A Tournament’s Journey: From Exhibition to Elite Ranking Event
The PDC Masters has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a high-stakes invitational to a premier ranking tournament. Its journey reflects the dynamic growth and professionalization of modern darts, culminating in its new identity as the Winmau World Masters.
The Early Years: Setting the Stage
Launched in 2013, The Masters quickly established itself as an exciting annual curtain-raiser for the PDC season. Despite its relative youth, the tournament’s prestige grew rapidly, drawing top talent and delivering thrilling contests.
- The very first Masters title was claimed by none other than the legendary Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, demonstrating his knack for winning inaugural events.
- He was swiftly followed by James Wade, who triumphed over a resurgent Mervyn King, cementing the tournament’s reputation for high-quality competition.
The Green Machine’s Reign: Michael van Gerwen’s Dominance
The period between 2015 and 2019 witnessed an unprecedented era of dominance by Michael van Gerwen. ‘The Green Machine’ captivated audiences with his relentless scoring and clinical finishing, securing an astonishing five consecutive Masters titles.
This incredible run solidified his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats and made The Masters synonymous with his name.
A Gateway to Greatness: Premier League Aspirations
During the challenging COVID-19 period and for some time afterward, The Masters took on an even greater significance. It was viewed not only as a high-quality event in its own right but also as a crucial final opportunity for players hoping to secure a coveted invitation to the prestigious Premier League Darts.
This era saw several lower-ranked players seize their chance:
- In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the tournament provided a platform for previously unheralded players to claim their first major TV titles, earning them a life-changing spot in the Premier League line-up.
- Stephen Bunting, known as ‘The Bullet’, achieved his first PDC TV event win at the 2024 Masters. However, in a twist of fate, the Premier League field had already been finalized, meaning no invitation was available for him that year.
New Era, New Champions: Post-MVG Landscape
Since Michael van Gerwen’s iron grip on the trophy loosened in 2019, when Peter Wright claimed the crown, The Masters has seen a more diverse set of champions.
Notable winners in this new era include:
- Jonny Clayton
- Joe Cullen
Both Clayton and Cullen successfully used their Masters victories as a powerful launchpad, significantly boosting their careers and establishing themselves among the elite.
The Future is Now: The Masters Becomes a Major
A significant milestone was reached in August 2024 when The Masters was elevated to a ranking event for the very first time. This change fundamentally altered its status and increased the stakes for all competitors.
Looking ahead to 2025, the tournament is set for another major evolution:
- It will expand its field to 32 players.
- It will be rebranded as the legendary Winmau World Masters, taking on the mantle of the season’s first ‘major’ event.
- The inaugural hosting of this newly revamped event in January/February 2025 saw Luke Humphries emerge victorious, clinching a dramatic last-set win over a resurgent Jonny Clayton.
This transition marks a pivotal moment, cementing The Masters’ position as a cornerstone of the professional darts calendar.
The Elusive Nine-Darter
Despite the incredible standard of play and numerous thrilling moments witnessed throughout its history, one feat remains elusive at The Masters: a perfect nine-dart finish. Perhaps with the expanded field and heightened competition of the 2025 Winmau World Masters, darts fans will finally witness this ultimate achievement on the Masters stage.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
