The 2024 PDC World Darts Championship kicked off on December 15 at the iconic Alexandra Palace, drawing fans and competitors from around the globe. The atmosphere at "Ally Pally," as it’s affectionately known, was electric, as reigning champion Luke Humphries opened his title defense against French contender Thibault Tricole. With the tournament promising drama and unparalleled entertainment, both players and fans alike were primed for the excitement to come.
Luke Humphries, affectionately nicknamed "Cool Hand Luke," successfully navigated his first match of the tournament with impressive skill, delivering a blistering 3-0 victory over Tricole. This impressive whitewashing took him just 16 minutes, showcasing his determination to reclaim his title after winning it almost exactly one year ago against teenage prodigy Luke Littler. "I didn’t feel like I was clinical, but all I needed was to get through," Humphries remarked post-match. His focus now shifts to potentially facing five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld when the tournament resumes after the Christmas break, which adds more excitement to what lies ahead.
While Humphries continues to capture headlines, 17-year-old Luke Littler remains the talk of the town. Having burst onto the scene last year and made history at Ally Pally, Littler has secured his place as one of the top players. He, too, is eager to begin his campaign, opening against either Ryan Meikle or fellow darting star Fallon Sherrock. With impressive form and recent victories under his belt, including winning the Grand Slam of Darts, Littler is poised to build upon last year’s success. "I fully focused on this, and I know the crowd will back me," Littler said, reflecting on the camaraderie he feels with the audience.
The draw this year has set the stage for potential clashes between the two Lukes, which might occur if they both make it to the semi-finals. Their friendship adds another layer to this narrative, as Humphries views Littler almost like a younger brother. "He’s inspiring me to be a stronger player, and we embrace the competition without animosity," Humphries shared, alluding to the mutual respect they have established through their competitive careers.
The World Darts Championship has evolved beyond just competitive sport; it has become an event where celebration and community flourish. With approximately 500,000 pints predicted to be sold over the two-week span of the tournament, the festival atmosphere attracts fans from all walks of life. Many spectators show up donned in elaborate costumes, turning the event venue not just to showcase darts but as one of the largest party settings around, notable for its friendly chaos and infectious chants.
Among the other players to watch are seasoned darts legends like Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, both hoping to prove their mettle again after varying successes last season. Van Gerwen, the once-dominant player, is on a mission to regain his previous glory, stating, "I have the record against Littler and still have the drive to return to my best form." Meanwhile, Anderson, known for his charisma as much as his skills, looks to add more to his already impressive number of titles.
The tournament also pays homage to the late Sid Waddell, whose infectious commentary shaped the sport as we know it today. Each leg played reminds fans of the unforgettable lines and moments he provided, which adds historical significance to every match at Alexandra Palace.
With the stakes higher than ever, the prize fund remains considerable, with the winner set to take home £500,000. The 2024 championship features 96 players vying for the share of this substantial purse, with every competitor guaranteed at least £7,500 for participating. That’s the reality of modern darts: it’s no longer just about competing, but also about grabbing significant earnings. For many of them, hitting the magical nine-darter can also yield rewards of £60,000, thanks to sponsorships pledging cash donations for perfect games.
Despite the excitement generated by the players, the unique culture at Ally Pally makes the championship even more captivating. Renowned for its boisterous crowd, witty chants, and lavish celebration style, Alexandra Palace stands as the ultimate arena for this sport. Attendees are greeted with humorous and uniquely crafted cheers, such as "You've got school in the morning" directed at the young Littler. They also join together to chant "100 and eighty!" with infectious enthusiasm, amplifying the connection between the sport and those who love it.
A glimpse at future possibilities was hinted at by PDC chief Barry Hearn, who suggested potential expansions due to the overwhelming popularity of the event. Hearn stated, "If we’re selling 250,000 tickets for the World Championship, we may need to rethink our venue space to accommodate our growing audience."
This insight reveals how the sport is on the brink of becoming even more monumental.
With multiple rounds set to take place following the Christmas break, fans worldwide will stay glued to their screens, eager to witness who emerges victorious and claims the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy. The final match is slated for January 3, 2025, hosting one of the most awaited conclusions to the darts season. Until then, the competition stands as one of unrivaled excitement and unpredictability, where champions are made, and new stars may shine.
