The world of darts is gearing up for the 31st edition of the World Darts Championship, set to take place at the iconic Alexandra Palace in December 2023. In this article, we’ll dive into the schedule, draw, qualifying process, and the odds that add an extra layer of excitement to this thrilling event.
When is the World Darts Championship?
The battle for the coveted Sid Waddell trophy kicks off on December 15, 2023, and concludes on January 3, 2024. Save the dates as we witness the world’s best dart players compete for glory.
World Darts Championship 2023/24 Schedule
Let’s break down the tournament schedule, detailing each day’s events and the stages leading to the grand finale.
| Date | Time | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 15 | 7 p.m. | First round, second round |
| Sat, Dec 16 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | First round, second round |
| Sun, Dec 17 | 12:30 p.m., 8 p.m. | First round, second round |
| Mon, Dec 18 | 7 p.m. | First round, second round |
| Tues, Dec 19 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | First round, second round |
| Weds, Dec 20 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | First round, second round |
| Thurs, Dec 21 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | Second round |
| Fri, Dec 22 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | Second round |
| Sat, Dec 23 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | Second round |
| Weds, Dec 27 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | Third round |
| Thurs, Dec 28 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | Third round |
| Fri, Dec 29 | 12:30 p.m. | Third round |
| Fri, Dec 29 | 7 p.m. | Third round, fourth round |
| Sat, Dec 30 | 12:30 p.m., 7 p.m. | Fourth round |
| Mon, Jan 1 | 12:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. | Quarterfinals |
| Tues, Jan 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Semifinals |
| Weds, Jan 3 | 8 p.m. | Final |
Note: All are local times.
World Darts Championship 2023/24 Draw
The 96 players have been strategically placed into four quarters, setting the stage for intense competition. Let’s take a look at some key matchups in each quarter.
Quarter One
(1) Michael Smith vs Kevin Doets or Stowe Buntz
(32) Madars Razma vs Mike De Decker or Dragutin Horvat
(16) Ross Smith vs Niels Zonneveld or Darren Webster
(17) Chris Dobey vs William O’Connor or Bhav Patel
(8) Rob Cross vs Mario Vandenbogaerde or Thibault Tricole
(25) Jose de Sousa vs Richie Edhouse or Jeffrey De Graaf
(9) Jonny Clayton vs Steve Lennon or Owen Bates
(24) Krzysztof Ratajski vs Jamie Hughes or David Cameron
Quarter Two
(4) Peter Wright vs Jim Williams or Norman Madhoo
(29) Raymond van Barneveld vs Radek Szaganski or Marko Kantele
(13) James Wade vs Matt Campbell or Lourence Ilagan
(20) Andrew Gilding vs Christian Kist or Luke Littler
(5) Gerwyn Price vs Connor Scutt or Krzysztof Kciuk
(28) Brendan Dolan vs Mickey Mansell or Xiaochen Zong
(12) Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Keegan Brown or Boris Krcmar
(21) Gary Anderson vs Simon Whitlock or Paolo Nebrida
Quarter Three
(2) Michael van Gerwen vs Keane Barry or Reynaldo Rivera
(31) Kim Huybrechts vs Richard Veenstra or Ben Robb
(15) Dimitri van den Bergh vs Dylan Slevin or Florian Hempel
(18) Stephen Bunting vs Ryan Joyce or Alex Spellman
(7) Danny Noppert vs Scott Williams or Haruki Muramatsu
(26) Martin Schindler vs Jermaine Wattimena or Fallon Sherrock
(10) Damon Heta vs Martin Lukeman or Haupai Puha
(23) Josh Rock vs Luke Woodhouse or Berry Van Peer
Quarter Four
(3) Luke Humphries vs Lee Evans or Sandro Eric Sosing
(30) Callan Rydz vs Ricardo Pietreczko or Mikuru Suzuki
(14) Joe Cullen vs Jules van Dongen or Darren Penhall
(19) Ryan Searle vs Ian White or Tomoya Goto
(6) Nathan Aspinall vs Ricky Evans or Simon Adams
(27) Daryl Gurney vs Steve Beaton or Wessel Nijman
(11) Dave Chisnall vs Cameron Menzies or Rusty-Jake Rodriguez
(22) Gabriel Clemens vs Gian Van Veen or Man Lok Leung
Qualifying Process
Understanding how players qualify adds another layer of intrigue to the championship. With 32 players earning direct entry based on the PDC Order of Merit, 32 more secure their spots through the 2023 PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit. The final 32 players earn their place through diverse international routes, showcasing the global reach of darts.
World Darts Championship Format
The format evolves as the competition progresses. From best-of-five sets in the initial rounds to best-of-seven in the third and fourth rounds, the intensity builds. The quarterfinals shift to best-of-nine sets, followed by best-of-11 sets in the semifinals. The grand finale is a best-of-13 sets showdown, ensuring a thrilling climax to this prestigious tournament.
Prize Fund
Darts isn’t just about precision; it’s also about substantial rewards. The Professional Darts Corporation offers a staggering £500,000 to the winner, forming part of a £2.5 million total prize fund. Let’s break down the rewards at each stage:
- Winner: £500,000
- Finalist: £200,000
- Semifinalist: £100,000
- Quarterfinalist: £50,000
Odds
As the championship approaches, anticipation rises not only among fans but also among bettors eager to place their wagers. Here’s a glimpse of the pre-tournament favorites according to bookmakers:
- Luke Humphries: +380
- Gerwyn Price: +450
- Michael van Gerwen: +450
- Michael Smith: +800
- Gary Anderson: +1100
- Rob Cross: +1400
- Nathan Aspinall: +2500
Conclusion
The World Darts Championship 2023/24 promises unparalleled excitement, combining skill, strategy, and nerve-wracking competition. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of darts, this event is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
FAQs
Players earn entry based on their ranking in the PDC Order of Merit, the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit, and through various international routes.
Matches progress from best-of-five sets to best-of-13 sets in the final, with increasing intensity in later rounds.
The total prize fund is an impressive £2.5 million, with the winner receiving £500,000.
Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, and Michael van Gerwen are among the top favorites according to betting odds.
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