Inside the Craziest Show in Sport: The World of Darts

Celebrity-like walk-ons, referees hyping the audience in a pub-like atmosphere, opponents each carrying a wacky nickname cheering each other on to epic finishes. Although this doesn’t seem like a sport at first glance, it absolutely is — and one of the most electrifying ones you’ll ever watch.
Welcome to darts, where the drama is loud, the margins are microscopic, and the pressure can spin a packed arena into complete silence. For years, this stage was ruled by Phil Taylor, the 16-time world champion who transformed a pub pastime into a global spectacle.
And now, a new force has arrived — the Luke Littler effect — a teenage sensation pulling a whole generation into the sport and supercharging its hype.
One dart can change everything: momentum, matches, and the destiny of champions.

So before we dive any deeper, let’s understand what the game — and all this hype — is really about.

How Darts Works: Rules, Scoring & the Magic of Checkouts

At its core, darts is simple to understand but endlessly deep once you get into the numbers.

The Basics

• Every leg starts at 501 points for each player.

• The objective is to reach exactly zero, and the final dart must land in a double (the outer ring) or the bullseye.

• Each turn consists of three darts.

• If a player “busts” by going below zero or finishing without a double, their score resets to what it was before the turn. For example - Say a player needs 15 to win.
  They throw a dart that scores 20 — this takes them past zero, which isn’t allowed.
  That means it’s a bust, and their score goes back to 15 for the next turn.

Scoring Explained

The board is divided into 20 numbered segments, each with different multipliers:

• Single = the base number (from 1 to 20 on the board)

• Double (outer ring) = 2×

• Treble (inner thin ring) = 3×

• Outer bull = 25

• Bullseye = 50

The highest possible score in one visit is the famous 180 — T20, T20, T20 — and no sound in sport matches the roar of Ally Pally when it lands.

The Art of the Checkout

Finishing a leg — the checkout — is what separates the greats from the good. And over the years, checkouts have become iconic moments in themselves.

🎯 The Nine-Darter (Perfect Leg)

The rarest masterpiece in darts.
A leg completed in nine darts, the minimum possible.
It’s celebrated like a miracle — because it is.

Common route:
T20 – T20 – T20 / T20 – T20 – T20 / T20 – T19 – D12

🐟 The Big Fish (170 Checkout)

The highest possible checkout in the game:
T20 – T20 – Bullseye
A Big Fish on the world stage can flip a match, a set, or even a career.

⚡ Shanghai

A complete set on a single number:
Single + Double + Treble of the same segment
Example: S20 + D20 + T20
It’s rare, stylish, and a commentator’s dream.

Darts Double 16 : Phil Taylor’s Dominance and Luke Littler’s Resurgence

For decades, darts was shaped by the incredible longevity of Phil “The Power” Taylor, whose 16 World Championship titles set a benchmark that felt almost untouchable. His era elevated the sport, turning the World Championship into must-watch theatre every winter.

Then came a very different kind of “16.”
At just 16 years old, Luke Littler shocked the sporting world by reaching the World Championship final on his debut, playing with a fearlessness that felt both fresh and unstoppable. His breakout run didn’t just captivate darts fans — it made him one of the most searched athletes on the planet, pulling millions of new eyes toward the sport almost overnight.

Together, Taylor’s unmatched dominance and Littler’s explosive arrival show how darts continues to evolve: one legend defining its past, one prodigy supercharging its future.

The Major Tournaments That Shape the Darts Calendar

PDC World Darts Championship (December–January)

The showpiece event of the darts world at Alexandra Palace in London (commonly referred to as Ally Pally). Held over Christmas and New Year every year, “Ally Pally” transforms into a carnival of colour, atmosphere and high-pressure set play as players fight for the Sid Waddell Trophy. It’s the pinnacle of the season, combining festive cheer with sporting drama.

Premier League Darts (February–May)

A weekly travelling roadshow featuring the sport’s elite - a select eight every year. Played across arenas in the UK and Europe, it’s fast-paced, made-for-TV entertainment with a league phase leading into Play-Off night.

World Cup of Darts (June)

A unique nation-vs-nation tournament where players compete in pairs. It blends singles and doubles matches, creating unpredictable drama and giving smaller darting nations their big chance on the global stage.

World Series of Darts Finals (September)

The climax of the global World Series tour. After exhibitions across Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, qualifying players gather for a high-octane knockout event.

World Grand Prix (October)

Known for its distinctive double-in, double-out format, making every leg more tense and tactical. One of the toughest events on the calendar because even the biggest stars can struggle to find their rhythm.

Grand Slam of Darts (November)

The only PDC tournament that brings together champions from various events — all under one roof. Features a rare group-stage format before the knockout rounds begin.

Players Championship Finals (November)

The year-end showdown for Players Championship floor events. It rewards consistency, as only those who excel across the 20+ ProTour events qualify. A pure test of form heading into the World Championship.

The Field for the 2025 World Championship

THE CONTENDERS

Luke “The Nuke” Littler

The hot favourite. Bursting onto the scene at just 16, he reached the World Championship final in his debut and, by 17, completed the Darts Triple Crown (World Championship – World Matchplay – Premier League), plus several major televised titles, rising to World No. 1. Fearless, fast, and impossible to ignore, he’s the poster child of darts’ new era.

“Cool Hand” Luke Humphries

The 2023 World Champion and World No. 2 thrives under pressure, blending ice-cold composure with relentless scoring. His calm exterior masks a ruthless ability to deliver in the biggest moments. A Luke vs Luke final? Very much on the cards.

“Mighty” Michael van Gerwen

The veteran powerhouse. With three World Championships and dozens of major titles, MVG has dominated darts for over a decade. His explosive scoring and comeback ability have lit up arenas worldwide. Even in spells of inconsistency, he remains one of the most dangerous players on any stage.

THE DARK HORSES

“The Iceman” Gerwyn Price

A two-time World Champion and an unpredictable powerhouse. Price’s intensity and fearless, full-throttle style mean that when he’s locked in, he can dismantle anyone. A genuine dark horse with proven pedigree.

“GVV” Gian van Veen

The lethal Dutchman. A defending European Champion and two-time Youth Champion, Gian was Littler’s fiercest rival on the youth circuit. At just 23, his sharp scoring and intelligent matchplay make him the type of player who can quietly slice through the draw and cause havoc among the favourites.

“Rocky” Josh Rock

The young Northern Irish sensation and defending World Cup Champion (with Daryl Gurney). Rock combines fearless power scoring with impressive composure under pressure, making him one of the most dangerous upset machines in the field.

Every year, Ally Pally becomes the beating heart of a sport where pressure, precision, and personality collide. Taylor built the stage. Littler has set it on fire. And now, with a field deeper and more dangerous than ever, the 2025 World Championship promises the kind of storylines only darts can deliver. If you’re looking for a sport with edge, energy, and unpredictability — you’ve found it.