{"title":"Leonard Gates","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates Darts – \"The Soulger\" Darts \u0026amp; Accessories at Diplomatgames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates is one of the most famous and entertaining darts players from the USA. Known by his extraordinary nickname \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The Soulger\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the Texan thrills darts fans not only with his game but also with his dance moves, good humor, and unmistakable stage presence. However, behind the entertainer is a highly successful darts player who has won numerous titles, especially in North American darts and on the World Seniors Tour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiplomatgames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, you'll find Leonard Gates darts and suitable darts accessories. But \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhat darts does Leonard Gates play, what weight does The Soulger use, which manufacturers was he under contract with, and what did the American do before his darts career?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Here you can learn more about his career, greatest successes, playing style, equipment, and the man behind \"The Soulger\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eName:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Leonard Gates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNickname:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The Soulger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBirthday:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e November 26, 1970\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBirthplace:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e San Antonio, Texas, USA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHometown:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Houston, Texas, USA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNationality:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e USA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrowing Hand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Right\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnown Darts Supplier:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Winmau\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrevious Darts:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dynasty A-FLOW\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlights:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e L-Style, among others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDart Weight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 20 to 22 grams depending on setup and career phase\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDarts since:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 2007\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMajor PDC Success:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e North American Darts Championship 2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Seniors:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e three major TV titles in 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormer Sport:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Baseball\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfession:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Independent contractor, among others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWho is Leonard Gates?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates was born on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNovember 26, 1970, in San Antonio, Texas, USA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and lives in Houston.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompared to many European darts professionals, Gates started playing darts relatively late.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis original sporting dream was for a completely different sport: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebaseball\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates was a talented baseball player, playing at a level that even attracted the interest of scouts. Baseball played a much larger role in his life for a long time than darts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnly later did darts become his new sporting passion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2007\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Gates increasingly participated in organized darts tournaments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat followed was a remarkable second sports career.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates was formerly a baseball player\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis baseball past is one of the most interesting stories about Leonard Gates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a young man, the Texan played ambitious baseball and even attracted scouts with his performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates played both in high school and college and was later active in minor league baseball.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, his hoped-for major baseball career did not develop as planned.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring the off-season, Gates increasingly came into contact with darts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat started as a pastime eventually developed into a new passion – and the baseball player became an internationally successful darts player.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo this day, Gates remains connected to baseball and lists playing in a baseball league as one of his hobbies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy is Leonard Gates called \"The Soulger\"?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates' nickname is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The Soulger\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name is a wordplay that perfectly suits his personality, combining elements of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Soul\" and \"Soldier\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates has a military background and was sometimes simply referred to as \"Soldier.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the same time, music is an important part of his personality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates loves soul and funk, enjoys singing and dancing – and this combination fits perfectly with his nickname \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Soulger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name has since become his trademark and can be found on various signature products.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe greatest achievements of Leonard Gates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates has amassed an impressive collection of titles, particularly in North American darts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternationally, he became known to a wider audience mainly through his PDC and World Seniors appearances.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates' most important successes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePDC North American Darts Championship Winner 2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Seniors Champion of Champions Winner 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Seniors Darts Masters Winner 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Seniors Matchplay Winner 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethus three major World Seniors TV titles within one year\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan\u003emultiple \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCDC tournament winner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003emultiple champion at North American darts tournaments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003enumerous titles in American Darts Organization competitions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan\u003emultiple appearances at the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePDC World Darts Championship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan\u003eparticipant in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrand Slam of Darts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan\u003eparticipant in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Cup of Darts for the USA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan\u003eRound of 16 at the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Series of Darts Finals 2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cspan\u003eQuarter-finals at the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUS Darts Masters 2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis makes Gates one of the most successful American darts players of his generation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe big breakthrough: North American Darts Championship 2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA decisive moment in his international career came in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2022 in New York\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the PDC North American Darts Championship in the legendary \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMadison Square Garden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Gates played his way to the final.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere he met his American compatriot Danny Baggish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates won the final \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6-3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and was crowned North American Darts Champion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis success also earned him qualification for the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThus, The Soulger was allowed to compete on the most famous darts stage in the world for the first time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates at the PDC World Championship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates made his debut in the legendary \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlexandra Palace\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e at the PDC World Darts Championship 2022\/23.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the American was not intimidated by the big stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates won his first World Championship match against Geert Nentjes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3-1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, advancing directly to the second round in his debut.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince then, The Soulger has returned to the PDC World Championship multiple times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn doing so, Gates has increasingly become a crowd favorite.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is not solely due to his sporting achievements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnyone who has seen Leonard Gates at a World Championship knows: The American knows how to enjoy a darts stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Entertainer: Leonard Gates and his dances\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardly any darts player combines sport and entertainment as naturally as Leonard Gates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Soulger \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edances, laughs, and interacts with the audience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis side of his personality became internationally known, especially during his appearances at Alexandra Palace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis demeanor does not appear to be a rehearsed marketing show.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDancing and music are indeed among Gates' personal passions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe American himself lists \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esinging and dancing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as hobbies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is precisely why his stage show feels so authentic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEven curious accessories are occasionally part of it. At the World Championship, for example, Gates delighted fans with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eski goggles and exuberant dance performances\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Soulger is one of those players where even the walk-on and the time between throws are part of the entertainment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates dominates the World Seniors Tour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe year \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e became one of the most successful in Gates' career.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Soulger temporarily dominated the major TV tournaments in senior darts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst, he won the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Seniors Champion of Champions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn doing so, Gates defeated darts legend \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhil Taylor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, among others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA victory against the 16-time world champion alone is a special moment in any darts career.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut Gates continued.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe also won the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Seniors Darts Masters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and then the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Seniors Matchplay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis meant he achieved \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethree major World Seniors titles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e within one year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis extraordinary run finally made Leonard Gates a well-known name beyond North America.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat is Leonard Gates' playing style like?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates is right-handed and has a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erhythmic, confident throwing style\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis demeanor appears relaxed, but behind this casualness lies a lot of experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates tries to maintain his own rhythm and not let himself be unnecessarily distracted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe contrast between his stage presence and his actual throw is interesting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBetween throws, The Soulger can dance and interact with the audience – but as soon as he stands at the oche, he fully concentrates on his throw again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecisely this ability to enjoy a big stage is one of his strengths.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat darts does Leonard Gates play?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates has played with various dart setups throughout his career.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCurrently, or in his more recent career, Gates is particularly associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinmau Signature Darts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinmau developed its own Leonard Gates darts, which incorporate his Soulger look.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are different specifications for the weight because Gates has changed his setup over time, and various retail versions exist.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTherefore, if you want to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebuy Leonard Gates darts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, you should not exclusively look for the supposed match weight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is more important that the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebarrel length, diameter, grip, and weight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e suit your own grip position.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiplomatgames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, you will find the available Leonard Gates darts and can compare the different variants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates and Winmau\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates switched to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinmau\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e later in his career.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the traditional manufacturer, his own Soulger Signature Darts were released.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe collaboration coincides with a particularly successful sporting phase of his career.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEspecially around his great successes on the World Seniors Tour, Gates became increasingly associated with Winmau.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor fans of The Soulger, the signature products are also interesting due to their design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhich dart manufacturers did Leonard Gates previously work with?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore his time at Winmau, Leonard Gates played darts from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDynasty A-FLOW\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis model at the time was aptly named \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSOLDIERS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, fitting his nickname.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates also used equipment from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL-Style\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, especially flights and shafts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn older official player profile from the Championship Darts Corporation lists Dynasty A-FLOW, L-Style, and Dartslive among others as sponsors or equipment partners.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThus, Gates has an interesting equipment history:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDynasty A-FLOW → Winmau\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL-Style played an important role, particularly in his flight and shaft setup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor collectors, therefore, older Dynasty SOLDIERS models may be interesting in addition to current Leonard Gates Winmau Darts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat did Leonard Gates do professionally besides darts?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates was not a professional darts player his entire life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn addition to his sporting past in baseball, the American also worked outside of sports.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn his official CDC player profile, Gates is listed as an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndependent Contractor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis career thus differs significantly from young darts professionals who, as teenagers, focus solely on professional darts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates already had an extensive professional and sporting life behind him before he became internationally known as a darts player.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat hobbies does Leonard Gates have?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith Leonard Gates, there are refreshingly specific details about his hobbies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe American lists, among others:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBaseball, fitness\/training, singing, and dancing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis also explains some elements of his stage presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDancing is not just something The Soulger does for the audience – it is genuinely one of his personal interests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis connection to baseball also did not disappear after the end of his ambitious baseball career. Gates continued to play baseball in leagues.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates and Cameron Menzies – an emotional World Championship match\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the PDC World Darts Championship 2024\/25, Gates also made headlines with an unusually emotional match against \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCameron Menzies\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Scot visibly struggled with his emotions during the game and at times even broke down in tears.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates won the match.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, his reaction afterward was remarkable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstead of making fun of his opponent's situation, Gates showed empathy and tried to cheer Menzies up after the match.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis scene showed a different side of the usually exuberant entertainer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Soulger can dance and celebrate on stage – but also knows when sporting rivalry should take a back seat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates – baseball player, darts champion, and entertainer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates has one of the more unusual life stories in professional darts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe was an ambitious \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebaseball player\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, worked outside of sports, and only started playing darts seriously relatively late.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNevertheless, he developed into one of the most successful American darts players.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis victory at the North American Darts Championship brought him to the big PDC World Championship stage. His three World Seniors titles in 2023 subsequently proved that The Soulger can also win major international tournaments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdded to this is a personality that is perfectly suited for the big darts stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDancing, singing, soul music, good humor, and at the same time sporting ambition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – Leonard Gates is much more than just another darts player.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuy Leonard Gates Darts at Diplomatgames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAre you looking for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates Darts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or are you a fan of The Soulger?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiplomatgames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, you will find various \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates Darts and matching dart accessories\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, subject to availability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis signature darts are not only of interest to fans. Ultimately, the technical characteristics of the barrel are decisive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTherefore, pay particular attention to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edart weight, barrel length, diameter, and grip strength\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e before choosing a model.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiscover the available \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Gates Darts at Diplomatgames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e now and bring a piece of Soulger feeling to your own dartboard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFAQ – frequently asked questions about Leonard Gates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhich darts does Leonard Gates play?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn his recent career, Leonard Gates has been particularly associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinmau Signature Darts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Previously, he played, among others, Dynasty A-FLOW SOLDIERS Darts and used equipment from L-Style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy is Leonard Gates called \"The Soulger\"?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Soulger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a play on words from \"Soul\" and \"Soldier\". The name fits both Gates' connection to music and dance and his military background.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat are Leonard Gates' greatest achievements?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis greatest achievements include the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePDC North American Darts Championship 2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as well as three major World Seniors titles in 2023: Champion of Champions, World Seniors Masters, and World Seniors Matchplay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWas Leonard Gates a baseball player before?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Before darts became his major sporting career, Gates played \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebaseball\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ambitiously. Even later, baseball remained one of his hobbies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does Leonard Gates do besides darts?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGates was listed in his official CDC profile as an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eindependent contractor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. His hobbies include baseball, training, singing, and dancing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere can you buy Leonard Gates Darts?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou can buy Leonard Gates Darts at Diplomatgames.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Here you will find Soulger Signature Darts and matching dart accessories, subject to availability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"winmau-dart-set-leonard-gates-20g","title":"Winmau Dart Set Leonard Gates 20g","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"KnM9nf\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"QmZWSe\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"DHcWmd\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv id=\"tw-target\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv id=\"kAz1tf\" class=\"g9WsWb\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv id=\"tw-target-text-container\" class=\"tw-ta-container hide-focus-ring tw-nfl\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" data-placeholder=\"Übersetzung\"\u003eWinmau Dart Set Leonard Gates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"oSioSc\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv id=\"tw-target\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv id=\"kAz1tf\" class=\"g9WsWb\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv id=\"tw-target-text-container\" class=\"tw-ta-container F0azHf tw-nfl\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp id=\"tw-target-text\" class=\"tw-data-text tw-text-large tw-ta\" dir=\"ltr\" data-placeholder=\"Übersetzung\"\u003eIn the USA, Leonard Gates is the number 1 most famous player on the world tour. With multiple major victories, he inspires the next generation of US players.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal weight: 20g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-title-description\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBarrel: 90% Tungsten\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBarrel length: 50.8mm, Ø 6.5mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShaft: Vecta Short\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlight: Prism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eManufacturer: Winmau\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eType: Leonard Gates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScope of delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e3 pieces Winmau Leonard Gates Darts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Winmau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57965453345103,"sku":"D10210841","price":74.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/0188\/6031\/files\/Winmau-Dart-Set-Leonard-Gates.jpg?v=1781743621"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/0188\/6031\/collections\/Leondard_Gates_1febe602-ee54-485e-884b-7bf50b68924e.png?v=1786548676","url":"https:\/\/diplomatgames.at\/en-eu\/collections\/leonard-gates.oembed","provider":"Diplomatgames","version":"1.0","type":"link"}