“I wouldn’t be surprised if the PDC came knocking” – Jeff Smith full of praise for the recent WDF World Masters venue in Las Vegas

Jeff Smith has experienced just about everything in his long darts career. The 50-year-old Canadian held a PDC Tour Card, represented his country multiple times at the PDC World Cup of Darts, and traveled halfway around the world for his sport. Yet the WDF World Masters 2026 in Las Vegas still managed to surprise The Silencer.

The tournament took place at a venue you wouldn’t immediately associate with a traditional darts event. No classic sports hall or convention center, but right in the middle of a casino, among the slot machines and the roulette and blackjack tables. For Smith, it was an experience that clearly made an impression. “I’d probably give it eight-and-a-half out of ten. I didn’t know much about it going in, but the venue was absolutely off the charts,” Smith told Bang on Target.

The Canadian now has enough international experience to make such a verdict carry weight. He has seen countless airports in his career and knows better than most how special a well-organized darts event can be. He was particularly impressed by how the stage was integrated into the casino. “The stage was based in the centre of the casino. You had people on the slots and a darts match going on. Full LED setup. Very appealing for casino-goers. I wouldn’t be surprised if the PDC came knocking.”

According to Smith, the PDC should take a close look at the concept. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the PDC comes knocking here at some point.”

The choice of Las Vegas wasn’t something Smith was immediately thrilled about. The World Masters coincided with a CDC Tour weekend, which left North American players with a tricky schedule. Still, the combination turned out to be doable. “I wasn’t happy with the timeframe at first. But after looking at the logistics carefully, knew it could be done so I could also head to Indianapolis and play the CDC Tour weekend afterwards.”

Smith also understood the organizers’ position. The WDF had to pivot relatively quickly after the previous venue fell through and find an alternative. That made the move to Las Vegas logical in the Canadian’s view. “I know the figures and what they pulled off in that short amount of time was incredible. It was basically the only option.”

For North American players, the location also meant an important change. Where they normally have to spend large sums to play in Europe, this time the European players came to their continent. “We’re used to spending a fortune to go to Europe. That’s just part of being a North American player.”

Smith therefore believes the WDF should be given the chance to further build the event. “If it was only a one-year deal, it would have been a terrible decision. But it’s a three-year deal. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Smith’s stay in Las Vegas got even better as he enjoyed success alongside Keegan Brown. The two had previously discussed a partnership at MODUS and then won the Toronto Golden Open before heading to Las Vegas.

Smith is clearly enthusiastic about his British teammate. “Keegz is such a comfortable guy. He’s a social butterfly and a very likeable kid.”

Smith also made his mark individually. In the Cricket Singles tournament he faced Matt Edgar, who had been having a strong event up to that point. Smith, however, had little mercy for his opponent. “Yeah I smashed him!” the Canadian laughed.

Beyond his own career, Smith is now also heavily involved in developing darts in Canada. As the driving force behind ADC Canada, he is helping to set up a structure that allows players to develop regionally. “I’ve been the lead for ADC Canada and was responsible for getting that organisation to come here.”

Canada’s vast size makes that no easy task. That’s why a deliberate regional approach has been chosen. “Everything is in place now and we’ll start releasing information shortly.”

Instead of launching a single large national competition straight away, different regions are being developed. The Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, for example, form one of the first areas. “We’re breaking it down into regions rather than trying to force a national version straight away.”

The so-called Vault system is also set to play a key role in development. “We’re getting the Vault system going and getting players up to speed with everything.”

For Smith, it ultimately comes down to sustainability. Canada has enough talent in his view, but players need a clear structure and sufficient opportunities to grow. “We’re trying to create something sustainable.”

Although Smith remains highly competitive, he is now more selective about which tournaments he plays. The Canadian lives in Saint John, New Brunswick, and sees the freedom to set his own schedule as a major advantage.

He will soon return to England for several exhibitions in Croydon and Bournemouth. The lineup includes Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, Gary Anderson, Rob Cross, Steve Beaton, and Cristo Reyes. “I’m over at the end of September for a couple of exhibitions in Croydon and Bournemouth.”

After that, the MODUS Super Series awaits again. Even so, a permanent presence on the PDC Pro Tour is no longer a given for Smith. For a Canadian player, the travel distances are significantly greater than for European counterparts. “It’s different for me being a Canadian. If I was on a PDC Pro Tour which took place on Monday and Tuesday, I’d have to leave Saturday morning.”

Family life also plays a role. Smith points to compatriot Jim Long as an example of what life on tour can mean. “Jim Long is living proof of it. When you have a family, you give up so much.”

A move to the United Kingdom was discussed in the past, but the family ultimately stayed in Canada. “My wife and I did once have the discussion once about relocating to the UK. But at the time, my daughter was graduating, and Rachel prefers life in Canada too much.”

Smith earned his nickname ‘The Silencer’ in a remarkable way. It was Ken MacNeil who coined it after Smith returned to the Canadian National Championships in 2008 following a break from darts. Smith made an immediate impact on his comeback by winning the singles title. “I had stopped playing and decided to come back for the Nationals.”

McNeill saw how Smith dispatched his opponents one by one and came up with a vivid description. “He said it looked like I was taking people out from the top of a hill.”

The nickname ‘The Silencer’ stuck. And in 2026, Smith is still going strong. Not only as a player, but also as someone who wants to play a key role in the further development of Canadian darts. His performances in Las Vegas, his criticism of the conditions on the CDC Tour, and his work behind the scenes show that the Canadian is far from finished.

‘The Silencer’ may no longer need to fly around the world every week to prove his worth. He now picks his moments. But when he steps to the oche, the principle remains unchanged: Smith doesn’t show up to take part, he shows up to win.