Thurnscoe man Brian Dawson is dreaming his new year will start with him being crowned world champion.
Even one year ago the thought seemed unlikely and two years ago it was frankly unthinkable.
But 'Doggy' Dawson, 47, will be at Lakeside early next week hoping he can realise his ambition that started in the 1980s when he watched the likes of Eric Bristow and Mexborough's Dennis Priestley on television.
Dawson said: "I'll still be going to enjoy it but this year I've moved up in the rankings and I'm going there full of confidence.
"I've beaten the likes of Ted Hankey, Andy Fordham and Martin Adams this year so it's dawning on me that I could bring the title back to Barnsley."
Dawson, who started playing the game in his kitchen as a youngster, headed to Lakeside as a last-ditch qualifier last year and went on an impressive run to the quarter finals.
His progress was only ended when he lost to the eventual winner Scott Mitchell, from Bournemouth, 5-2.
He is no longer going to make up the numbers.
Dawson added: "Last year I went to enjoy it and make sure I remembered every moment of it. "It took a while for it to sink in but I have had a lot of attention since.
"Now I'm beating the top guys in the BDO which makes me realise that maybe I could win it."
This year Dawson has moved up to number 15 in the world and claimed the prestigious BDO Gold Cup in the summer.
Good form in other tournaments throughout the year has resulted in him earning a seeded draw.
A courier by trade, Dawson kicks off his campaign on Tuesday evening against former world champion and his Yorkshire team-mate John Walton.
The match starts at 9pm tonight and will be broadcast live on BT Sport. Highlights are shown later on BBC 2.
Dawson also plays for the Keel Inn in the Barnsley League and for West Melton side the Albert Road Club in the Wath and West Melton league.
