The World Series of Darts (WSoD) is a premier global darts tour, showcasing elite players in competitive, non-ranked events across continents. What began as a series of invitational showcases in 2013 has evolved into a formalized tour by 2015, now featuring over ten high-class events annually. The current format pits 8 top “PDC Stars” against 8 invited local talents, serving as a vital platform for both established legends and emerging stars. While Dutch maestro Michael van Gerwen stands as the undisputed king with nearly 20 titles and 6 Finals victories, recent years have seen fresh faces like Luke Littler and Ross Smith claim their maiden crowns, signaling an exciting new era for the sport.
What is the World Series of Darts?
The World Series of Darts (WSoD) is the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) answer to a global showcase of elite darts. Unlike ranked tournaments that contribute to a player’s world ranking, the WSoD events are competitive yet non-ranked, designed to promote the sport internationally and provide thrilling entertainment.
From Showcase to Global Tour: The Evolution
The WSoD embarked on its journey in 2013 as a collection of ad-hoc invitational events, primarily serving as exhibitions to introduce professional darts to new audiences worldwide. Its success quickly spurred growth:
- 2013: Humble Beginnings – Started as individual showcase events.
- 2015: Formalization – Enough events were established to introduce a series finals, solidifying the WSoD as a structured tour.
- 2026 (Current Iteration): Global Powerhouse – Now recognized for its high-class darts and its role as a crucial “shop window” for the PDC. The tour is set to host at least ten events across diverse regions including Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Oceania.
The Unique Format: Stars vs. Locals
Central to the WSoD’s appeal is its engaging format. Each event typically features:
- 8 ‘PDC Stars’: The world’s top professional darts players, often including the reigning world champion and other high-ranking individuals.
- 8 Invited Local/Regional Players: Talented players from the host nation or region, offering them a unique opportunity to compete against the best on a global stage. The definition of “region” can be broad, for example, including Asian players in Bahrain or Eastern European players in Poland.
This format not only guarantees top-tier competition but also fosters local talent and expands the sport’s reach.
The Reigning King: Michael van Gerwen’s Dominance
When discussing the World Series of Darts, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest: Michael van Gerwen. The Dutch phenomenon has been the most prolific winner since the tour’s inception:
- First Ever Champion: Van Gerwen claimed the inaugural WSoD event in Dubai in 2013.
- Near 20 Victories: He has amassed close to 20 individual WSoD titles.
- 6 Finals Crowns: A remarkable six World Series of Darts Finals victories, including a recent triumph in September 2025, underscore his consistent excellence.
His dynamic play and relentless pursuit of victory have made him the benchmark for success in the WSoD.
A Shifting Landscape: New Champions Emerge
While van Gerwen’s dominance is undeniable, recent years have seen other stars rise to claim their place in WSoD history. The tour is becoming increasingly competitive, with new names etching their legacy:
- Luke Littler: The teenage sensation secured his maiden WSoD crown in the 2024 Poland Darts Masters, followed by the 2024 World Series of Darts Finals, showcasing his incredible talent.
- Ross Smith: “Smudger” joined the exclusive club with his first WSoD Finals victory in 2026, defeating Gerwyn Price.
- Other prominent winners include **Phil Taylor** in the early years, **Gary Anderson**, **Peter Wright**, **Gerwyn Price**, **Rob Cross**, **Michael Smith**, **Jonny Clayton**, **Dimitri Van den Bergh**, **Nathan Aspinall**, **James Wade**, **Stephen Bunting**, and **Luke Humphries**, all of whom have lifted various WSoD trophies, contributing to the tour’s rich tapestry of champions.
Expanding Horizons: New Events and Future Outlook
The WSoD continues to explore new territories, adding and sometimes rotating events to maximize its global impact. The inclusion of the Poland Darts Masters in 2023, which proved to be a huge success, highlights this expansion strategy.
Looking ahead, **2024** promises another thrilling year with confirmed events including:
- Dutch Darts Masters
- Bahrain Darts Masters
- New York Darts Masters
- Nordic Darts Masters
- Poland Darts Masters
- Australian Darts Masters
- New Zealand Darts Masters
- World Series of Darts Finals
The World Series of Darts is more than just a tournament; it’s a global celebration of darts, continually evolving and bringing the sport to new fans and players around the world. Its blend of established legends and rising stars ensures a spectacle of high-quality darts year after year.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
