What Is 2018 PDC World Darts Championship

Overview

The 2018 PDC World Darts Championship, officially known as the 2018 William Hill World Darts Championship, was the 25th edition of the tournament organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). It took place from December 14, 2017, to January 1, 2018, at Alexandra Palace in London, continuing the venue's tradition since 2008.

Featuring 72 players from around the world, the tournament followed a knockout format with matches played in sets. The final saw Michael van Gerwen defeat Gary Anderson 7–3 in sets, securing his second PDC World Championship title and solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite players.

• Michael van Gerwen won the tournament at age 28, defeating Gary Anderson in the final with a 7–3 set victory after averaging 104.28 in the match.
• The event spanned 19 days, beginning on December 14, 2017, and culminating in the final on January 1, 2018, making it one of the longest-running darts events of the season.
• Alexandra Palace in London hosted the championship for the 10th consecutive year, drawing sell-out crowds of approximately 3,200 fans per session.
• The total prize fund was £1.65 million, with the winner receiving £400,000, the largest payout in darts history at the time.
• Players from 27 countries participated, including debutants such as Benjamin Pratnemer and Lourence Ilagan, highlighting the sport’s global reach.

How It Works

The PDC World Darts Championship uses a structured knockout system with specific rules governing play, progression, and scoring. Each match is played in sets, with each set requiring a player to win three legs.

• Match Format: Early rounds are best-of-5 sets, increasing to best-of-13 in the final. Each set is best-of-5 legs, with a deciding leg if tied at 2–2.
• Scoring System: Players start at 501 points and must reduce their score to exactly zero, finishing on a double, with the bullseye counting as 50.
• Seeding: The top 32 players are seeded based on PDC Order of Merit rankings, ensuring top performers avoid early matchups against each other.
• Board Specifications: The official dartboard is 17.75 inches in diameter, with the bullseye measuring 0.5 inches across, and darts must not exceed 30 grams.
• Television Coverage: Sky Sports broadcast all matches live in the UK, with global coverage in over 100 countries, boosting the sport’s international profile.
• Player Eligibility: Players qualify via the PDC Order of Merit, Pro Tour rankings, or regional qualifiers, with 16 spots reserved for international entrants.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 PDC Championship can be compared to previous editions in terms of format, prize money, and participation:

The table illustrates the steady increase in prize money and competitive depth over five years. The 2018 edition marked the first time the winner’s share reached £400,000, reflecting the sport’s growing commercial success and media appeal. Additionally, Michael van Gerwen became the first player since Phil Taylor to win back-to-back titles in the PDC era.

Why It Matters

The 2018 PDC World Darts Championship was a landmark event that underscored the sport’s rising popularity and professionalism. Its global broadcast and record prize purse helped attract new fans and sponsors, transforming darts into a mainstream spectator sport.

• Global Viewership: The final attracted over 4.2 million viewers on Sky Sports, peaking at 4.8 million, making it one of the most-watched darts matches ever.
• Player Recognition: Michael van Gerwen’s victory elevated his world ranking and earned him endorsement deals with major sports brands.
• Grassroots Impact: Participation in amateur darts leagues rose by 17% in the UK in 2018, partly due to increased media exposure.
• Commercial Growth: Sponsorship revenue for the PDC increased by 22% year-on-year, with William Hill and Unicorn leading investments.
• Technological Integration: The tournament used real-time statistics tracking and digital scoreboards, enhancing fan engagement during live play.
• Cultural Influence: Darts-themed events and pub quizzes surged in popularity, with over 1,000 venues hosting viewing parties across Europe.

The 2018 championship not only crowned a champion but also marked a turning point in how darts is perceived—as a high-stakes, globally recognized sport with deep fan engagement and growing economic impact.