TL;DR
- The Darts World Championship began in 1973 with the British Darts Organisation (BDO), establishing rules and measurements for the sport.
- In 1988, a schism occurred, leading to the formation of the World Darts Council (WDC), later renamed the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
- The BDO eventually liquidated, and the World Darts Federation (WDF) took over, while the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) emerged in 2022.
- Currently, darts features three distinct world championships: PDC, WDF, and ADC, offering diverse experiences for enthusiasts.
Similar to other professional athletic pursuits, such as boxing or the recent golf dispute, darts has consistently featured diverse formats, rules, and governing bodies. A peculiar, yet frequently spectacular, outcome is what certain enthusiasts dub 'Dartmas'—an extraordinary period annually characterized by an abundance of darts competitions with international significance. This narrative explores the development that led to the steel-tipped variant now boasting three distinct entities:
Ah, the 1970s. A decade characterized by wide-legged trousers, the dominance of disco balls, and the pervasive scent of tobacco in every British pub. Amidst the bell-bottoms, perms, and pints of mild ale, a remarkable event emerged – the Darts World Championship.
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Established in 1973 by Olly Croft, who evidently desired a game with more defined rules than simply "winner stays on," the British Darts Organisation (BDO) swiftly rose to prominence in the sport. They didn't merely play darts; they introduced regulations to the game. The BDO determined the dartboard's height, the oche's distance, and various measurements, all of which remain in use currently. Therefore, should anyone next time grumble that your friend's board is positioned too low, you can attribute the fault to Olly.
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Moving ahead to 1978, the organization introduced its inaugural World Championship, appropriately backed by Embassy, with Leighton Rees (pictured) emerging victorious. This was because, during the 1970s, darts was closely associated with tobacco and spirits, long before the band Oasis referenced it. The environment was thick with cigarette smoke and fond memories, establishing the groundwork for all subsequent developments.
If you're younger than 50, you'll need to picture it. The advent of televised darts, predating Luke Littler's parents' ability to enter a pub. This was the pivotal moment in darts – and from that hazy beginning, the contemporary sport transformed into the lucrative spectacle it is now.
HISTORY OF DARTS: The First 30 years at Lakeside
By 1988, however, the outlook had considerably dimmed. Snobbery became a factor, advertisers withdrew their support, and only the World Championships aired on television. Darts had transitioned from prime viewing hours to late-night slots, and the professional players faced difficulties.
Then the upheaval occurred. Sixteen competitors, encompassing all currently active World Champions, declared they'd had sufficient. They established the World Darts Council (WDC), which was subsequently renamed the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), and permanently altered the sport.
The darting community refers to this period as The Split, a significant schism in the sport. Beginning in 1994, the sport saw the emergence of two distinct World Championships, governed by separate organizations, which caused considerable distress for all parties. Athletes were compelled to align with one faction, and supporters found themselves needing to familiarize themselves with new initialisms.
Barry Hearn intervened, Sky Sports activated their cameras, legal disagreements were resolved, and the PDC propelled darts to unprecedented heights.
THE PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP: Watch winning moments 1994-2023
Concurrently, the BDO maintained its unpretentious appeal, championing both amateur and aspiring professional dart players. For a period, this strategy proved effective. Two distinct sports, two separate spheres, united by a common thread: darts.
However, a prolonged farewell then ensued. The BDO's most prominent competitors began departing in pursuit of more lucrative opportunities and grander arenas. The BBC, a steadfast patron for many years, ceased its broadcasting of the event in 2016. While Channel 4, BT Sport, Eurosport, and even Quest made efforts to sustain it, the decline of Lakeside was evident.
By 2020, the unthinkable happened. Just days before the BDO World Championship was due to start, chairman Des Jacklin admitted the prize fund was being “reduced somewhat.” Translation: The iceberg had been struck.
Several months onward, the BDO entered into liquidation, consequently ending fifty years of darting heritage.
However, supporters of darts prove to be a tough group. In a span of months, the World Darts Federation (WDF) assumed responsibility and opted to organize and champion its own rendition instead of outsourcing to the BDO, which had been its practice from the outset.
Lakeside, the sport's traditional venue, was brought back to life, and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the WDF World Championships made a comeback in 2022. It's uncertain whether a fresh perspective on established traditions will pave the way for the WDF's future, but the effort is commendable and appears to be building traction.
Introducing the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC), established in 2022 – a fresh contender with significant aspirations. Imagine it as a darts equivalent to a Netflix sequel that's receiving widespread acclaim.
Amateur Darts Circuit
In their own description, the ADC aims to connect the amateur level with professional competition, offering a global arena for aspiring players to contend across regional, national, and international levels under optimal circumstances. This is the venue where determined competitors can demonstrate their ability to contend with top-tier players, without requiring a Tour Card, substantial travel funds, or sponsorship.
With the introduction of the ADC Global Championships in 2024, it's evident that the pinnacle of the darts calendar has arrived. December's focus has shifted from festive treats to the pursuit of three major world championships: the PDC's highly publicized event at Ally Pally, the WDF's traditional competition at Lakeside, and the ADC's brand-new spectacle in Portsmouth.
Devon Petersen, hailing from South Africa, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural African player to secure a worldwide championship, thereby initiating the foundation for the current 56-competitor tournament. This event features both group and elimination rounds, with all matches broadcast on complimentary viewing channels through PLUTO TV.
And so we find ourselves with a single sport, three distinct 'world' titles, and a multitude of 180s that could leave you dizzy, much like a vintage disco ball from the late seventies. In those days, it was cigarettes, bell-bottom trousers, and a five-pound prize for the victor. Today, it involves spotlights, filming, and a substantial seven-figure sum that can alter one's life.
The appeal? You're no longer required to choose a single allegiance. Today's enthusiast can freely enjoy all three. From the PDC's dazzling spectacle to the WDF's sentimental charm, and the ADC's innovative, welcoming approach – the sport of darts is experiencing unprecedented vitality, prosperity, and accessibility.
Long live the arrows and ‘Dartsmas time’.
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