The UK Open Deaf Darts Championship is gearing up for its most ambitious and exciting event to date in March 2027, as it relocates to Ellesmere Port. Organised by the innovative Deaf Darts Organisation (DDO), this championship promises an expanded player field of up to 128 men and 64 women, an engaging new four-heat format, and a dedicated Championship Stage for the thrilling semi-finals and finals. This significant move underscores the DDO’s commitment to creating a professional and truly accessible platform for Deaf and hard-of-hearing darts players, further cementing the sport’s rapid growth and inclusive spirit.
A New Home for Deaf Darts Excellence
The highly anticipated UK Open Deaf Darts Championship will take place on Friday, March 12th, and Saturday, March 13th, 2027, at Chaukees in Marina Walk, Ellesmere Port. This new venue is set to host what the Deaf Darts Organisation (DDO) hopes will be its biggest edition ever, with a substantially increased capacity for competitors.
Expanded Format and Thrilling Competition
To accommodate the larger field and enhance the competitive experience, the 2027 championship will introduce a brand-new four-heat format:
- Opening Heat: Kicks off on Friday evening at 6 PM.
- Subsequent Heats: The remaining three heats will be played throughout Saturday.
Players will accumulate points during these heats, with the top 32 men and top 32 women advancing to the intense knockout stages. The pinnacle of the tournament, the semi-finals and finals, are scheduled to be played on the spectacular Championship Stage on Saturday evening. This dedicated stage provides a professional atmosphere, mirroring major mainstream darts events and giving players the recognition they deserve.
DDO’s Vision: Elevating the Game
Ryan Mitchell, President of the DDO, expressed the organisation’s ambition for the 2027 event: “Bradmoor Farm showed everyone what DDO is capable of, especially when we made history by broadcasting our semi-finals and finals live around the world. Ellesmere Port is the next chapter. With up to 128 men and 64 ladies, an amazing venue and the Championship Stage returning, we want the 2027 UK Open to be our biggest and most exciting competition yet. This is about giving Deaf players the stage, atmosphere and recognition they deserve.”
The DDO, established in 2024, has rapidly grown, seeing 187 players compete in its first two years. It now successfully runs a competitive circuit, complete with men’s and women’s rankings, and has ambitious plans for further events across the UK and Europe.
How to Participate and Attend
Player entry is set at £26, with registration opening on September 1, 2026. Spectators are also welcome to attend, with their ticket registration opening on the same date.
Competitors interested in joining this landmark event should note that DDO competitions are open to Deaf and hard-of-hearing players. Entrants may be asked to provide evidence of meeting the organisation’s published hearing-loss criteria. It is always advisable for players to check event-specific eligibility information before registering.
Darts for Everyone: A Commitment to Accessibility
While the core principles of darts – scoring, finishing, and handling pressure – remain universal, the DDO distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to accessibility. The organisation ensures its tournaments are tailored to Deaf and hard-of-hearing competitors by:
- Providing clear written information for all event details.
- Utilising visual scoring systems that are easy to follow.
- Offering British Sign Language (BSL)-supported communication.
This comprehensive approach creates an inclusive environment where players can fully engage and compete without communication barriers.
A Growing Global Movement
The UK Open is a vital component of a rapidly expanding competitive circuit for Deaf and hard-of-hearing players. The DDO introduced its ranking system in 2025, with tournament results contributing to an ‘Order of Merit’ used for seedings, qualification, and player progression.
Looking to the future, the organisation is also planning its inaugural NextGen Youth Deaf Darts Championship in 2027, designed to provide a clear pathway into competitive darts for younger Deaf players.
The DDO’s influence already extends far beyond the UK, attracting competitors from across Europe and even as far as Canada to the 2026 UK Open. The expansion to Ellesmere Port in 2027 is therefore not just about a new venue; it’s a powerful indicator of how quickly Deaf darts is evolving – both as a competitive sport and as a crucial platform for athletes who deserve every opportunity to excel in an environment built specifically for them.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
