The PDC World Darts Championship kicked off on December 15 at Alexandra Palace in London. While 17-year-old Luke Littler is the favorite to win, there is more to the tournament than just the top contenders. The event is known for its electrifying atmosphere, especially when players hit maximum 180s, with the record being 914 in the 2023-24 Championships. Luke Humphries won the Ballon d’Art trophy for hitting the most 180s in the tournament with 73.
Nine-dart finishes are rare but memorable occurrences in darts, with Raymond van Barneveld holding the record for hitting two consecutive nine-darters in previous championships. The pressure at Ally Pally makes achieving a nine-dart finish even more challenging. Reigning champions have historically performed well in the tournament, with only a few instances of a champion losing in the opening phase of their title defense.
Debutants at the World Championships have historically struggled, but there have been exceptions like Rob Cross, who won the title in his first appearance in 2018. Tournament averages at Ally Pally are typically lower compared to other top-level tournaments, showcasing the intensity and pressure of the event.
Legends like Phil Taylor have dominated the World Championships, with Taylor winning the title 14 times. Other multiple winners include John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen, and Peter Wright. The tournament has seen 12 different winners of the Sid Waddell Trophy since its inception.
As the 2024-25 tournament unfolds, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are among the favorites, with Michael van Gerwen and Wessel Nijman also being contenders. Nijman, at 24 years old, has shown promise in recent tournaments and could be a dark horse in the competition. The World Championships are known for producing thrilling moments and surprising outcomes, making it a must-watch event for darts fans.