On the Oche: Souvenir Edition 2020

WELCOME to Darts World’s review of 2020 a year like no other!

This free issue of Darts World Magazine is our gift to darts fans everywhere and a keepsake chronicle of what we hope is a year never to be repeated.

While Covid-19 dominated headlines, stories, and even our daily lives, darts managed to overcome these huge hurdles to keep us occupied and entertained. The professional game even fulfilled the vast majority of its scheduled calendar. Simply superb. New stars emerged from lockdown to claim trophies, titles, and public aection.

Dimitri van den Bergh and Jose de Sousa stood out amongst many. Gary Anderson bounced back to reach the two biggest finals and Gerwyn Price completed his journey from ‘Villain to Victor’.

Spare a thought for Peter Wright and Wayne Warren whose reigns as World Champion were severely muted. Amateur darts in the UK was dealt a heavy blow as the BDO finally lurched into insolvency causing grief and disappointment to many.

Yet, from out of the ashes, new organisations have emerged determined to represent the grassroots of our game. MAD appears determined to restore pride to those playing the amateur game while the UKDA is attempting to return the County game to its former glory.

For Darts World last year was certainly one of two halves. The early issues were produced under great pressure as we fought to maintain our near fifty-year history. The team produced several issues, both print and digital, under the influence of the Coronavirus before we received a huge boost from The Darts Group takeover.

Our unique, double-covered, re-launch issue featured Devon Petersen and a marked change in style production standards. As you progress through this souvenir edition you will see this progress as it happened. The special 8-page supplement ‘The Best of Darts World’ combines the best of both worlds and is reproduced in full here.

Issue 570 had set our tone for the rest of 2020, just as darts was really finding its stride again. The publications that followed focused on the major events taking place in the final quarter and up to the World Championship in December. En route, DW reemphasised our commitment to all forms of our great game. From our ‘Global’ reports and ‘Performance’ advice, through to helping you ‘Choose Your Weapons’, via the best contributions from darts movers ‘n’ shakers. Our Legacy segments ensure that those who contributed to the success of our sport are never overlooked.

All-in-all 2020 was a unique year that deserves this special issue, which serves in part to record events and also as a tribute to the resilience of our sport. We hope that you all enjoy this biography of ‘2020 – A Year Like No Other’ .