While professional darts players battle fiercely for victory, the trophies they hoist often tell a different story. This article takes a critical look at some of the most bewildering and aesthetically challenged awards in PDC Darts, highlighting how many designs fall short of reflecting the prestige of the tournaments. From oversized, brightly colored darts to confusing geographical outlines and uninspired cuboids, we explore why many modern trophies are a step backward, contrasting them with the few truly magnificent designs that set the standard for what a champion’s prize should be.
The Giant Blue and Yellow Dart: A Belgian Baffler
The inspiration for this critique came from witnessing the world number two, Luke Humphries, lift a truly remarkable trophy at a Belgian event. What immediately struck the observer was its sheer size and unusual design. Unlike the more modest 2025 version, the 2026 trophy was an absolute spectacle. Imagine a dart so colossal that its flights were larger than the champion’s head, and its barrel stretched from his neck down to his stomach. This immense blue and yellow dart, while certainly unique, raised immediate questions about its practicality and aesthetic appeal. One can only wonder where such a prize would be displayed, as it hardly seems destined for a mantelpiece.
The “Dunelm Bowl” Dilemma: A Nod to Tradition Gone Astray
Another trophy that divides opinion attempts a more traditional and old-fashioned style. While its base carries a sense of history, with legendary names spiraling around the stand, offering a touch of heritage and making it somewhat easier on the eye, the top half is where it falls short. The main “bowl” at the top is perceived as dreadfully generic, akin to something one might find in a home goods store rather than a major sporting event. For a tournament of significant standing, the design lacks the iconic and distinctive flair it deserves, failing to provide the flattering and unique top half that would truly elevate it.
The UK Open’s Golden Outline: A Map, Not a Masterpiece
The redesign of the Ladbrokes UK Open trophy from 2024 onwards is singled out as one of the calendar’s most perplexing. The previous trophy, though not groundbreaking, was considered far more acceptable and fitting. The current iteration is a golden outline of the United Kingdom. The author questions the appeal of such a design, suggesting that if one desires to see a map of the UK, a phone or computer would suffice. It’s argued that this trophy not only fails to look like a major title but also lacks any special distinction, making it hard for anyone outside of darts fandom to even identify the sport it represents, let alone the tournament’s prestige.
The World Grand Prix: From Vases to “Perfume Boxes”
The World Grand Prix has seen various trophy designs, some of which, like the “hideous glass vases” from earlier eras, were particularly uninspired, resembling items from a discount store. The current World Grand Prix trophy, a chunky cuboid adorned with a dart, is described in equally unflattering terms – likened to a perfume box or a tiny locker. While it has the minor positive of clearly indicating it’s a darts trophy and its gold color hints at its importance as a major tournament, its overall aesthetic is far from appealing. The author suggests that older, more traditional designs for this event were considerably more attractive and fitting.
Setting the Standard: Trophies That Get It Right
Despite the criticisms, the article acknowledges that the PDC is capable of producing truly magnificent awards. The World Matchplay Trophy is celebrated as one of the most beautiful trophies in all of sports, looking genuinely special and something players would be proud to display. Similarly, the iconic Sid Waddell Trophy, awarded at the World Championship, stands as a testament to excellent design. These examples demonstrate that with thoughtful design and collaboration, darts trophies can indeed be prestigious, visually appealing, and truly reflective of a champion’s achievement.
The Call for Better Design
The article concludes with a strong plea for improvement in trophy design across PDC Darts. Many of the current awards are seen as disappointing, failing to inspire pride or convey the significance of the tournaments they represent. The author believes the PDC, in collaboration with its partners and sponsors, has a significant journey ahead in elevating the standard of its trophies. A champion’s prize should be a symbol of triumph, a piece of art to be cherished and prominently displayed, not a “horror show” that a player might rather keep out of sight.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
