A groundbreaking partnership between the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) and DartsWorld is set to revolutionize grassroots darts in the UK. DartsWorld has been named the Official Partner of ADC’s ‘LEVEL UP’ development pathway, backed by an exclusive £40,000 investment for 2026. This collaboration will significantly boost opportunities for aspiring players through new bi-monthly regional tournaments and a structured progression system, making competitive darts more accessible and rewarding than ever before.
A New Era for UK Darts: DartsWorld & ADC Join Forces
The Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) has announced a monumental new partnership with DartsWorld, a move poised to dramatically reshape the landscape of grassroots darts. DartsWorld, widely recognized as a leading hub for darts media, events, and merchandise, is now the Official Partner of LEVEL UP, ADC’s premier development program designed to nurture and elevate aspiring darts players.
This strategic alliance comes with a significant £40,000 investment exclusively dedicated to invigorating grassroots darts across the UK throughout 2026. The goal is clear: to expand opportunities for players at every stage of their journey, providing a clear path from local competition to higher levels.
Unlocking Potential: The LEVEL UP Pathway Explained
Together, ADC and DartsWorld are launching a dynamic series of bi-monthly open tournaments, with three events scheduled in each region. These events are specifically designed to give more players the chance to compete, hone their skills, and truly “level up” their game.
LEVEL UP is far more than just another league; it’s a fully integrated system within the ADC’s competitive framework. This ensures that every match played and every player’s effort contributes meaningfully to their progression within the sport.
The pathway is intelligently divided into three distinct grades, ensuring fair, challenging, and appropriate competition for all participants:
- CORE: Tailored for players with an average score of under 55.0.
- EMERGING: Designed for players with an average score of under 64.99.
- RISE: For players demonstrating higher skill, with an average score of under 77.5.
Players are strongly encouraged to challenge themselves by competing in their eligible category or even a higher one. However, playing in a lower category is strictly prohibited. This rule fosters both ambition and maintains the integrity of the competition.
How to Join the LEVEL UP Journey: Eligibility and Progression
To ensure a committed and competitive field, participation in any LEVEL UP event requires players to have competed in at least one VAULT event across the previous three series (for example, Series 14, 15, or 16 at the time of this announcement). This prerequisite ensures that players are already engaged within the ADC ecosystem.
Once eligible, the progression routes are clear and structured:
- Players averaging under 55.0 have the flexibility to enter CORE, EMERGING, or RISE events.
- Players averaging under 64.99 can choose to enter EMERGING or RISE events.
- Players averaging under 77.5 are exclusively eligible to enter RISE events.
A Vision for Growth: What This Partnership Means
Scott Hunt, ADC’s Head of Global Operations, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “DartsWorld has been a cornerstone of the sport since its inception. Their renewed involvement in events is instrumental in building a truly global darts community. This partnership is all about creating real opportunity—more events, more prize money, and significantly more chances for players to progress.”
He further emphasized the direct impact of the investment: “The £40,000 investment will directly fund new events, increase prize pools, and expand opportunities for players at all levels. This reinforces ADC’s core mission to make darts accessible, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone.”
This partnership signifies a bold step forward for grassroots darts, promising a vibrant future where talent is identified, nurtured, and given every chance to shine on the oche.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
