Darts Finals has evolved from a humble pub game into one of the most exciting and popular sports worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned darts fan or a newcomer to the game, one event stands out every year: the darts final.
What is the Darts Final?
The Darts Final is the culmination of one of the many darts tournaments held each year. Typically, the most prestigious and widely recognized of these finals occur during major events such as the PDC World Darts Championship or the BDO World Darts Championship. The final showcases the two top players of the tournament, battling for the championship title.
In these finals, the players compete in a best-of format, where the first to achieve a set number of legs wins. The format of the game varies depending on the tournament, but the final match is always the most intense and highly anticipated part of the competition.
When is the Darts Final?
The timing of the darts final depends on the tournament you are referring to. Here are the details of the key finals you can expect each year:
PDC World Darts Championship Final
The PDC World Darts Championship is one of the most high-profile events in the sport, and its final is one of the most widely watched matches on the calendar. This championship is usually held at Alexandra Palace in London over the course of 17 days, typically starting in mid-December and running through to early January.
Time: The final match of the PDC World Darts Championship is traditionally held on January 1st or 2nd, depending on the tournament schedule. The match usually takes place in the evening, with the start time typically around 8:00 PM GMT.
Date: The date of the final changes slightly each year depending on the event’s schedule but will typically fall around the first or second day of the new year.
BDO World Darts Championship Final
The BDO World Darts Championship was once considered the flagship darts tournament but has seen a decline in stature since the rise of the PDC. The BDO’s tournament typically runs in January, and the final match is often scheduled toward the end of January.
Time: The final match usually starts around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM GMT.
Date: The final is often held during the last weekend of January.
Premier League Darts Final
The Premier League Darts is another major event in the darts calendar, where top players from the world of darts compete in a league-style format across several cities. The final of this event takes place at the O2 Arena in London.
Time: The Premier League Darts Final usually takes place on a Thursday evening in May, with the match starting at around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
Date: The date of the Premier League Final is usually around mid-May, though it can vary slightly each year.
How to Watch the Darts Final
There are multiple ways to catch the excitement of the darts final, both in person and through broadcasting. The event is broadcast on television, online streaming platforms, and sometimes on social media. Here’s how you can watch:
Television Coverage
Sky Sports: In the UK, Sky Sports is the official broadcaster for the PDC World Darts Championship and other major darts tournaments. They usually provide comprehensive coverage of the entire event, including the final.
ITV Sport: ITV also broadcasts some of the BDO tournaments, including the World Darts Championship, and covers the final match live.
ESPN: In the U.S., ESPN often broadcasts the PDC World Darts Championship final, making it accessible for darts fans across the globe.
Online Streaming
PDC TV: The official PDC TV platform allows fans to stream all major events, including the World Darts Championship final. You can subscribe to this service to catch every moment of the action live.
YouTube: While YouTube doesn’t stream the main finals, various clips and highlights are available, especially if you miss out on the live broadcast.
Tickets for the Darts Final
For those looking to experience the excitement of the darts final live, securing tickets can be a great way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Tickets can be bought directly from the official websites of major events such as PDC World Darts Championship or Premier League Darts.
However, ticket availability can be limited, especially for the final match, so early booking is often necessary. You can also buy tickets from authorized third-party sellers.
The Format of the Darts
Darts generally follow a similar format depending on the tournament, though there may be slight differences based on the number of legs or sets required to win.
Best-of Format
Most darts finals use a best-of format, meaning the first player to win a certain number of sets or legs is declared the winner. For example, in the PDC World Darts Championship, the final is typically played in a best-of-13 sets format, with each set consisting of best-of-five legs.
Tiebreaker Rules
If the match is tied after the specified number of sets, a sudden-death tiebreaker is usually introduced to determine the winner. This ensures that the match ends decisively and doesn’t drag on indefinitely.
History of the Darts Final
The history of the darts final is filled with memorable moments that have shaped the sport into what it is today. Here’s a brief look at how the final matches have evolved over time:
PDC World Darts Championship Final History
The PDC World Darts Championship was established in 1994 after a split from the British Darts Organisation (BDO). Since then, the tournament has grown to become the most prestigious event in the darts calendar, attracting some of the best players in the world.
Over the years, players like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, and Gary Anderson have become household names thanks to their impressive performances in the World Darts Championship final.
The final has seen some incredible moments, such as Taylor’s dominance in the early 2000s and van Gerwen’s rise as the new darts sensation in the 2010s. The tournament’s expansion to the Alexandra Palace in London in 2008 marked the start of a new era for the championship, adding to its legacy.
BDO World Darts Championship Final History
Before the PDC’s rise to dominance, the BDO World Darts Championship was the premier event for darts players. This event produced legendary finals, featuring players such as Eric Bristow, Jocky Wilson, and Raymond van Barneveld.
Although the BDO’s significance in the darts world has declined over the years, the BDO World Championship final remains an important part of darts history.
Darts Finals You Shouldn’t Miss
Some darts finals have captured the imagination of fans worldwide and are considered must-watch events:
Phil Taylor vs. Michael van Gerwen (2013 PDC World Darts Championship Final): One of the most epic encounters in darts history, where Taylor, a 16-time world champion, faced the rising star Michael van Gerwen. Van Gerwen defeated Taylor in a thrilling final.
Raymond van Barneveld vs. Phil Taylor (2007 PDC World Darts Championship Final): Another classic encounter that saw Raymond van Barneveld winning his first PDC World title, ending Taylor’s dominance in the sport.
Jocky Wilson vs. Eric Bristow (1980 BDO World Darts Championship Final): One of the greatest finals in BDO history, which saw Jocky Wilson defeat Eric Bristow to claim his first world title.
How to Get Tickets for the Darts Final
Tickets for darts finals are highly sought after, especially for the PDC World Championship and Premier League Finals. If you’re planning to attend the event in person, here’s how to secure your spot:
Check the Official Website: The official website for each tournament will provide ticket details, including prices and availability.
Be Early: Ticket sales for darts finals can sell out fast, so it’s best to purchase tickets as soon as they become available.
Third-Party Sellers: In case the official site is sold out, authorized third-party sellers like Viagogo or StubHub often offer tickets for resale, but be aware of higher prices.
FAQs
What time does the darts final start?
The start time for the darts final varies depending on the tournament. Generally, it takes place in the evening, typically between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM GMT for most events like the PDC World Darts Championship and Premier League.
Where can I watch the Darts final?
The darts final is broadcast on major sports networks like Sky Sports, ITV Sport, and ESPN. You can also stream the event online via platforms like PDC TV.
How long does the darts final last?
The duration of the darts final depends on the format of the match and the number of sets/legs played. On average, a final can last anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
What is the PDC World Darts Championship final format?
The final is usually played in a best-of-13 sets format, with each set consisting of best-of-5 legs. The first player to win 7 sets is declared the champion.
Can I buy tickets for the darts final?
Yes, tickets for the darts final can be purchased through the official event website or authorized third-party sellers like Viagogo or StubHub.
Who holds the most PDC World Darts Championship titles?
The player with the most PDC World Darts Championship titles is Phil Taylor, with an impressive 16 championships.
In Summary
The darts final is one of the most thrilling spectacles in the sports world, attracting thousands of fans both at the venue and watching from home. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated darts fan, the PDC World Darts Championship Final, Premier League Final, or any other significant darts final will deliver unmatched excitement, skill, and drama. With this guide, you’ll be fully prepared to catch the action, whether in person or through the screen.
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