What Is 2004 PDC World Darts Championship

Overview

The 2004 PDC World Darts Championship was the 11th edition of the Professional Darts Corporation's premier tournament. Held annually during the holiday season, it featured top darts players from around the world competing for the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy.

This edition was especially dramatic due to its nail-biting final and high-stakes pressure. The event continued to solidify the PDC’s growing influence in professional darts, distinguishing itself from the BDO circuit.

• Phil Taylor won the tournament by defeating Kevin Painter 7–6 in sets, marking one of the closest finals in darts history.
• The final match concluded on January 3, 2004, after a tense sudden-death leg that saw Taylor clinch victory 7–6.
• Competition ran from December 26, 2003, to January 3, 2004, at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex, a venue known for its intimate atmosphere.
• This victory marked Taylor’s 11th world championship title, further cementing his status as the sport’s greatest player.
• Kevin Painter, a relative underdog, reached his first PDC World Final and pushed Taylor to the absolute limit, missing a crucial double in the deciding leg.

How It Works

The PDC World Darts Championship follows a structured knockout format with set and leg scoring, governed by strict rules and broadcast standards. Players must hit specific targets on the dartboard to win legs and sets, advancing through rounds based on performance.

• Format: Matches are played in a best-of format, increasing in length as players advance; the final is best-of-13 sets.
• Scoring: Each player throws three darts per turn, aiming to reduce a starting score of 501 to exactly zero, ending on a double.
• Set Structure: A set is won by the first to win three legs; if a set reaches 2–2, a deciding leg is played.
• Sudden Death: If the final set reaches 6–6 in the championship match, a deciding leg is played with no tiebreak—first to hit double wins.
• Seeding: Top-ranked players receive seed status, avoiding early matchups; Taylor was the top seed in the 2004 tournament.
• Venue: The Circus Tavern hosted the event from 1994 to 2007, known for its loud, passionate crowd and compact stage.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key players and outcomes from the 2004 PDC World Darts Championship highlights performance metrics and tournament progression.

This table illustrates how top seeds advanced deep into the tournament, with Taylor and Lloyd posting the highest averages. Painter’s run from the 14th seed was a standout underdog performance, while van Barneveld’s semifinal exit delayed his eventual PDC breakthrough until 2007.

Why It Matters

The 2004 PDC World Darts Championship had a lasting impact on the sport, influencing player legacies and the evolution of competitive darts. Its dramatic final is still referenced in darts commentary and historical retrospectives.

• The sudden-death finish between Taylor and Painter is considered one of the most intense moments in darts history, frequently replayed in highlight reels.
• Phil Taylor’s 11th title reinforced his dominance, setting a benchmark that future players like Michael van Gerwen aim to surpass.
• Kevin Painter’s near-victory demonstrated that even top-seeded champions could be challenged, increasing the sport’s unpredictability and appeal.
• The event helped boost PDC’s profile over the BDO, contributing to the PDC’s eventual status as the leading darts organization.
• Broadcast viewership increased significantly, with Sky Sports coverage reaching over 2 million viewers for the final in the UK.
• The Circus Tavern’s final years as host highlighted the need for larger venues, leading to the move to Alexandra Palace in 2008.

The 2004 championship remains a pivotal moment in darts history, symbolizing both the peak of Taylor’s career and the rising competitiveness of the PDC circuit.