UK Darts News, Updates and Exclusive Interviews

Although the inception of darts as we know it might have been born in a pub, most agree that the sport evolved from as early as the Middle Ages and likely looked very different to what it is today. Nevertheless, the famous story of Jim Garside from 1908 proves that darts were played in pubs around the UK. 

In fact, we could argue that it’s all thanks to Uncle Jim that darts is seen as a sport today! Placed on trial for allowing a game of chance to be played in his pub when gambling was outlawed, Jim illustrated in open court that the game was one of skill. Throwing three darts to a score of 20 and challenging the legal minds of the time to replicate this. When they couldn’t, it was agreed: Darts is a game of skill. 

Today, more than 25 000 darts players are represented by the BDO. The organization was founded in 1973 and later became the founding member of the World Darts Federation. Although by this time darts was a relatively popular televised sport in the UK, the BDO saw the dawn of the professional era.

The PDC World Darts Championship – or Paddy Power World Darts Championship, as it is known for marketing purposes – is held annually from December to January. It’s been hosted at the Alexandra Palace in London since 2008, and is seen as the most prestigious amongst the PDC tournaments. 

Together with the Premier League Darts and World Matchplay, it makes up the triple crown. Phil Taylor holds the record for the most PDC World Darts Championship titles at 14. 

The world Matchplay has been held annually since 1994 in Blackpool. From its very inception, the tournament has always been a legs only event. That is to say that players race to win a number of legs – they must win by two clear legs – to progress to the next round.

Phil Taylor holds the record for a run of 38 consecutive matches unbeaten. He has only ever lost eight matches in the history of the event! 

Launched in 2005, the league is played weekly between February and May. Although played with a league format, it comes to an end with a playoff phase between the top four players on the table. 

Once again, we need to mention Phil Taylor, he currently holds the record for the most number of titles. Currently, he has won this tournament on six separate occasions. 

Widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, Phil Taylor has won 16 World Darts Championship Titles and his dominance in the sport is just simply unparalleled. His career sees 214 professional tournament wins and 85 major titles, he is the only player to win every World Grand Prix he has appeared at.

Affectionately known as ‘snakebite’, Wright is without question the most flamboyant performer the darts world has ever been graced with. Winning the 2017 UK Open – and in the process ending a 20-year wait for glory – Wright now boasts two World Championships, two World Cups and a World Matchplay title. 

Nicknamed ‘Bully Boy’, Michael Smith has won eight PDC Pro Tour titles, a Grand Slam of Darts and a PDC World Darts Championship. Famously describing his decision to drop out of College, with just one exam remaining, to play a darts tournament as the ‘greatest decision of his life’, Smith has never looked back. 

Rob Cross is responsible for the greatest, yes the greatest, fairytale in darts history. Going from an electrician to top of the world in a mere 18 months, Cross got past Phil Taylor to claim his maiden World Championship title at a jam-packed Alexandra Palace. 

As we mentioned earlier, the creation of the PDC elevated the sport of Darts. The organisation of major tournaments, championships, attracting the very best players from around the world of darts and the televising of these events saw a major shift in the sport. Inevitably, more people had access to the sport, people had more access to charismatic personalities and were able to view unbelievable performances. Today, darts is a global phenomenon. 

Pubs and bars have a special place in British society – and they have since the dawn of time! It’s a place to socialise, relax, have a few drinks and catch up on the most recent gossip.

Pubs have also come to serve as the local spot to watch sport, and when inspired, host various games for some friendly competition. Darts is one of those games. Whether it requires skill or a few extra pints of ale, darts will no doubt be a fan favourite at your local pub.