The year 2020 marked the tragic end of an era for darts, as the British Darts Organisation (BDO), once the sport’s pioneering governing body, teetered on the brink of collapse. Decades of leading professional darts, culminating in the creation of iconic tournaments like the World Masters and the World Championship, came to a sorrowful halt. Plagued by internal struggles, financial woes, and controversial decisions regarding prize money and tournament management, the BDO found its final undoing in the global COVID-19 pandemic. Its major events were cancelled, and the organisation entered liquidation, leaving fans and players hopeful that another body, such as the World Darts Federation (WDF), might step in to preserve these historic competitions.
The Fall of a Darts Giant: The BDO’s Final Chapter
For many darts enthusiasts, the British Darts Organisation (BDO) wasn’t just a governing body; it was the heart of the sport, responsible for its first golden era of televised professional darts. It represented the everyday player and fan, fostering a sense of community around the oche. However, by 2020, this iconic institution was on the precipice, and the global COVID-19 pandemic proved to be the final, devastating blow.
As reported in DartsWorld 570, the situation was dire, with the organisation’s commercial arm, BDO Enterprises Ltd, facing liquidation. This put the future of its most cherished tournaments in grave doubt.
A Legacy in Jeopardy: The BDO’s Storied Tournaments
The BDO was synonymous with some of darts’ most historic competitions. While the World Trophy, established in 2014, was a newer addition, it was the other two flagship events that truly held the sport’s heritage:
- The World Masters: First staged in 1974, this tournament predated even the World Championship, establishing itself as a premier event.
- The BDO World Championship: Inaugurated in 1978, with Leighton Rees crowned its first champion, it became the pinnacle of BDO darts.
For over four decades, these tournaments were essential dates in any darts fan’s diary, showcasing legendary players and unforgettable moments. Yet, their future under the BDO banner looked increasingly bleak.
Controversies and Fading Glory
The BDO’s final years were marred by a series of controversies that chipped away at its once-unblemished reputation. Accounts from attendees at the last World Masters and World Championship paint a vivid picture of these tumultuous times, highlighting both moments of triumph and significant organizational missteps.
One memorable highlight was the emotional victory of John O’Shea at the Circus Tavern. His journey, overcoming significant injuries that nearly ended his career, culminated in a fairy-tale major championship win – a heartwarming moment amidst a challenging week for the organisation.
However, these feel-good stories were often overshadowed by serious issues:
- World Masters Re-draw: A controversial re-draw on the first day of the World Masters significantly damaged the tournament’s long-standing credibility and sparked widespread criticism.
- World Championship Prize Money Scandal: While Wayne Warren’s victory at 57 made him the oldest world champion – another touching narrative of a dream fulfilled – the joy was short-lived for many. It was soon revealed that the top prize had been drastically cut from the previous year’s £100,000 to a mere £23,000. This represented the lowest prize money for the event since 1989, causing widespread anger and disillusionment among players and fans alike.
These incidents, coupled with other operational difficulties, meant the BDO was consistently making headlines, but for all the wrong reasons.
The Final Blow: COVID-19 and the End of an Era
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic delivered the ultimate blow to the already struggling organisation. As global lockdowns put all sporting events on hold, the BDO’s ability to host its major tournaments evaporated. In late May 2020, without any official announcement, the BDO’s website quietly updated its calendar, listing key events as “cancelled”:
- World Trophy (August 28-30)
- World Masters (October 21-25)
- World Championship Qualifiers (October 26)
With BDO Enterprises Ltd entering liquidation, the future of these prestigious events under its stewardship reached its sad conclusion. The hope now rests with other organisations, most notably the World Darts Federation (WDF), to step forward and resurrect these beloved tournaments, ensuring that the legacy of BDO darts lives on, albeit under a new banner.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
