What Is 2018 Champions League of Darts

Overview

The 2018 Champions League of Darts was a premier televised darts event organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), marking the second edition of the tournament since its revival in 2016. Held annually, the event brings together the top-ranked players based on PDC Order of Merit standings and special invitations.

Staged at the Morningside Arena in Leicester, the 2018 edition featured a compact two-day format with high-stakes matches broadcast live on Sky Sports. The tournament combined round-robin group play with knockout stages, showcasing elite precision and consistency under pressure.

• Eight players competed, selected based on PDC rankings and past major performances, ensuring a field of elite darters.
• The event used a round-robin group stage format on Day 1, where two groups of four players each faced off in best-of-19 legs matches.
• Each group’s top two finishers advanced to the knockout semi-finals on Day 2, culminating in a best-of-21 legs final.
• Michael van Gerwen claimed his second consecutive title by defeating Daryl Gurney 11–10 in a dramatic final match.
• The winner earned £100,000, the largest single payout in the tournament’s history at the time, reflecting its growing prestige.

How It Works

The Champions League of Darts combined ranking-based qualification with a structured group and knockout format, designed to test consistency and resilience. Players earned spots based on PDC rankings, with the top seven joined by one wildcard invitee.

• Qualification Criteria: The top seven players from the PDC Order of Merit on August 6, 2018, qualified automatically. James Wade received a wildcard due to form and past performance.
• Group Format: Players were split into two groups of four. Each played three matches in a round-robin style, with matches best-of-19 legs.
• Scoring System: Wins earned 2 points, draws 1 point, and losses 0 points. Group rankings determined semi-final qualification.
• Tiebreakers: In case of tied points, leg difference was used first, followed by head-to-head results and total legs won.
• Knockout Stage: The top two from each group advanced. Semi-finals were best-of-21 legs, and the final was also best-of-21 legs.
• Prize Structure: The winner received £100,000, runner-up £50,000, semi-finalists £25,000, and group stage participants £15,000.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2018 Champions League of Darts with the 2017 and 2019 editions to highlight format consistency and prize evolution.

All three editions maintained identical formats, venues, and prize structures, emphasizing the PDC’s commitment to consistency. The 2018 event stood out due to the narrow final margin—van Gerwen’s 11–10 win over Gurney was the closest final in the tournament’s history at that point.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Champions League of Darts reinforced the PDC’s strategy of creating high-profile, elite-only events that elevate the sport’s competitive standards. By limiting participation to the top players, it increased the quality and intensity of matches, drawing larger TV audiences and sponsor interest.

• Elite competition ensures only the best face off, raising the level of play and public interest in darts as a professional sport.
• The £100,000 prize was among the highest for non-World Championship events, incentivizing peak performance and attracting global talent.
• Consistent format and scheduling helped build viewer familiarity, boosting Sky Sports’ broadcast ratings year over year.
• Michael van Gerwen’s repeat victory solidified his status as the world’s top darts player during that period.
• The event highlighted Leicester as a key darts hub, with the Morningside Arena becoming synonymous with elite PDC tournaments.
• Its success influenced the creation of similar exclusive events, such as the PDC’s Premier League Darts expansion.

Ultimately, the 2018 edition demonstrated how targeted, high-stakes tournaments can shape the sport’s landscape, driving both competitive excellence and commercial growth.