What Is 2018 world series of darts finals

Overview

The 2018 World Series of Darts Finals was a premier darts tournament organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), marking the third edition of the event. Held in Hamilton, New Zealand, it brought together top-ranked players from around the world who had excelled in regional World Series events throughout the year.

This tournament served as the culmination of the PDC’s international expansion efforts, rewarding consistent performers across global legs. The format emphasized high-stakes, short-format matches designed for fast-paced entertainment and global broadcast appeal.

• November 2–4, 2018: The event spanned three days at the Globox Arena, formerly known as the Claudelands Arena, in Hamilton, New Zealand.
• 24-player field: Qualification was based on performances in six World Series events held in Dubai, Japan, Germany, the USA, South Africa, and Australia.
• Michael van Gerwen: The Dutchman won his third straight World Series Finals title, defeating Rob Cross in dominant fashion with an 11–4 final scoreline.
• Prize fund: Total prize money was $350,000, with the winner receiving $100,000, one of the largest purses in non-World Championship darts events.
• Format: Matches were played in a sets format, with early rounds best of 11 legs and later stages best of 19 legs, increasing competitive intensity.

How It Works

The 2018 World Series of Darts Finals followed a structured progression from qualification to final, integrating global talent into a compact tournament format.

• Qualification Path: The 24 players earned spots via rankings from six World Series events; the top eight received seeding into the second round.
• Round One:16 unseeded players competed in eight matches, with winners advancing to face top seeds in Round Two.
• Match Format: Early rounds were best of 11 legs, quarterfinals best of 19 legs, semifinals best of 21, and the final best of 21 legs.
• Venue: The Globox Arena in Hamilton hosted the event, continuing the PDC’s strategy of promoting darts in non-traditional markets like New Zealand.
• Broadcast: The event was televised globally via Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN in the US, reaching millions of viewers across 100+ countries.
• Scoring System: Standard PDC rules applied, with players aiming to reduce a starting score of 501 to zero, ending on a double finish.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 edition compares to prior years in key metrics:

The 2018 event marked a significant shift by being hosted outside Europe for the first time, reflecting the PDC’s global outreach. Prize money had steadily increased since 2016, and the move to New Zealand helped grow darts’ profile in Oceania. Michael van Gerwen’s dominance during this period solidified his status as the world’s top player.

Why It Matters

The 2018 World Series of Darts Finals was pivotal in expanding darts as a global sport, showcasing top-tier competition beyond its traditional UK base.

• Global Expansion: Hosting in New Zealand demonstrated the PDC’s commitment to growing the sport in new markets, including Asia and Oceania.
• Player Exposure: Competitors from 12 countries participated, increasing international visibility and inspiring regional talent development.
• Television Reach: Broadcast in over 100 countries, the event helped boost PDC’s international viewership and sponsorship appeal.
• Van Gerwen’s Legacy: Winning three in a row established van Gerwen as the dominant force in modern darts, with a 92.7 average in the final.
• Format Innovation: The short-format, high-pressure matches influenced future PDC events, making them more accessible for live audiences and TV.
• Commercial Growth: Increased prize money and sponsor involvement signaled the financial maturation of professional darts on the world stage.

The 2018 tournament not only crowned a champion but also reinforced darts as a dynamic, globally competitive sport with growing mainstream appeal.