Darts is experiencing a dramatic shift! The Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) Global Championship is rapidly expanding, now boasting a staggering £150,000 prize fund – with £60,000 for the winner – significantly outstripping traditional amateur tournaments like the WDF Lakeside. This bold move, which sees the tournament field grow to 56 players and even clashes with established events, aims to globalize opportunities for amateur players, making professional-level prize money accessible worldwide without prohibitive travel costs.
A New Era in Darts: Three World Championships and Rising Stakes
For years, the idea of multiple darts World Championships seemed unthinkable to many. Yet, by 2025, the darting calendar will feature three prominent global events. Among these, the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) Global Championship is rapidly emerging as a formidable challenger, consistently enhancing its format and prize offerings.
Unprecedented Growth: Prize Money Soars for Amateurs
Scott Hunt, the ADC’s Head of Global Operations, has confirmed a monumental increase in the prize fund for this year’s Global Championship, sending a clear message to the darts world.
- Expanded Field: The second edition of the ADC’s flagship event will feature an expanded field of 56 players, a significant jump from just 24 players last year.
- Record Prize Fund: A bumper £150,000 total prize fund is on offer.
- Life-Changing Win: The ultimate champion will walk away with an incredible £60,000.
This substantial injection of cash makes the ADC’s season-ending extravaganza the most lucrative tournament for amateur players to compete in, a remarkable leap from the inaugural event where South Africa’s Devon Petersen claimed £25,000 from an £85,000 pot.
Outshining the Competition: A Bold Statement
The ADC’s ambitions are clear: the £60,000 winner’s prize now surpasses the £50,000 awarded to the winner of the WDF Men’s World Championship at Lakeside. In a move that has sparked considerable discussion, the ADC Global Championship’s dates (December 1-7) have been confirmed to directly clash with the WDF Lakeside event.
Hunt explains the rapid progress: “The aim was to reinvest and give something back to the players. We’ve been able to do that quicker than I thought, to be honest. I thought it was a five-year plan, but we’ve got there in year two.” He added, “To have a £150,000 prize fund and £60,000 of that go to the winner, it’s a statement. We’ll put on a good event that will be worth everyone’s time.”
Global Vision: Opportunities for Every Player
The ADC is committed to truly globalizing darts, making opportunities accessible to players in their home regions.
“It isn’t global yet. We want to get into different territories, but this is a starting block,” Hunt stated, outlining the vision for future expansion. The increased field for the 2025/26 Global Championship reflects this ambition, with dedicated qualification spots for various regions:
- One qualifier each from North America and South America.
- Two qualifiers from Oceania.
- Almost a third of spots for players from events and tours in Europe (outside the UK and Ireland).
- Two qualifiers from the ADC’s women’s tour (WADC).
“The door is open,” Hunt emphasized. “We want to get into every territory and offer opportunities in your hometowns, home areas and home countries, so players aren’t having to travel overseas and racking up expenses. They don’t need to do that. Not everyone is in a financial position or has a good sponsor. We want to make sure the best players come through and it’s all about ability.”
The Lakeside Clash: A Strategic Business Decision
The decision to schedule the ADC Global Championship during the same week as the WDF Lakeside event has drawn attention. Hunt clarifies this as a deliberate strategic move: “We don’t speak to the WDF. With regards to the choice to put it on (the same time as Lakeside), it’s a business decision. All of our partners were involved, Pluto TV, the MODUS Super Series, the sponsors and brands we work with. It was the best decision for us to put it on at that time, simple as that.” This means players qualifying for both prestigious tournaments will face a significant choice.
The Future of Darts: Excitement and Anticipation
The emergence of a third major worldwide darts event, especially one with such unique features and a clear commitment to player opportunities and generous prize money, is a welcome development for the sport. Its rapid expansion and enhanced second edition are highly anticipated, promising to reshape the landscape of amateur darts and potentially professional play for years to come.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
