efter
If I win the World Series of Darts (WSOD) I will proudly stand before the cameras and thank everyone who believed that I had what it took to someday be a great player.
— Joe Efter
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Nickname: Bazooka Joe
Date of Birth: April 25, 1967
Place of Birth: Webster, Massachusetts
Hometown: Danielson, Connecticut
Hobbies: Basketball and pool
Television Show: World Series of Poker
Favorite Night on the Town: Saturday
Meal: Pasta and a milkshake
Sports Team: New York Yankees
Music: Allen Jackson
Pet Peeve: People who think they are better than everybody else (in life)
What Most People Don’t Know About Me: I will help anyone in need, if I can.
Weapon of Choice: 27-gram John Part Signature Unicorn darts
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My name is Joe. They call me Bazooka Joe. But I’m just an average Joe. I get up each morning, go to work and play darts. I have three children: Evan (six years old), Jessica (eighteen years old) and Joseph (nineteen years old).
I’m a drywall installer but my first job was working in a kitchen. I did everything, even washed the dishes.
I first started playing darts casually in 1988. I began tournament play in 1989 and have just played events on the U.S. circuit.
I can’t say that I really have a “claim to fame” yet in the sport – except for winning the New York World Series of Darts (WSOD) Qualifier. Yeah baby!
That was definitely exciting, nerve wracking to be sure. This was the first win for me over Brad Wethington. He had his chances to win the match when it was three to one, but when he missed his double I just took what was given to me. I have a lot of respect for Brad and all the other competitors who have come out and competed. It takes an awful lot to maintain your focus and will to win over such a long day.
I’ve been looking forward to taking on the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) top guns since I first heard of the WSOD. I’m thrilled to have a chance to come up against the world’s best. Just to be a part of something this big is something I have dreamed about.
If I can stay focused I think I have a chance to do well. If I don’t get caught up in the hoopla of the event I’ll be okay.
If I win the WSOD, well…
…it will be because I played the best that day, not because I am the best.
That is darts.
