What Is 2018 World Series of Darts

Overview

The 2018 World Series of Darts was a global darts circuit organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), designed to expand the sport’s international reach. It featured a series of ten events held across different continents, culminating in a season-ending World Series Finals tournament.

These events brought together top PDC players and regional qualifiers, promoting darts in non-traditional markets. The format combined ranking points accumulation with high-profile exhibition-style matches to boost global fan engagement.

• 10 global events: The series spanned locations such as Dubai, Las Vegas, Tokyo, and Berlin, each contributing to the overall standings.
• Finals location: The 2018 World Series Finals took place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, from November 3–4.
• Winner: Michael van Gerwen claimed the title by defeating Gary Anderson 11–4 in the final match.
• Qualification: Players earned spots in the Finals based on points from World Series event performances and invitations.
• Format: Matches used a best-of-legs structure, typically first to 11 legs in the final, with double-start rules applied.

How It Works

The 2018 World Series of Darts operated on a points-based qualification system leading to a grand finale, combining elite competition with global expansion goals.

• World Series Events: Ten regional tournaments awarded prize money and ranking points; each event featured 8 players, including PDC stars and local qualifiers.
• Player Qualification: Top 8 PDC players were automatically invited, while 2 spots went to regional qualifiers from host countries.
• Scoring System: Players earned points based on finishing position—e.g., winners received 20 points, runners-up 15, semifinalists 10.
• Finals Qualification: The top 8 players in the World Series standings after all events qualified for the Finals in Glasgow.
• Double-Start Rule: All matches required players to begin scoring with a double, increasing difficulty and emphasizing precision.
• Prize Fund: The 2018 Finals offered a total of £275,000, with £80,000 going to the champion.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2018 World Series of Darts events by location, date, winner, and prize money:

These events highlighted the PDC’s strategy to globalize darts, with significant participation from top players and rising interest in Asian and North American markets. The inclusion of local talent in each venue helped grow regional fanbases.

Why It Matters

The 2018 World Series of Darts played a pivotal role in expanding professional darts beyond its UK roots, demonstrating the sport’s global appeal and commercial viability.

• Global Expansion: Events in Dubai, Japan, and the USA helped establish darts as a worldwide sport with growing international audiences.
• Player Exposure: Top PDC stars like van Gerwen and Anderson gained new fans through televised events in diverse markets.
• Local Talent Development: Regional qualifiers gave emerging players from the USA, Japan, and Germany a platform to compete against elite professionals.
• Commercial Growth: Sponsorships and venue partnerships, such as Dubai Duty Free and SSE Hydro, boosted revenue and visibility.
• Format Innovation: The double-start rule and fast-paced matches enhanced spectator excitement and differentiated it from standard PDC events.
• Legacy: The 2018 series laid groundwork for future global darts circuits, influencing the PDC’s continued international scheduling.

The success of the 2018 World Series of Darts underscored the PDC’s ability to blend competitive integrity with global entertainment, setting a benchmark for future international expansions.