The Best Darts Tournaments Fans Should Attend Around the World

Darts has evolved from a pub pastime to a global sporting spectacle, attracting millions of fans and filling arenas across Europe and beyond.

The annual calendar is packed with high-profile tournaments that offer not only elite competition but also unforgettable atmospheres.

Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast or a newcomer drawn by the drama and precision of the sport, these are the must-visit darts events around the world.

Many are hosted in venues that also offer slots and other gaming experiences, making them ideal destinations for fans who enjoy the full spectrum of entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, darts has become a global phenomenon since the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was incorporated in 1992.

Much like the Premier League in football, the PDC introduced a more professional outlook to a sport which had previously been dismissed as a pub game.

The PDC’s initial success was built on the exploits of Phil Taylor, who is widely recognised as the greatest darts player in the history of the sport.

With that in mind, read on as we look at some of the standout events in the annual darts calendar, starting with a tournament which every player wants to win.

Held annually at Alexandra Palace in London around the festive period, the PDC World Darts Championship is the crown jewel of the darts calendar and one of UK’s biggest sporting events.

Running from mid-December to early January, it features the sport’s biggest names battling for the most prestigious title. The atmosphere is electric, with fans dressed in costumes, singing chants and celebrating every 180 and finish.

The venue also offers access to gaming lounges and hospitality areas where fans can enjoy slots and other casino-style entertainment between matches. It is a full experience sport, spectacle and social energy rolled into one.

The World Matchplay takes place each July at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Known for its unique format and historic setting, this tournament is a favourite among players and fans alike.

The Empress Ballroom provides a dramatic backdrop for the action, and the historic seaside location adds to the festive vibe.

Blackpool is also home to several casinos and arcades, making it a hotspot for fans who want to combine darts with slots and other gaming options. It is a summer celebration of sport and leisure.

From 2018 onwards, the World Matchplay champion has received the Phil Taylor Trophy, in recognition of his staggering 16 successes in the tournament.

The Premier League Darts tour runs from February to May, visiting major cities across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Each Thursday night, fans pack arenas in locations such as Manchester, Rotterdam, Berlin and Dublin to watch the top players compete in a league format.

This travelling tournament offers fans the chance to experience darts in different cultural settings. Many host cities feature entertainment districts with slots, live music and nightlife perfect for turning a match night into a weekend getaway.

The World Grand Prix is slightly different to other major darts tournaments, as it is played under the ‘double in, double out’ format.

Players must start on a double or the bullseye to start scoring and do the same to win a leg. This adds a much greater degree of difficulty to proceedings.

Given that he won the world title on 16 occasions, it is no surprise to discover that Taylor also had a stellar record in this tournament.

His tally of 11 World Grand Prix titles places him five ahead of Michael van Gerwen in the all-time standings. James Wade (2) is the only other player to lift the trophy on more than one occasion.

The Grand Slam of Darts is unique in that it brings together players from different organisations, creating unexpected match-ups and fresh rivalries.

Held at Aldersley Leisure Village in November, it is renowned for its competitive edge and passionate crowd.

Wolverhampton’s growing entertainment scene includes gaming venues where fans can enjoy slots and other casino games before or after the matches. It is a great choice for fans who want an intimate high-stakes experience.

The PDC European Tour has expanded in 2025 to include 14 events across cities such as Gottingen, Graz and Amsterdam.

These three-day tournaments offer a more relaxed atmosphere and are perfect for fans who want to explore darts in continental Europe.

Many of these cities are known for their vibrant nightlife and gaming culture, with casinos and slot lounges easily accessible.

The tour is a chance to combine travel, sport and entertainment in one trip, making it the perfect choice for darts fans of all ages.