Gear up for the 2024 World Cup excitement! The iconic "Ally Pally" once again transforms into a darting extravaganza, as 96 competitors clash to claim the Sid Waddell Trophy, the title of World Champion, and a substantial £500,000 prize money[1]!
Fans, both in the stands and at home, are buzzing with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the action and potential records that may be established[2]. To fuel your enthusiasm, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most remarkable darts records in history:
The Legacy of Phil Taylor
In the world of darts, the name Phil Taylor is legendary[3]. He holds an impressive 30 records in the sport and has accomplished some truly awe-inspiring feats, such as:
- 16-time world champion
- Debut world champion 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
The Battle of the 9-Darters – Taylor vs. van Gerwen
Thirty-six combinations exist for a perfect 501-point score with nine throws – the elusive 9-darter[1]. Who has etched their name in history with the most television-recorded 9-dart finishes? That title belongs to Phil Taylor, with an astounding 11. Michael van Gerwen, a modern-day challenger, trails closely with 10 9-darter achievements on camera[5][6].
The Highest On-Camera Average – Peter Wright's Rule-Breaker
Peter Wright set an unprecedented record for the highest average on camera at the PDC Players Championships[1]. He astonished everyone with an incredible 123.5 points per leg, surpassing the former record holder, Michael van Gerwen (123.4).
The Highest Off-Camera Average – Kyle Anderson's Unorthodox Dominance
Sadly, Australian Kyle Anderson, who passed away in 2021, left an indelible mark on the sport with his on-stage prowess[1]. At the "Players Championships" in Barnsley 2015, he shattered expectations with an unprecedented 134.84-point average – the highest average ever recorded off-camera.
The Record of Most 180s – Michael Smith's Trivia Trap
Michael Smith, the current top-ranked PDC darter and world champion, is synonymous with 180s[5][6]. He has hit the triple 20 a remarkable 83 times and 180 points a total of three times during the World Championship, a record he likely aims to break at the 2024 event.
The Youngest World Champion – van Gerwen's Rising Star
Darts is a venue for a select few star performers, with clear favorites emerging[7]. Michael van Gerwen, adorned in three championship titles since his early career, is the youngest world champion.
The Youngest World Championship Participant – Mitchell Clegg's Early Entrance
Although Mitchell Clegg debuted at the 2019 World Championship at an age of 16 years and 3 days[7], he wasn't the youngest participant in the event's history. Fabian Schmutzler, aged 16 years and 57 days, graced the stage at the 2022 World Darts Championship[7].
The 12-Hour Bullseye Marathon – Stephen Wagg's March to Glory
In 1988, Stephen Wagg etched his name in the history books by hitting the bullseye for 12 hours straight at the Thorncliff Cricket and Social Club in Sheffield[8]. He managed an astonishing 961 bullseyes, along with 3,335 half bulls. His phenomenal performance equates to 5.9 hits per minute or one hit every 10 seconds for a full 12 hours.
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
