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Michael van Gerwen
Gary Anderson
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David Pallett
Wikipedia - PDC World Darts Championship
The PDC World Darts Championship, known for sponsorship purposes as the Paddy Power World Darts Championship is a world championship competition held annually in the sport of darts. The championship begins in December and ends in January and has been held at Alexandra Palace in London, since 2008. Organised by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), it is the most prestigious of their tournaments, with the winner receiving the Sid Waddell Trophy, named in honour of the darts commentator Sid Waddell. Along with the Premier League Darts and World Matchplay, it is part of the Triple Crown.
The PDC championship began in 1994 as the WDC World Darts Championship as one of the consequences of the split in darts, which saw the World Darts Council break away from the BDO. As a result of the settlement between the BDO and the WDC in 1997, the WDC became the PDC, and players were then free to choose which world championship to enter (but not both in the same year), as long as they met certain eligibility criteria. Both organisations continued to organize their own world championship until the 2020 editions, after which the BDO folded.
There have been thirteen different winners since the tournament's inception. With 14 wins from 25 appearances, Phil Taylor dominated the competition until last winning it in 2013. Other players to win more than once are John Part (2003 & 2008), Adrian Lewis (2011 & 2012), Gary Anderson (2015 & 2016), Michael van Gerwen (2014, 2017 & 2019) and Peter Wright (2020 & 2022). The one-time winners are the inaugural champion Dennis Priestley (1994), Raymond van Barneveld (2007), Rob Cross (2018), Gerwyn Price (2021), Michael Smith (2023), Luke Humphries (2024) and Luke Littler (2025).
History
In 1992, some high-profile players, including all previous winners of the BDO World Darts Championship still active in the game, formed the WDC, and in 1994, held their first World Championship. Dennis Priestley won the inaugural competition.
The players who broke away were taking a significant gamble – the tournament was broadcast on satellite television rather than terrestrial, and from 1994 to 2001, the prize fund for the players in the WDC/PDC World Championship was lower than the prize fund in the BDO version, although the 1997 PDC World Champion received £45,000 compared to that year's BDO World Champion receiving £38,000. In 2002, the PDC prize fund overtook that of the BDO for the first time, and the PDC event now boasts the largest prize fund of any darts competition. In 2010, the prize fund reached £1 million for the first time, with the champion collecting £200,000.
The 2014 and 2015 PDC world champions collected £250,000 for their wins. For the next three years, the winner's share increased by £50,000 each year culminating in a 2018 prize fund of £1.8 million. The current prize fund for the tournament is £2.5 million with £500,000 to the winner, as set since the 2019 edition.
The PDC World Championship is the pinnacle event in the world of professional darts, attracting the finest players from across the globe to compete for the coveted title. Held annually at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London, this prestigious tournament showcases the highest level of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship in the sport.
Spanning over several weeks, the championship features a thrilling knockout format, where players battle it out in a series of electrifying matches. Fans can expect to witness breathtaking displays of accuracy as the world's top darts professionals aim for the bullseye, showcasing their exceptional talent and mental fortitude.
With a rich history dating back to its inception, the PDC World Championship has become a highlight of the sporting calendar, drawing thousands of passionate fans to the venue and millions more watching from home. The atmosphere is electric, filled with the roar of the crowd, the sound of darts hitting the board, and the excitement of each high-stakes match.
In addition to the intense competition, the tournament is known for its vibrant entertainment, including live music, fan engagement activities, and a festive atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of darts. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, the PDC World Championship promises an unforgettable experience filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
Join us as we celebrate the best in darts and witness history in the making at the PDC World Championship!