The Ally Pally circus is about to get even louder, even rowdier, and infinitely more spectacular — because Paddy Power have detonated a brand-new, never-before-seen charity stunt that blends big money, big darts, and even bigger stakes. And at the centre of it all? One unsuspecting member of the public, plucked from obscurity, will stroll onto the most iconic stage in world darts and attempt to fling their way into history… and into £180,000.
This outrageous opportunity is part of their turbocharged fundraising mission for Prostate Cancer UK as the bookmaker launches its most ambitious chapter yet: The Even Bigger 180 campaign. Their goal? Raise mountains of money, shatter previous records, and rally hundreds of thousands of men across the UK to take the lifesaving risk-checker — a vital tool in the fight against a disease that often whispers rather than shouts.
And the headline act of this philanthropic festival? A brand-new challenge known as Darts of Destiny, where one entrant — randomly selected from those donating via the JustGiving page — will wander onto the Ally Pally stage mere minutes before the World Championship final and take aim at life-changing riches.
If they can steady their trembling limbs, silence their thundering heartbeat, and total 180 from nine darts in front of thousands of roaring fans, they’ll exit the stage with a moneybag fatter than most of the pros they’ve just watched.
All of this madness builds on Paddy Power’s astonishing charity haul from the previous two tournaments. Over £2 million has already been funnelled into Prostate Cancer UK’s groundbreaking TRANSFORM trial — a colossal research project exploring new ways to detect prostate cancer early, when the odds of survival are dramatically improved.
And that’s just the beginning.
Paddy Power are also renewing their promise to donate £1,000 for every 180 blasted in the tournament — the very pledge that saw the total rocket past a million quid last year thanks to fireworks from the likes of Christian Kist and Damon Heta.
The legendary nine-dart bonus also returns: every perfect leg triggers a £180,000 payout split between the player, the charity, and one delirious fan in the crowd. Talk about motivation.
The Ballon d’Art trophy — the sport’s most gloriously ridiculous award — is also back, waiting to be claimed by the tournament’s ultimate maximum-slinger. Luke Littler holds last year’s crown with 76 maximums, though Luke Humphries will be out for revenge after his own 73-max campaign the year before.
Beyond the glitz and theatrics lies the real mission: getting men to take control of their own health. In the UK, prostate cancer takes a life every 45 minutes. The early stages almost never show symptoms. And yet a 30-second online check — just three simple questions — can tell men their risk.
Paddy Power, Sky Sports and Prostate Cancer UK want 180,000 men to do just that during this year’s championship, building on the astonishing quarter-million who have already taken the test since the campaign began. The money raised through The Even Bigger 180 will continue powering the TRANSFORM trial — the most ambitious prostate cancer screening initiative in 20 years.
Combining cutting-edge blood tests, genetics and rapid MRI scans, it aims to finally crack the code on early detection and build a national screening programme that will save thousands of lives.
Paddy Power said:
“Most people can only dream of hitting 180 at Ally Pally — but this year someone will get the chance to actually do it and walk away £180,000 richer, all for a truly brilliant cause. We hope Darts of Destiny will encourage more men to take the super-easy risk checker, as well as help continue to fund life-saving research for Prostate Cancer UK. This year’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship is going to be the biggest and best yet.”
Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said:
“We’re thrilled to be back on the oche with Paddy Power again this festive period as The Even Bigger 180 returns.
The last two years have changed the game for men, with more than £2m raised amid some high-octane darting drama – one 180 at a time. This campaign has had an incredible impact… Thanks to the incredible efforts of the PDC players, backed by Paddy Power, the funds raised will go towards supporting game-changing research like our TRANSFORM trial.”
Steve Smith, Executive Director of Content, Sky Sports, said:
“Sky’s platforms proved crucial in getting 180,000 men to check their risk… We look forward to widening the reach…”
Matt Porter, Professional Darts Corporation chief executive, said:
“Darts of Destiny is such a unique concept, and could make dreams come true for one lucky darts fan, but all with a great cause in mind to help encourage donations to such an important cause in Prostate Cancer UK’s TRANSFORM trial.”
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Images: Taylor Lanning / PDC
