Paddy Power, a well-known betting company, made a generous gesture at the World Darts Championship by offering a cash prize of £60,000 ($75,500) to a lucky fan if a player hit the first nine-darter of the tournament. This added an extra level of excitement to an already thrilling event that attracts a large audience every year.
The momentous occasion occurred during a match between Christian Kist and Madars Razma, when Kist successfully threw the elusive nine-darter. In addition to the fan winning the cash prize, Kist himself also received £60,000 for his impressive achievement, which was even more than the prize for reaching the quarterfinals. Despite his feat, Kist ultimately lost the first-round match to Razma with a score of 3-1.
The fortunate fan who was randomly selected to receive the cash prize was a man named Chris, who disclosed that he had received the ticket as a gift from his grandfather for his birthday. Overwhelmed by the unexpected windfall, Chris expressed his disbelief by saying, “I am shaking still, I can’t believe it. I am a massive darts fan. I came to a final ten years ago with my brother and grandad, who I am here with tonight.”
As for his plans for the money, Chris mentioned that he was unsure of how to use it and contemplated either going on a vacation or paying off a portion of his mortgage. In a charitable move, Prostate Cancer UK also benefited from the BIGGER 180 promotion, receiving a donation of £60,000 ($75,500) as part of the event.
Overall, the World Darts Championship proved to be a memorable and rewarding experience for both the players and the fans, with unexpected moments of excitement and generosity adding to the thrill of the competition. The combination of skill, luck, and community spirit showcased during the tournament exemplified the unique appeal of darts as a sport that captivates audiences worldwide.