For most, playing in front of television's bright lights with the world watching is a daunting prospect, but not for Kiwi ace Haupai Puha.
The 33-year-old will make his televised Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) debut at next week's Auckland Darts Masters Darts at Henderson's Trusts Arena, where he will face one of the best in the world - yet to be determined - in the first round.
While in reality, it will be his first match against one of the big guns, in his mind, he has already faced some of the world's best arrowsmiths as part of his unique practice routine.
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"I practice against the television,” he told Newshub. "So to me, I've already been playing Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and all the other professionals.
"I put my practice board next to the television, and I put on one of the darts events, and I pretend to be the other person.
"I'd love to play against van Gerwen. He's the best, so you'd want to avoid him, because if he plays his best, you have no chance."
Playing on the biggest stage won't be anything new for Puha, who has only been a part of the DartsPlayers New Zealand (DPNZ) circuit for the past two years.
Before focussing on darts, the Wellingtonian used to specialise in golf, where he was a two-time New Zealand Maori champion, winning the title in 2010 and 2012.
It was a big move to trade the nine-iron for steel arrows, but Puha knows some of the skills he learnt on golfing greens have helped him transition into darts.
"I played golf for 15 years. When I won the New Zealand Maori tournament, there was a film crew chasing us around the course.
"Playing golf has helped with the transition to darts with regards to the mental side of it, so I'm not nervous getting up on the stage and playing."
He has also attempted playing soft-tip darts and recently had success in one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
Puha was a part of the New Zealand team that travelled to Seoul, South Korea, to take part in the recent Phoenix Summer Festival.
More than 3000 people from 28 countries contraries contested the event. Puha finished fifth in singles, losing out to eventual winner Seigo Asada of Japan, while New Zealand finished third overall in the team event.
The event was broadcast online around the world and that has helped with his confidence, heading toward the Auckland Masters.
"It hasn't hit me yet. I think everyone else was more excited than me.
"I've been playing good lately, so I think I would have to go there, whether I got the wildcard spot or not.
"It is a big test, and hopefully I can compete, that is all I can ask."
Puha qualified for the Auckland Masters, tied atop the DPNZ order of merit, alongside skilled veteran Warren Parry.
Even if Puha doesn't succeed in Auckland, he will have a second chance to topple the a pros, as he also qualified for the Melbourne Masters the following week.
"I wasn't planning on playing it, because I had booked flights and accommodation for the New Zealand Council championships in Rotorua.
"Because that clashed, I didn't mind if I lost, but I suppose when you don’t have the pressure to win or lose, it makes it easier.
"So I wasted a couple of flights to Rotorua, but that's what you do when you want to be on TV."
Newshub.
