Get ready for the 2024 World Cup excitement! The iconic "Ally Pally" is once more turned into a spectacle, as 96 dartists battle it out to claim the Sid Waddell Trophy, the title of World Champion, and a substantial £500,000 prize money[1]!
Spectators, both in-person and at home, are eagerly awaiting the event and the potential records that might be established[2]. To fuel your enthusiasm, here's a rundown of the most remarkable darts records in history:
Phil Taylor – Darts' Living Legend
When it comes to darts records, Phil Taylor's name is always worth mentioning[3]. He holds 30 records in the sport and has made some truly remarkable achievements, such as:
- 16-time world champion
- World champion on debut as an unseeded 1:125 outsider (1990)
- Unbeaten in 44 World Championship matches from 1994 to 2002
- 29 straight World Cup appearances
- At least one Major title held between 1995 and 2018
Most 9-dart Finishes – Phil Taylor vs. Michael van Gerwen
Thirty-six different combinations can bring you a 501-point score with just nine throws, also known as a 9-darter.[1] Who has achieved this record-breaking feat live on TV? None other than Phil Taylor, with an impressive 11 9-darters throughout his career. Michael van Gerwen, a current challenger, is close behind with 10 9-darters on camera[5][6].
Highest Average on Camera – Peter Wright's Record Run
Peter Wright established the record for the highest average on camera at the PDC Players Championships[1]. He scored an outstanding 123.5 points per leg. Interestingly enough, Michael van Gerwen, the former record holder with 123.4 points, was surpassed by Wright.
Highest Average Off-Camera – Kyle Anderson's Unbelievable Performance
Australian Kyle Anderson, who unfortunately passed away in 2021, shattered all expectations by posting the highest average off-camera, with a staggering 134.84 points at the "Players Championships" in Barnsley 2015[1].
Most 180s – Michael Smith's Remarkable Achievement
Michael Smith, the top-ranked PDC dartist and current World Champion, is well-known for his 180s record at the World Championship[5][6]. He has hit the triple 20 three times and gained 180 points a total of 83 times in competitions, a record that he might try to extend further at the 2024 event.
Youngest World Champion – Michael van Gerwen's Early Success
The sport of darts is dominated by a select few players, creating clear favorites[7]. The youngest world champion is Michael van Gerwen, decked out in three championship titles since his early beginnings.
Youngest World Championship Participant – Mitchell Clegg's Debut
While Mitchell Clegg Debuted at the 2019 World Championship with an age of 16 years and 3 days, he is not the youngest participant in the history of this notable event. That honor goes to Fabian Schmutzler, age 16 years and 57 days, who participated in the 2022 World Darts Championship[7].
12-hour Bullseye Marathon – Stephen Wagg's Remarkable Feat
Stephen Wagg set a record in 1988 at the Thorncliff Cricket and Social Club in Sheffield, targeting the bullseye for 12 hours straight[8]. He managed to hit the bullseye a remarkable 961 times, along with 3,335 half bulls (or bulls). The impressive numbers add up to 5.9 hits per minute, or one hit every 10 seconds for 12 hours.
