For the first time, the UK Open was streamed in full and barring a few teething problems with one or two boards, it was deemed a success also to PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
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"You get to watch every game at the UK Open unless you're watching the first half hour," he joked to Online Darts.
"Which was a bit iffy so apologies for that but we sorted it out after 25 minutes and since then it's been great. I think it's a really good addition to the event to give the fans the opportunity to see everybody."
"Also in the arena, there's the screens so people can see more closely what's happening on the board they are watching. Few little teething problems but overall we are really pleased."
"People think live streaming is really easy. To do it to a decent standard is difficult and especially then to do eight streams at once but that's not an excuse. We didn't deliver it properly for the first few minutes."
But is this part of a longer term plan to stream more ProTours, it is a possibility according to Porter but more needs to be done for this to happen and also demand gauged.
"Possibly, certainly longer term it's something we'd like to do. I don't think it's realistic to have 16 boards livestreamed at once. You've got to look at how many people are going to be watching that. The Barnsley internet may struggle with that."
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
After the success of streaming all boards at the UK Open Matt Porter on how it opens up the possibility of streaming more from the Players Championships
"Longer term it's something we'd like to do"
Full Interview here 🎥👇🏻
youtu.be/rIMykqehu-8