Darts has become one of the biggest indoor games in the world. Millions of fans around the world pack tournaments, pubs or watch from their television at home to watch this juggernaut of a sport. From humble beginnings in English pubs to international destinations packed with rabid fans, darts tournaments have evolved into must watch events on the sporting calendar. In this article, we’ll explore the top five darts tournaments that showcase the best players and the highest stakes in the world of darts.
Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship
The granddaddy of them all! The PDC World Darts Championship is widely regarded as the pinnacle of professional darts, attracting the best players from around the globe to compete for the prestigious title. Held annually since 1994, the tournament takes place at Alexandra Palace in London, England, and features a format of straight knockout matches leading to the final. With its electric atmosphere, raucous crowds, and high-stakes competition, the PDC World Darts Championship is a must-watch event for darts enthusiasts worldwide.
UK Open
This PDC event is unusual in that it is one of the only tournaments where players of all capabilities (amateur and professional) are eligible to play, a rule that has some referring to this tournament as the FA Cup of Darts. The amateur and lower ranked players play through the earlier rounds where the top 32 PDC ranked players enter the fray from the 4th round.
This is always a popular tournament and attracts all top amateur and professionals, fighting for the prestige and prize money of £600,000. Previous winners include Phil Taylor. Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld and Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright.
Premier League Darts
The Premier League Darts is a unique and thrilling tournament that brings together the best players from the PDC circuit to compete in a round-robin format over several months. Established in 2005, the Premier League Darts features weekly matches held at various venues across the United Kingdom and Europe, culminating in a grand finale. With its fast-paced action, high-profile matchups, and passionate crowds, the Premier League Darts is a favorite among fans and players alike.
It’s no surprise to see Phil Taylor heading the total Premier League Darts tournament wins with 6.
World Series of Darts (WSOD)
The World Series of Darts is an international tournament series that showcases the global reach and popularity of the sport. Established in 2013, the WSOD features events held in cities around the world, including Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Melbourne. The tournament format varies from event to event, with some featuring knockout rounds and others featuring round-robin play. With its diverse field of players and exciting venues, the World Series of Darts offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of darts on a global stage.
The great Dutch darts player, Michael van Gerwen leads the honour roll with 20 World Series of Darts wins.
Grand Slam of Darts
The Grand Slam of Darts is a unique tournament that previously brought together players from both the PDC and BDO circuits (before the BDO collapsed into liquidation in 2020) to compete in a cross-code format. Established in 2007, the Grand Slam of Darts features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, with players competing for a share of the prize money and the prestigious title. Held at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall in England, the tournament provides fans with the opportunity to see top players from both organizations face off in thrilling matches.
Once again the great Phil “The Power” Taylor leads all players with 6 victories of this tournament with other winners including Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Raymond van Barneveld.
Darts tournaments offer fans some of the most exhilarating blend of skill and drama, making them some of the most exciting events in the world of sports. From the open to all comers UK Open to the high-stakes (and must watch) action of the PDC World Darts Championship, these 5 tournaments showcase the best players and the fiercest competition in the sport.
Whether you’re a seasoned darts aficionado or a casual fan, attending one of these top five darts tournaments is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to witness the fireworks!