Guide

How many sets to win in darts?

In darts, the player who is the first to win three sets is the winner of the match. In this article, we will take you through the amount of sets needed to win the PDC World Darts Championship.

Josh Isaacson
Josh Isaacson

Last Updated: 2024-10-14

Chad Nagel

3 minutes read

Luke Humphries

Luke Humphries//Getty Images

What are sets in darts?

Sets in darts are the amount of matches that are played to determine a winner. The player who is the first to win three sets is the winner of the match. To win a set, you must win more legs than your opponent. The player with the most sets won wins the match. 

How many sets to win the World Darts Championship?

• First, and second-round matches are the best-of-five sets. 

• Third, and fourth-round matches are the best-of-seven sets. 

• Quarter-finals are the best-of-nine sets.

• Semi-finals are the best-of-11 sets.

• The final is best-of-13 sets. 

Who won the 2024 World Darts Championship?

Luke Humphries won the 2024 World Darts Championship by winning the best-of-13 sets in the final against Luke Littler. The 2024 World Darts Championship final showed us exactly why 13 sets are needed to win the World Darts Championship final. The 13 sets really makes for a thrilling final, and a great fan, and playing experience. 

"I've achieved so much in the last 12 months. I've achieved something which is absolutely incredible. I've had so many appearances where I've just got that bit of luck - many times in your career you'll win tournaments on a bit of luck, and I have, but you need that bit of class when it means the most." - Luke Humphries on his darts career, and his future goals. 

Now that you know about sets, learn the history of darts

Brian Gamlin is credited as the inventor of the numbering system used on modern dartboards today. Gamlin, a man from Bury, in Lancashire, came up with the 1-20 number sequence in the late 1880s that is still displayed on dartboards all these years later. The invention of this numbering system is considered to be one of the most impactful changes, helping darts to gain even more popularity and eventual recognition as a sport.

Luke Humphries is the best darts player in the world, ranked at number one on the PDC Order of Merit as of October 2024. Michael Smith, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, and Dave Chisnall all make up the top five darts players in the world. Below is a table of the top five darts players in the world according to the PDC Order of Merit. 

Player name World ranking 
Luke Humphries1
Michael Smith 2
Michael van Gerwen3
Rob Cross4
Dave Chisnall5

FAQs

How many sets to win the World Darts Championship?

The World Darts Championship begins in thrilling fashion. First and second-round matches are the best-of-five sets. Third and fourth-round matches are the best-of-seven sets. Quarterfinals are the best-of-nine sets, semi-finals are the best-of-11 sets, and the final is best-of-13 sets. The World Darts Championship is action packed with world-class darts players, and plenty of sets!  

What are sets in darts?

Darts, just like the majority of sports, has a winner, and a loser. Sets in darts are the amount of matches that are played to determine a winner. The player who is the first to win three sets, wins the match. To win a set, you must win more legs than your opponent. The player with the most sets won wins the match.

Josh Isaacson
Josh IsaacsonSports Writer

Josh has over ten years of experience as a Sports Writer. Josh has created content for some of the biggest sports brands and publications in South Africa. Josh is a creative writer who puts you in the game with his unique content. Josh writes about Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Basketball, Darts, Golf, and all major sports.