In a surprising turn for the darts world, two-time BDO World Champion and former PDC Grand Slam winner, Scott Waites, has announced the end of his remarkable 18-year sponsorship deal with darts manufacturer Winmau. Despite this significant change, Waites has confirmed he is emphatically not retiring and is set to continue his competitive journey immediately, with his sights firmly set on qualifying for the prestigious World Championship.
An End to an Era: Waites and Winmau Part Ways
After nearly two decades, a cornerstone partnership in professional darts has come to an end. Darts veteran Scott Waites, known affectionately as “Scotty 2 Hotty,” has officially concluded his long-standing sponsorship agreement with Winmau, a leading name in darts equipment manufacturing. This announcement marks the close of a highly successful chapter that saw Waites achieve some of the sport’s biggest accolades while using Winmau gear.
A Legacy of Triumphs
During his extensive partnership with Winmau, Waites forged a formidable reputation, securing multiple major titles across both the British Darts Organisation (BDO) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuits. His impressive achievements include:
- Two-time BDO World Champion: Winning the coveted title in 2013 and 2016.
- 2010 Grand Slam of Darts Champion: A significant triumph in a unique cross-code event featuring players from both the BDO and PDC.
- Numerous other tournament victories throughout his illustrious career.
Even at 49 years old, Waites continues to demonstrate his competitive fire. This year, prior to the split, he showcased strong form, reaching the final of Players Championship 10. On his path to the final, he defeated several high-profile players, including Damon Heta, Joe Cullen, Brendan Dolan, and Kevin Doets, before ultimately losing to Wessel Nijman.
Waites’ Emotional Farewell and Future Plans
Waites shared a heartfelt message on his social media platforms, expressing deep gratitude for his time with Winmau.
He stated: “After 18 incredible years, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Winmau for supporting me throughout my journey. As one chapter comes to a close and another begins, I find myself looking back with real gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together…”
He further elaborated on the “unforgettable moments” and acknowledged both the highs and lows experienced during their long collaboration. Winmau, while not issuing a separate statement, acknowledged Waites’ departure by reposting his message across their own social media channels, indicating an amicable separation.
“The Journey Continues”: No Retirement in Sight
Crucially, despite the major change in sponsorship, Waites was quick to address speculation about his future. When questioned by fans, he firmly stated: “I’m not retiring, the journey continues.” This reassurance will undoubtedly be welcomed by his loyal fanbase, eager to see him continue competing at the highest level.
Immediate Action: Chasing World Championship Dreams
Waites wastes no time embarking on his post-Winmau journey. He is scheduled to compete in Players Championship 25 and 26 in Hildesheim early next week. These events are critical for his ambitions.
Currently, he sits just £2750 behind the provisional final qualification spot for the World Championship via the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit. Strong performances in these upcoming tournaments could significantly boost his chances of securing a coveted place at Alexandra Palace, the home of the World Darts Championship.
With many top names often withdrawing from these Pro Tour events, the field is wide open, presenting a prime opportunity for Waites to make a significant push towards his World Championship goal. His determination remains unwavering as he steps onto the oche, ready for this new chapter in his distinguished career.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
