The World Darts Federation has pulled a strong commercial move ahead of this year’s Lakeside extravaganza, striking a brand-new multi-year deal with Target Darts that will impress many.
When the 2025 WDF World Championships burst into life on November 28th, every single one of the 81 matches will be played on the Target TOR board.
This year marks the fourth WDF edition at the legendary Lakeside Country Club, and the place looks set to host its busiest darting pilgrimage yet. With 85 competitors flying in from across the globe and four fiercely contested categories on offer, the iconic Frimley Green venue is about to receive another chapter in its already outrageous history.
Many of those hopefuls booked their places after battling through the World Masters in Hungary – where the new boards were already getting a workout.
Ten Team Target stars are heading to Lakeside, including defending champions Shane McGuirk and Paige Pauling, double world champ Mikuru Suzuki, 2024 double finalist Sophie McKinlay, and youth sensation Mitchell Lawrie, who will make history as the youngest senior world competitor ever. Lawrie will be joined by fellow rising stars Mason Teese, Kaya Baysal and other Target representatives across the senior and youth fields.
Lakeside has staged global darts theatre since 1986, with legends like Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Jocky Wilson, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld forging unforgettable moments on its famous stage. And given that seven of last year’s eight finalists were Team Target, seeing the TOR board now become the tournament’s official platform seems poetically fitting.
WDF Secretary-General Nick Rolls said: “Everyone at the WDF is delighted to be working with Target for the first time. They’re one of the biggest brands in the game and their reputation speaks for itself – their boards are world-class and will give all 85 of our players the perfect platform to showcase their skills at the Lakeside. Last year’s tournament was a fantastic one for the Target team and I’m sure their players will be centre stage once again this time round!”
Target’s enthusiasm matched the WDF’s.
Marketing Director Adam Thompson added: “We’re thrilled to be joining forces with the WDF for this year’s Lakeside World Championships, after such a successful performance from our player roster at last year’s competition. Darts and the Lakeside share a strong legacy, and with the latest Target TOR boards in play, spectators can expect to see matches of the highest calibre. This new partnership ensures top-level playing conditions for all competitors this year, making this event an ideal chance for us to identify future darts stars, and build on our brand heritage of supporting them.”
Target’s commitment to youth development continues through its Elite 1 Programme, overseen by 2019 Lakeside finalist Lorraine Winstanley, helping shape the sport’s next wave of talent. Many of those prospects are already lifting titles on the WDF circuit – and some could well make headlines on the Lakeside stage this year.
The countdown is officially on. New boards, new partnership, new history incoming.
—–ENDS—–
Images: WDF / Target
