Well, it’s official: the WDF World Cup 2025 is heading to South Korea. Yes, you read that right – Seoul, the metropolis of technology, fashion, and apparently, darts.
From 22-27 September, the international darts elite will descend upon the city for the World Darts Federation’s most prestigious tournament. Talk about an upgrade from the local pub tournament. And just to keep things interesting, the WDF Korea Open will follow on Sunday 28th September.
As expected, England’s team is stronger than a double vodka shot. Here’s who’s stepping up to the oche:
England Men’s Team:
Scott Mitchell: The former World Champion and ex-PDC Tour Card holder will be leading the team as captain. Pink shirt with a dog on it – can’t miss him
Jarred Cole: Known as The King of the Castle (because who wouldn’t want to be?), Cole has had some success in the MODUS Super Series.
Sean Holley: He’s fresh off an impressive debut at the British Internationals, which was apparently so good that they added him to the England team for the Six Nations. It’s safe to say he’s one to watch.
Chas Barstow: Back for more action, Barstow’s a reliable member of the team with previous PDC Challenge Tour experience.
England Women’s Team:
Rebecca Rose: Leading the charge, Rose is an absolute force in women’s darts. She dominated the UKDA Ladies Averages this season.
Laura Turner: The former World Championship Quarter-Finalist who’s as familiar to PDC fans as a pint in the hand of a darts fan. She’s been around long enough to be both a player and a commentator, so she knows how to handle a microphone almost as well as a dart. Oh … had a blinding Six Nations.
Steph Clarke: A solid part of the England setup, Clarke also plays in the PDC Women’s Series. Expect some serious firepower from her
Deta Hedman: The woman who has won more ranking titles than some people have had hot dinners. With over 240 to her name, Hedman returns to lead the women’s team. If there’s a dartboard and a trophy to be won, you can bet she’ll be there.
Now, England’s team may have scooped the Six Nations, but they’re not without a hole in their ranks. The mighty Beau Greaves will not be returning this year, which is a bit like the Beatles showing up for a reunion minus John Lennon. Greaves claimed the Women’s Singles, Women’s Pairs, and Women’s Overall title in Esbjerg. Huge miss.
Meanwhile, Berry van Peer was the men’s champion in 2023, while Haupai Puha and Ben Robb bagged the men’s pairs. The Netherlands also took home the Men’s Team title, and Ireland scooped the Women’s title. The usual suspects, really.
Before that, in 2019, England’s women were unstoppable, with Maria O’Brien, Lorraine Winstanley, Deta Hedman, and Fallon Sherrock claiming victory. The only ones still hanging around from that squad are Scott Mitchell and Deta Hedman – the rest are busy with the Women’s Series or playing in the PDC. Which, in fairness, seems to be where all the cool kids go these days.
As for the men, it’s the Netherlands’ domain, with Berry van Peer as the reigning champion and a team that included Jelle Klaasen, Wesley Plaisier, and others. Now, most of them are Tour Card holders. So, the dynamics are changing, but expect the Netherlands to remain the big dogs.
And with this year’s event in Korea, you can bet there will be a strong Asian presence too. Who will walk away with the coveted titles? It’s anyone’s guess, but I’d be willing to bet that a strong Asian contingent will shake things up. Get ready for some serious darts drama.
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Images: WDF
