What Is 2016 World Series of Darts Finals

Overview

The 2016 World Series of Darts Finals was a premier darts tournament organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), bringing together top players from around the globe. It marked the second edition of the Finals, following the expansion of the World Series concept beyond the UK.

This event served as a culmination of the 2016 World Series circuit, which included stops in Dubai, Japan, Germany, and the United States. The Finals offered a significant prize purse and ranking points, attracting elite players aiming to cement their status in the sport.

• 24 players qualified based on performances in World Series events and PDC rankings, ensuring a globally representative field.
• The tournament was held at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, a venue known for its enthusiastic darts crowds.
• Matches were played in a best-of-11 legs format in early rounds, increasing to best-of-21 in the final.
• Michael van Gerwen, the world number one, entered as defending champion and top seed after winning in 2015.
• The total prize fund was £375,000, with the winner receiving £100,000, making it one of the richest darts events outside the World Championship.

How It Works

The World Series of Darts Finals follows a structured knockout format, combining qualification pathways and standardized match rules to ensure competitive integrity and global representation.

• Qualification System: Players earned spots through the World Series of Darts Order of Merit, based on prize money from international events. The top 8 ranked players qualified automatically.
• Regional Invitations: The PDC invited 8 players from host nations and emerging darts regions to promote global growth, including representatives from the USA, Japan, and Australia.
• Wildcard Entries: The defending champion and host nation’s top performer received 2 wildcard spots, ensuring local interest and defending titleholder participation.
• Match Format: Early rounds used a best-of-11 legs format, quarterfinals and semifinals were best-of-19, and the final was best-of-21 legs.
• Scoring System: Standard 501 format was used, with players required to doubling out to win each leg, emphasizing precision under pressure.
• Seeding and Draw: The top 8 players were seeded based on rankings, avoiding each other until later rounds, with the draw conducted publicly after qualification.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 Finals with prior and subsequent editions to highlight format consistency and growth.

The 2016 edition marked a turning point with increased prize money and a fixed 24-player field. While locations shifted after 2016, the tournament structure and financial incentives remained consistent, reinforcing its status as a major PDC event.

Why It Matters

The 2016 World Series of Darts Finals had significant implications for the sport’s global expansion and competitive landscape, showcasing top-tier talent in a high-stakes environment.

• The event highlighted Michael van Gerwen’s dominance, as he claimed his second consecutive title, reinforcing his position as world number one.
• Increased prize money to £100,000 elevated the tournament’s prestige, attracting greater media and sponsor attention.
• Global player inclusion helped grow darts in non-traditional markets like Japan and the USA, promoting international development.
• The Finals served as a bridge between UK-centric PDC events and global outreach, enhancing the sport’s international profile.
• High viewership and live attendance in Glasgow demonstrated strong fan engagement, encouraging future international hosting.
• Performance here influenced World Championship seeding, making it a critical event for player rankings and qualification.

Overall, the 2016 Finals played a key role in shaping the modern era of professional darts, balancing competitive excellence with global inclusivity.