"It seems the logical place for me to be": Steve Beaton set for World Seniors Darts Tour amid darting retirement

Steve Beaton will move onto the World Seniors Darts Tour after announcing his retirement after 2024 after his opening win over Wessel Nijman at the PDC World Darts Championship.

Beaton shocked the darting world by confirming that 2024 would likely be his final year and he has since confirmed this is the case and it has been on the cards for a little while and it was all about finding the timing.

“I was originally planning to issue a press release at the end of January before the ProTour started, stating that 2024 would be my final year on the PDC circuit," he said to Oche180.

“I was hoping that I would be able to hand back my Tour Card at the end of next year, instead of losing it, and hopefully I will qualify for the World Darts Championship next year too and get the chance to step down on the biggest stage of all.

“After winning against Wessel Nijman on Tuesday and subsequently speaking to the media about my future, I thought it was better to make this announcement now that this will be my last year as a professional on the PDC tour. It has been a fantastic journey for me. The PDC has been a huge part of my life and I would like to thank everyone involved for what they have created for me and all darts players worldwide.

But while he will be not playing professionally any more, the World Seniors is the next route as well as continuing to do exhibitions and promotional work so despite likely spending more time at home than on the road, he will still keep busy.

“Maybe in some sort of way I’d like to be still involved in PDC – they have been a huge part of my life and it’s been a great rollercoaster ride. My full focus will be of course playing my best darts in 2024 in the PDC, and in 2025 I will be playing the World Seniors Darts Tour, which after turning 60 next April probably will suit me better.

“The World Seniors look to be creating a fantastic place for us older players, and as I reach the twilight of my career, it seems the logical place for me to be. I will of course still be doing exhibitions and promotional work for well into the foreseeable future as this is a huge part of my life and still something I want to be involved in as long as I possibly can.