Darts World is 50 Years old and we welcome you to a very special, 3-in-1, issue of ‘The Official Voice of Darts’.
Inside this veritable Russian doll of a magazine, you will find our usual coverage, columns and comment from a fantastic Summer and Autumn of competitive darts. The sheer volume and variety of tungsten tussling action had to be seen to be believed.
At the elite level, we have seen MVG reassert his dominance of the game’s biggest titles adding the World Grand Grix and Players Championship Finals to his Premier League and World Matchplay crowns. Meanwhile, the European Championships witnessed a breakthrough major champion with Ross Smith enjoying a stellar tournament and most recently Michael Smith triumphed in a thrilling Grand Slam of Darts.
Outside the 128-strong PDC elite our game is in the midst of a revolution the kind of which we may not have seen before. The MODUS Super Series has provided a £1 million summit for the ‘amateur’ player as well as the chance to acclimate to the full stage/broadcast experience.
Newly announced partnerships with both the ADC and World Seniors darts see a solid pathway developing to take any player all the way to a successful professional career or earning as well as enjoying their darts, should they not wish to take on such a huge commitment.
County or ‘National League’ darts is underway again and the UKDA’s second season is progressing strongly. Later in the issue, you will find full results from the opening games, maintaining DW’s record of unbroken coverage of the team element of our sport.
Next, you will find a section, inspired by a magazine with an even longer publication span than ours, dedicated to 50 Years in the Darts World. Some of the best-known and most talented people in darts have contributed their thoughts on the last half-century and even a few on the next one.
The third section of this anniversary issue is an almost complete reprint of the first edition from 1972. It’s a marvellous piece of sporting and publishing memorabilia and is our thankyou to you, the reader. Even the adverts inspire memories and pay tribute to the longevity and stability of the darts industry.
Every article, comment, or feature piece is relevant and worth a read. You will be amazed at how many issues and discussions are identical to today’s challenges.
To our founder Tony Wood, and every other contributor, reader, advertiser, player and supporter, we’d like to say a heartfelt thankyou and promise to continue ‘Championing the Sport of Darts’ whilst adapting to the 21st century needs of all who love our game.
—–ENDS—–
Grab the current print Issue 584 here or a 50th Anniversary Darts World bundle 581 here
The Darts World 50 limited edition dart set is available to order (Here) in your choice of pack
