What Is 2013 World Series of Darts

Overview

The 2013 World Series of Darts was a special event on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) calendar, designed to expand the sport’s global reach. Held in Dubai, it brought together elite players from different continents under a unified competitive format.

This tournament marked a shift in darts’ international presence, showcasing televised matches in a non-traditional market. It combined ranking points, prize money, and promotional opportunities to elevate player profiles beyond the UK.

• Location: The event was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, a first for the PDC, marking a strategic move into the Middle East.
• Dates: The competition ran from February 28 to March 3, 2013, spanning four days of group and knockout stages.
• Participants: Eight players qualified, including Adrian Lewis, James Wade, Phil Taylor, and Raymond van Barneveld, based on rankings and regional representation.
• Format: The tournament used a group stage followed by semi-finals and a final, with matches played in a best-of-19 legs format.
• Prize Pool: A total of $250,000 was distributed, with the winner earning $100,000, the largest single payout in non-World Championship PDC events at the time.

How It Works

The 2013 World Series of Darts introduced a structured yet dynamic format to engage international audiences and reward top performers. Each stage was designed to test consistency and adaptability under pressure.

• Qualification: Players earned spots based on PDC Order of Merit rankings and regional qualifiers, ensuring global representation. Each continent had at least one representative.
• Group Stage: The eight players were split into two groups of four, playing round-robin matches. The top two from each group advanced to the semi-finals.
• Match Format: Games in the group stage were best-of-11 legs, increasing to best-of-19 in the semi-finals and final for added intensity.
• Scoring System: Two points were awarded for a win, one for a draw, and standings were determined by points, leg difference, and head-to-head results.
• Referees and Officiating: PDC-certified referees monitored games, enforcing standard rules including the eight-second throw rule and dart measurement regulations.
• Television Coverage: The event was broadcast globally via Sky Sports and international partners, with commentary in multiple languages to support outreach.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2013 World Series of Darts differed significantly from traditional PDC majors in structure, location, and audience reach. The table below highlights key distinctions:

While the prize money was lower than the World Championship, the Dubai event stood out for its international setting and compact schedule. It served as a pilot for future global expansion, influencing the creation of the World Series circuit in later years.

Why It Matters

The 2013 World Series of Darts was a turning point in darts’ efforts to become a truly global sport. By hosting the event outside Europe, the PDC demonstrated its commitment to expanding its fanbase and commercial opportunities.

• Global Growth: The Dubai event helped the PDC establish a foothold in the Middle East, paving the way for future tournaments in Asia and North America.
• Player Exposure: Competitors gained visibility in new markets, enhancing sponsorship appeal and media coverage beyond traditional darts nations.
• Innovation: The format introduced regional qualifiers, encouraging emerging talent from places like Australia, South Africa, and the USA to compete at elite levels.
• Television Reach: Broadcast in over 30 countries, the event increased global viewership and attracted new advertisers to the sport.
• Legacy: The success of the 2013 event led to the creation of the annual World Series of Darts circuit, including stops in Japan, the USA, and Germany.
• Sporting Prestige: Winning in Dubai added to a player’s legacy, with Adrian Lewis cementing his status as a top-tier performer on the international stage.

The 2013 tournament proved that darts could thrive beyond its British roots, setting a precedent for future global events and helping transform the sport into a worldwide phenomenon.