2024 PDC World Darts Championship review
What a tournament it has been. Three weeks of tungsten tension at Alexandra Palace, completed by ‘Cool Hand Luke’ holding his nerve.
There were plenty of highs and lows, so here are some stories from the tournament, a review of the final and the story of the winner.
Playing it cool
Luke Humphries won his first world darts championship in fine fashion, beating 16-year-old phenom Luke Littler seven sets to four, as the sport bids farewell to legend Russ ‘The Voice’ Bray.
The world number one took the first set with ease and looked to be cruising to a two-set lead until Littler flicked a mental switch to produce darts of the highest order. From two legs down in the second set, Littler checked out a ridiculous 142 and 120 finish in consecutive legs to storm back into the game.
Hitting back relentlessly, Humphries took the third set from two legs down to retake the lead. However, Littler then turned it round in an emphatic manner as his opponent began to struggle, winning three sets in a row to extend his lead to four-two.
A brilliant ‘Big Fish’ (170 checkout) from Humphries in the seventh set spurred him back into the form that made him world number one. Littler just would not go away however, with two spectacular finishes again to level the set, but it was Humphries who took it to make it four-three.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsDarts/status/1742655650448978295
Humphries was simply spectacular in the eighth set, averaging 114 per visit to take the set three to one. He continued in the ascendency with some astounding darts, winning the deciding leg of the ninth set with a remarkable 11-dart finish.
Despite a stunning ‘Big Fish’ finish from Littler in the tenth set, Humphries’ dominant scoring at the start of a leg took him one set away from his first world championship.
Littler missed set winning darts at 6-4 and ‘Cool Hand Luke’ capitalised, taking home the Sid Waddell trophy.
The journey of Humphries
At 28 years old, Luke Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke,” sits atop the darts world. However, his journey to the pinnacle was only sometimes sunny and full of 180s!
It was a tale of early promise, crippling anxiety, and ultimately, a triumph of composure and relentless belief.
Humphries’ talent was evident from the get-go. He won the World Youth Championship 2019, displaying a natural touch, yet, beneath the surface lurked crippling anxiety. He’d hesitate in big moments, victories slipping through his grasp like errant darts. It wasn’t about the game’s mechanics, but the battle within.
But “Cool Hand Luke” wasn’t built for surrender. He sought help, working with psychologists to conquer his demons. Slowly, the ice around his heart thawed. He embraced mindfulness, focusing on the present dart, not the potential pitfalls of the future. He learned to breathe, to trust his instincts, and to silence the doubts whispering in his ears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssw5nwFwlg0
His journey started subtly. Wins in smaller tournaments initially, the Grand Slam of Darts came in November 2023. Humphries, a dark horse, marched through the ranks, dispatching legends with unwavering focus. In the final, he faced Rob Cross, an experienced champion. But on that stage, under the glare of the lights, Humphries was unstoppable.
Humphries threw like a man possessed, each dart a testament to his newfound control. When the final dart landed, it wasn’t just a victory, but an exorcism of doubt.
He’s proof that the battle can be won and that anxiety doesn’t have to define you. He’s shown that talent mixed with mental strength can forge champions. A symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome its own darkness.
He’s a reminder that the most significant victory often comes from conquering the battles within. And as Luke Humphries, the ice-cooled champion, continues his reign, one can’t help but wonder what heights he’ll reach, armed with skill and a conquered mind.
Rest of the tournament
Struggling seeded players
Peter Wright, Nathan Aspinall and Danny Noppert were all eliminated before round three. These are three of a staggering 11 seeded players that departed before round three and more shocks would come later.
Favourites fall
Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price. Two instantly recognisable names in the darts world, both eliminated by players much lower ranked.
A thrilling match saw world number 52 Scott Williams eliminate MvG and Williams grew to become a fan favourite, one of the stories of the tournament.
Michael van Gerwen has been knocked out of the World Darts Championship by Scott Williams at the quarter-finals stage 🎯pic.twitter.com/35UrLJtABC
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 1, 2024
Price fell to Brendan Dolan in round three, with Dolan winning the match 4-2. Dolan had an excellent tournament, reaching the quarter-finals, losing to the man (boy) of the moment, Luke Littler.
Most viral moments
The PDC World Darts Championship has captured the imagination of people online. It has also attracted a new audience, with Matchroom Sport co-founder, Eddie Hearn showcasing figures unlike any other darts event.
BREAKING..the record viewership for darts was 1.65m for Taylor v Anderson in 2015 Last night Littler v Cross smashed the record with 2.32m audience! Bigger than the Ashes, bigger than the Ryder Cup let’s break 3m tonight for the final @OfficialPDC 🔥 🎯
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) January 3, 2024
In undoubtedly the biggest darts event televised, the overall figures highlight another success at Alexandra Palace, so soon after Michael Smith and van Gerwen’s best ever leg of darts in last years final.
TikTok sensation Stephen Bunting got the crowd in full voice on his entrance, receiving over 8 million views on the Sky Sports Darts X account.
Stephen Bunting leading the Ally Pally karaoke 🎙 pic.twitter.com/vW3lItXu2o
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 28, 2023
There was also the entrance of Ricardo Pietreczko, nicknamed ‘Pikachu’ with the Pokémon theme song as his walk-out music.
Darts has officially peaked. Ricardo Pietreczko walks out to the Pokemon theme song as grown men in Pikachu onesies sing along. What a sport pic.twitter.com/UipOhIefZ0
— Jack Kenmare (@jackkenmare_) December 19, 2023
And of course, the story of Littler who, despite falling at the final hurdle, impressed so much. A boy mature way before his years and with a bright future ahead, there’s so much to be optimistic about.
An invite to play in the Premier League will surely be on its way and whether or not Littler chooses to accept, a big future lies ahead and a big sum of cash, winning £200,000 for reaching the final.
A name and story which captivated sports fans, Littler can now relax home and take a well earned break from the media attention and quite possibly, enjoy a celebratory kebab.
"Shall I celebrate with another kebab?!" 🥙🤣
Luke Littler's Worlds journey continues! pic.twitter.com/RbojCsmLHj
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 27, 2023
