"This has basically become the modern day News of the World" - Huw Ware bigs up importance of Champion of Champions as 2024 edition reaches finals day

The 2024 Champion of Champions takes place this afternoon in Cardiff including a number of notable names. Among others, the likes of Jim Williams, Neil Duff, Robert Thornton, Marshall James and Paul Hogan will be in action.

For those unaware, the Champions of Champions sees 256 pub qualifiers from 256 locations across the UK compete against each other for the ultimate title. All qualifying winners will play the big final tournament this afternoon at The Depot in Cardiff, with the winner picking up £10.000. Past winners include the likes of Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton and Ryan Searle, whilst the defending champion is Kurt Parry.

Speaking ahead of the 2024 edition, PDC referee Huw Ware spoke to Red Dragon to explain the importance of the Champion of Champions event. "It's a testament to Winmau and Red Dragon to see how much it's grown since it's inception," Ware, who worked the tournaments himself in the past, says via Red Dragon's social media pages. "I remember working the first few tournaments in St David's Hall and the way it's progressed from there has been great. I think this is the 3rd edition here at The Depot now and it's great."

"The players that come here from all across the UK and it's almost like the old News of the World format with the best of 3 legs and the News of the World was a massive tournament back in the day," Ware continues. "So I think this has basically become the modern day News of the World. It's a big tournament to win for whoever wins it."

"Anyone can beat anyone over the best of three. You only need a good five minutes and you can beat whoever," Ware adds, playing up the exciting and open nature of the tournament. "Best of three legs really is ruthless."