WDF World Masters decision updated with end of June date set

The World Masters is the second largest tournament within the World Darts Federation (WDF) after the World Championship. For now, however, it is still unclear whether this tournament will even take place this year.

WDF Secretary General Nick Rolls recently issued an update: "Earlier this year, I mentioned that the WDF were working towards a deadline of March 31st to decide whether the World Masters would go ahead in 2023 or not."

"We have been, and still remain, in a number of exciting conversations that would allow us to secure the long-term future of the World Masters in the way we have with the WDF World Championships," he continues. "It is important to keep those conversations ongoing for as long as possible because we want to do all that we can to ensure that every possibility is explored for the benefit of our players and member nations."

Nevertheless, Rolls realizes that it is best not to wait too long. "That said, we also know that radio silence is not helpful for the players and federations around the world that support our tournaments and it's for that reason that we are setting a firm decision deadline at the end of June that will be adhered to."

Last year the World Masters took place in the Netherlands. "The 2022 Winmau World Masters was a phenomenal success and it was fantastic to have such a big event here in the Netherlands," says Paul Engelbertink, Director of the Nederlandse Darts Bond.

"We are aware that the WDF are continuing to explore a number of strategic partnerships around the tournament. When we receive the green light from the WDF to proceed, we have the venue and system in place to ensure another excellent event on the darting calendar," he concludes.