The BetVictor World Cup of Darts is a major highlight, gathering 80 top players from 40 nations to compete for a prestigious title. This year, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney aim to defend their championship in Frankfurt. However, a significant change sees a legendary two-time winning duo split, as one star sits out for undisclosed reasons. Historically, 7 players have won multiple titles, with 16 total champions. This article delves into the reigns of these darting giants, from the unstoppable English pairing of Taylor and Lewis to Dutch master Van Barneveld, modern titan Van Gerwen, Welsh warriors Price and Clayton, and Scottish trailblazer Peter Wright, exploring what made them the most successful in tournament history and what the future may hold.
Who Reigns Supreme? The Unbeatable Duos and Lone Wolves of Darts’ World Cup
The BetVictor World Cup of Darts is a jewel in the professional darts calendar, bringing together 80 elite players from 40 nations to battle for one of the sport’s most coveted team trophies. This year, the action unfolds in Frankfurt, Germany, where Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney are set to defend their title for the very first time. However, the 2024 tournament sees a significant change: one of the most successful pairings in the event’s history has been split due to one of its two-time winners sitting out for undisclosed reasons.
Over the years, the World Cup of Darts has seen its share of dominance. While 16 different players have lifted the trophy at least once, a select group of seven players stands out, having secured multiple titles. But who are these titans of the oche, and what made their reigns so remarkable?
England’s Unstoppable Force: Phil Taylor & Adrian Lewis
When discussing World Cup of Darts legends, the English duo of Phil “The Power” Taylor and Adrian “Jackpot” Lewis are in a league of their own. They formed an almost unbeatable partnership, making five appearances together between 2012 and 2016, with each player having six appearances in total. Their synergy was undeniable; their individual performances with other partners rarely matched their combined might.
Their track record is astounding:
- Four titles in five years (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016).
- Their “worst” result was finishing as runners-up in 2014, where they fell to the formidable Dutch pair of Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld in a 3-0 final.
- They were part of the iconic 2012 final, arguably one of the greatest matches in tournament history, where they edged out Australia 4-3 in a thrilling sudden-death leg, with Adrian Lewis sealing the win.
With an incredible 66.6% win rate in the finals they reached, Taylor and Lewis set a benchmark for team excellence that remains unmatched.
The Dutch Maestro: Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond van Barneveld, affectionately known as “Barney,” holds a unique place in World Cup of Darts history. With four titles from five finals appearances, his impact is undeniable. What sets Barney apart is his pioneering achievement:
- He was the first player to win the World Cup of Darts with two different partners.
- His first triumph came in the inaugural event with Dutch legend Co Stompe.
- He then added a second title in 2014 alongside Michael van Gerwen, famously defeating the dominant English team of Taylor and Lewis in the final.
Barney’s 50% win rate in finals is a testament to his consistent performance and leadership on the big stage, making him a true tournament icon.
“Mighty Mike” and the Orange Tide: Michael van Gerwen
Michael van Gerwen, or “Mighty Mike,” has three World Cup of Darts titles to his name, all achieved with Raymond van Barneveld. Their partnership marked a new era of Dutch dominance:
- They broke England’s early stronghold by winning in 2014, delivering a decisive 3-0 victory over Taylor and Lewis.
- Following a semi-final exit in 2015 and a runner-up finish in 2016, Van Gerwen and van Barneveld then secured back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, defeating Wales and Scotland in their respective finals.
Van Gerwen’s individual brilliance also shines through in the statistics: he holds the second, third, and fourth highest one-match team averages in tournament history, with a staggering personal contribution of 117.88 in one match.
The Welsh Dragons: Gerwyn Price & Jonny Clayton
Much like the legendary English pairing, Gerwyn “The Iceman” Price and Jonny “The Ferret” Clayton form an almost inseparable unit for Wales. Their partnership has brought them considerable success:
- They have secured two tournament victories together.
- Their first triumph came in 2020, where they dominated England’s Michael Smith and Rob Cross with a convincing 3-0 win and a team average of 101.30.
- Price has made 10 appearances and reached 5 finals, while Clayton has 9 appearances and 4 finals.
The slight edge in individual success goes to Price, who reached a final with another Welshman, Mark Webster, making him the only one of the pair to reach a final without his usual partner. Price also boasts the second highest individual one-match average in tournament history (117.88). Together, they hold the second most 100+ team averages with three.
“Snakebite” Makes History: Peter Wright
Rounding out our list of multi-time champions is Peter “Snakebite” Wright, a player renowned for his flamboyant style and formidable skill. Wright has made Scottish darts history on multiple occasions:
- He became a two-time winner, achieving this feat with two different teammates, following in the footsteps of Raymond van Barneveld.
- His first title came in 2019 alongside Gary Anderson, making them the first ever Scottish team to win the trophy with a 3-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
- In 2021, Wright secured his second title with a new partner, John Henderson, further cementing his legacy as the only Scottish player to win the tournament multiple times.
Wright’s ability to adapt and triumph with different partners highlights his individual class and strategic play.
What Lies Ahead? The Future of the World Cup of Darts
As the World Cup of Darts continues to evolve, new chapters are waiting to be written. The upcoming tournaments promise more thrilling darts and potential new records:
- Luke Humphries could become the eighth player to win the tournament with different teammates, adding his name to the elite list of multi-time champions.
- If Northern Ireland successfully defends their title, they would be the first country to do so since the Netherlands in 2017 and 2018, further expanding the list of dominant nations.
The stage is set for more unforgettable moments, as nations battle for glory and players strive to etch their names into the history books of the BetVictor World Cup of Darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
