The 20-year-old, nicknamed “Champagne Charlie,” reached the fourth round at Alexandra Palace in London before losing to finalist Gian van Veen. Despite his newfound fame and a rise to 81st in the world rankings, Manby remains a freelance bricklayer, a job he says he “enjoys” and “is something to fall back on,” according to The Sun.

Reflecting on the experience at the world tournament, Manby said the atmosphere was initially overwhelming.

“It was a bit surreal to start with, then game by game I felt a lot more comfortable,” he told ITV News. “There was 4,000 people shouting my name. It’s a great feeling.”

Despite the great payout, Manby values the stability of his bricklaying job.

“For the past three years I have been doing this job, it has been my main income and I actually enjoy it,” he added. “It’s a good laugh on the site and you are getting a good weeks wage at the end of it as well. You’ve always got something to fall back on if the darts doesn’t go your way.”

His boss, Sam Booth, described him as a character who “brings a smile to everyone’s face.”

While Booth joked that Manby is better at “throwing darts” than laying bricks, he praised him as a “good all-round guy.”

Manby has modest plans for his winnings, mentioning he might look at a new car or a watch once the money hits his bank. His immediate professional focus is now on Q-School, where he hopes to earn a two-year spot on the professional tour.