Why Darts Continues to be a Popular Sport

It wouldn't be off the mark to describe a night out at the darts as a bucket list type of event. In recent years, in particular, darts has become increasingly popular, with thousands of people showing up to watch live championships in raucous arenas, with millions watching back home and online. In this post, we explore some of the reasons why we think darts continues to be a popular sport

We've alluded to this in the introduction, but one of the main reasons why darts is so popular is because of the incredible atmosphere generated at events. Although COVID19 has completely changed how we can interact with our favourite sports, a night out the darts has long been an outstanding experience. Take the World Championships, hosted at the world-famous 'Ally Pally' in London as an example. Now a permanent fixture on many people's Christmas calendars, a night at the darts is much more than a sporting event. Thousands of people flock to Ally Pally every night, many decked in outrageous fancy dress, wielding handmade signs and chanting popular songs often heard on football terraces across the country. Although a serious sporting event with £500,000 at stake for the winner, a night at Ally Pally guarantees one thing more than anything else: a great time with your friends.

Why Darts Continues to be a Popular Sport

Speed of the Game

Sticking with our example of the World Championships hosted at Ally Pally, the format of darts is entertaining for people to watch. Following a straightforward concept, the championship starts in the first round as a shootout between players who compete to win the best out of five sets, increasing up to the best of thirteen sets in the final. Backed by vociferous support, particularly in the evening sessions of the later rounds, players throw quickly and games unfold at a good speed, maintaining viewers' interest through to the deciding dart. Moreover, because games move on at a good pace, when attending an event, you get to watch many different players with extremely colourful personalities, which we discuss in detail below.

Broadcasting

Perhaps it seems a little obvious to say so, but darts has benefited from being broadcast into our homes on prime-time television. People in the UK can follow the World Championships on SkySports, and people from different parts of the world can tune in via several online platforms where it can be streamed. Also, specific betting sites, such as BET365, offer people the chance to live stream darts on their website. This adds a whole other dimension to watching darts, as you can place bets on live markets such as the outcome of the game, as well as unique opportunities to bet on the probability of your favourite player hitting a 180.

Player Personalities

Although people certainly do have their favourite darts players, it's not the same as football, where supporters are inherently tribal in their support of their team and the dislike of their opponents. People who go to the darts want to be entertained and are often vocal in their support of many different players. Also, there is a unique situation whereby some players almost enjoy playing the pantomime villain and are buoyed on by spectators' extraordinary support. Phil' The Power' Taylor, arguably the most popular player of recent times, knew how to play on the crowd and engaged with them regularly throughout some of the most intense moments. He built a great rapport with fans who loved him for his never-say-die attitude. Although much less successful than Taylor, Wayne Mardle was a hugely popular figure with fans before his recent retirement. Often seen at the oche dressed in outrageous Hawaiian garb, Mardle certainly knew how to entertain his fans. Many darts players come across as larger than life characters, and their unique personalities help promote the sport and keep people engaged.

Conclusion

As we can watch darts from the comfort of our own homes, and we can see the unique atmosphere generated at box office events, enjoy the unrivalled speed of the game and get to know the players and their larger than life personalities; it's clear to see why darts continues to be a popular and accessible sport.

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