The 2024 World Darts Championship is officially underway, captivating fans at Alexandra Palace, as top players from around the world vie for darts glory and their share of the impressive £2.5 million prize fund. Sponsored by Paddy Power, the third round of the tournament is broadcast live on Sky Sports, showcasing the best of the best as they strive for prestigious recognition and the ultimate world champion title.
Leading the pack is current titleholder Luke Humphries, ranked number one. Known as 'Cool Hand Luke', the 29-year-old from Crewe carries significant momentum, having amassed 20 PDC titles throughout his career. He has become quite the crowd pleaser, famously walking on to the Kaiser Chiefs’ hit, "I Predict a Riot." Currently, Humphries holds an order of merit value of £1.8 million and boasts a net worth of approximately £2.5 million.
Right behind him, at rank two, is Michael Smith—popularly known as 'Bully Boy.' The St Helens native has proven himself with 27 PDC tournament wins and three televised nine-dart finishes, including being crowned world champion just last year. His current order of merit value stands at £890,000, also coinciding with a net worth around £2.5 million.
The legendary Dutch player Michael van Gerwen rounds out the top three with his impressive track record. Native to Vlijmen, this 35-year-old is celebrated for securing 157 PDC titles and 10 televised nine-dart finishes, including three world championships during his dominant years from 2014 to 2019. His order of merit value now rests at £815,500, alongside a net worth estimated at £6.29 million.
Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler, known as 'The Nuke', is quickly capturing attention as he ranks fourth globally after winning 11 PDC titles and two televised nine-darters. Despite losing to Humphries earlier this year, Littler has already made waves by clinching the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Series of Darts. His current order of merit value is £618,500, with his net worth reportedly around £1 million.
Looking to build on his performance this championship is Dave Chisnall, aged 44, currently sitting sixth with 26 PDC titles and one televised nine-darter. His order of merit value is marked at £538,500, and his estimated net worth is around £3 million. Jonny Clayton, affectionately known as 'The Ferret', ranks seventh. The 50-year-old has 15 PDC titles to his name and is worth around £750,000.
Meanwhile, Stephen Bunting, nicknamed 'The Bullet', has also made headlines during the championship. Recently, he shared how utilizing hypnotism has vastly improved his game. Following his 3-1 triumph over Kai Gotthardt, Bunting now sets his focus on his next opponent, Madars Razma, with hopes of moving forward. Bunting's recent performances have not gone unnoticed; he won The Masters earlier this year, securing him more attention and acclaim. The 39-year-old expressed gratitude for his hypnotherapist, who has helped him improve aspects of his game including diet and getting adequate sleep.
Bunting elaborated on the benefits of hypnosis: "You’re set in your own ways, aren’t you? I think my hypnotherapist did reach out to [Michael] Smith, but it didn’t happen—and it’s not my position to speculate. All I can say is I’m really happy with my hypnotist. I think he’s doing fantastic for me with things like diet, sleep and energy when you’re playing." His approach has evidently worked wonders, helping him overcome mental barriers as he eyes the championship title.
Stephen has acknowledged his fluctuated standing since joining the PDC, having previously claimed the BDO world title. His ambition now is to reach the finals at the PDC event after coming close to it during his best run back in 2021. He recalled his fierce battle against Gerwyn Price, which ended at 6-4 during the semi-finals.
Other players at the tournament also highlight the various techniques being used to improve their game and edge out fierce competition. With the championship gaining traction, excitement builds as the live updates continue streaming from Sky Sports, bringing viewers every session and showcasing all the action from the iconic Alexandra Palace.
The PDC World Darts Championship remains underscored by gripping rivalries and the player’s mental fortitude, reminding fans and newcomers alike about the artistry behind every throw. There’s no doubt this year’s championship is gearing up for some unforgettable matches as players push their limits for the chance to claim the coveted darts title.
