Attention, darts enthusiasts! The highly anticipated ADC Vault Series 19.0 is here, running from September 7th to October 25th. This comprehensive guide is your essential companion, whether you’re picking up darts for the first time in a competitive setting or aiming for the national stage. Vault is the ADC’s premier grassroots competition, offering a structured, fast-paced format at local venues across the UK and Ireland. It’s designed for everyone, from casual players to aspiring champions, with a clear path leading to Regional Tables, National Finals, and ultimately, the Global Championship. With over £1 million in regional prize funds annually, and a dedicated Women’s-only route through WADC, Vault 19.0 is your gateway to competitive darts success!
What is the ADC Vault Series?
The ADC Vault Series is the Amateur Darts Circuit’s (ADC) flagship grassroots competition. Launched in 2022, it provides a structured and fast-paced format for players to compete regularly at local venues across the UK and Ireland. It’s built to accommodate everyone, from social throwers looking for a fun night out to more advanced players aiming for professional recognition.
The series has experienced rapid growth, now distributing **over £1 million annually in regional prize funds alone**. The broader ADC structure exceeds £1.8 million across its full competition calendar, highlighting the significant opportunities available.
Alongside the standard Vault structure, the ADC has also introduced a **Women’s-only route through the WADC**, mirroring the same format and increasingly integrated into the venue network, ensuring inclusive participation.
Key Dates and Important Overlaps for Vault 19.0
Vault 19.0 runs for seven consecutive weeks, from **September 7th through to October 25th**. This edition launches into one of the busiest periods in the darts calendar, as it runs concurrently with the ADC National Finals.
- Vault 19.0 Dates: September 7th – October 25th (7 weeks)
- ADC National Finals: October 15th – 18th at Bradmoor Farm, Aylesbury
This overlap means that qualification from Vault 18.0 and the accumulation of fresh points in Vault 19.0 will be happening simultaneously. If you’re chasing qualification for the National Finals, it’s crucial to keep an eye on both series during this period.
Finding and Registering for Your Local Vault Event
Finding your nearest Vault event is straightforward. The **Darts Atlas platform** is your primary resource, complemented by the ADC’s dedicated Vault & Level Up site.
How to Find Events:
- Visit the ADC Vault & Level Up site and select your region from the interactive map. This will show you your local venue calendar, current ranking points, and qualification standings.
- Alternatively, dartscircuit.com provides a full event calendar, allowing you to search by location.
The UK and Ireland are divided into **11 distinct regions**: Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, Midlands, South West, South East & London, and East of England.
Registration Process:
Registration for weekly Vault events typically opens about a week in advance and operates on a **first-come, first-served basis via Darts Atlas**. If your local venue is popular, it’s wise to set a reminder as spots can fill up quickly!
What You’ll Need:
- Entry Fee: Usually around **£6 per session**, payable on the night or through the Darts Atlas listing.
- Darts Atlas Player Profile: A free profile is required to enter events and track your progress.
- ADC Membership: A yearly ADC membership is essential for participation and ranking. The current annual membership fee is **£5 in the UK and €5 in Ireland**, making it an affordable entry point into competitive darts.
The Vault Event Experience: Format and Rules
Most Vault events follow a **round-robin group format**, designed to maximise playing time. Players are grouped together, guaranteeing a certain number of games before the top performers advance to a knockout stage.
Game Format:
- Group Stages: Typically 501, best of 3 legs.
- Knockout Stages: Can progress to a longer format as the competition advances.
Event Atmosphere and Responsibilities:
Expect an informal yet competitive atmosphere. It’s recommended to arrive in good time for check-in, as many venues offer practice time on the boards before matches begin.
An important aspect of Vault events is that **players are expected to mark games** for others. Specific responsibilities, such as the bottom-of-group finishers marking the next knockout game on their board, are often assigned. Leaving early before fulfilling these duties, or before completing your own matches, can result in sanctions. Always check the event rules beforehand to avoid any issues.
The Path to Darts Stardom: Qualification and Progression
The points you accrue at weekly Vault events are crucial, as they feed directly into your **Regional Table ranking**.
Progression Milestones:
- Regional Qualification: At the end of each seven-week series, **12 new players per region qualify for the Vault National Finals**. Over a full run of series, a total of 60 players per regional table earn a spot.
- National Finals: Beyond the regional stage, successful players compete in the prestigious **Vault National Finals**.
- Global Championship: The ultimate goal is the **Global Championship**. Combined Vault points accumulated across multiple series determine two qualifiers per region, offering a clear pathway to international recognition.
Whether you’re stepping onto the oche for a casual night out with friends or embarking on a serious journey towards Finals Day, the ADC Vault Series is built to make that first evening as straightforward as picking up your darts and showing up. The rest, as always, is up to you to achieve!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
