Connor Hopkins has been crowned the Red Dragon Champion of Champions, defeating fellow Welshman Jeff Bass 2-1 in a thrilling all-Wales final in Cardiff. Hopkins showcased exceptional skill, particularly in the decisive leg, to claim the prestigious title, succeeding David Davies. This victory secures him a significant £10,000 top prize, a coveted spot in Q-School, travel expenses, and a place in the 2027 Winmau World Masters. Bass, despite his incredible journey to the final, ultimately fell short in a hard-fought contest. This grassroots tournament, now in its 11th year, continues its legacy of discovering future darts stars.
Hopkins Triumphs in Nail-Biting Final
The atmosphere at The Depot in Cardiff was electric as Connor Hopkins clinched the Red Dragon Champion of Champions title, overcoming Jeff Bass in a captivating 2-1 final. The all-Welsh showdown delivered high drama, with Hopkins demonstrating nerves of steel and pinpoint accuracy when it mattered most. His average of 98.79 in the deciding leg was a testament to his composure, ultimately proving too strong for Bass, who averaged 88.26.
Journeys to the Final: A Tale of Two Paths
Both finalists embarked on remarkable journeys, though their paths to the championship match differed significantly in intensity.
Connor Hopkins’ Road to Glory:
- Semi-Final: A fiercely contested battle against Taylor Richards, requiring a stunning 106.64 average from Hopkins to secure a deciding-leg victory.
- Quarter-Finals: A more comfortable 2-0 win against Liam Wigley.
- Last 16: Dominant 2-0 performance over Alan Caset.
Jeff Bass’s Fairytale Run:
- Bass had an extraordinary tournament, embarking on a ‘fairytale run’ that saw him drop just one single leg from the last-64 stage all the way to the final.
- Semi-Final: Swept past Graham Brooks with a convincing 2-0 win.
- Quarter-Finals: Secured a significant victory over Simon Stevenson.
- Earlier Stages: Defeated Zac Griffiths, showcasing his consistent form.
Beyond the Final: Other Notable Performances
While Hopkins and Bass stole the spotlight, other players also delivered memorable performances:
- Simon Stevenson: Produced one of the tournament’s standout individual displays in the Last 16, averaging just over 100 to beat Charlie Wiles 2-1.
- Dewi Beynon and Lee Jones: Both navigated tough Last 16 ties, needing deciding legs to progress, before their runs concluded in the quarter-finals.
The Grand Prizes: More Than Just a Trophy
Hopkins’ victory comes with a life-changing set of rewards, highlighting the tournament’s commitment to supporting emerging talent:
- Cash Prize: A substantial £10,000.
- Professional Opportunity: Paid entry into Q-School. (Q-School is a crucial qualifying event for players aiming to earn a professional darts tour card.)
- Travel Support: An additional £500 towards travel and accommodation costs.
- Major Tournament Spot: A coveted place in the preliminary round of the 2027 Winmau World Masters. (The Winmau World Masters is one of the longest-running and most prestigious international darts tournaments.)
These enhanced rewards, added by Red Dragon and title sponsor Worthington’s, underscore the tournament’s growing prestige and its role in nurturing future champions.
A Legacy of Champions: The Red Dragon Tournament’s Impact
Now in its 11th year, the Red Dragon Champion of Champions event has become a cornerstone of grassroots darts. It begins with 256 pub and club qualifiers from across the UK and Ireland, culminating in a thrilling Finals Day at The Depot. This tournament has a proven track record of identifying and launching the careers of top-tier talent, including current darts superstars like Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton. Hopkins’ triumph adds another exciting chapter to this rich history, solidifying his place among the tournament’s celebrated champions.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
