The Dart Seniors World Championship took place for the 3rd time this year and was once again a complete success. Having only started in 2021, players over 50 can now finally play their own World Championship.
But that doesn't mean that people over 50 are worse than the greats of darts. A German player was also part of the 2024 Dart Seniors World Championship and even made history .
Of course, you can find out everything you need to know about senior darts from us.
When does the Dart Seniors World Championship start?
The Dart Seniors World Championship is only taking place for the 3rd time, but has always been at the beginning of the year, in February . Last year, the Dart Seniors World Championship 2023 also took place in February.
Although darts for seniors have been in the background so far, there are so many players worldwide that a World Cup is essential . Because even the legends with their dart nicknames will eventually get older and will certainly want to sink their darts into the board for a long time to come.
In fact, it was only officially announced in April 2021 that the first World Senior Darts Championship would take place in 2022. But this does not mean that darts history has not yet been made here.
ModusDarts and Snooker Legends are leading the way in organizing this special event for darts players over 50. In the first year, well-known players such as Phil Taylor , Martin Adams and John Lowe announced that they would be taking part.
In addition to the three dart legends, 21 other players took part in the 2022 Dart Seniors World Championship.
Where will the Senior Darts World Championship be broadcast?
Unfortunately, we fans in Germany have a real problem. Because it is n't being broadcast here.
If you still don't want to miss out on the special World Championship, you can purchase an event pass for a few dollars on Dartconnect and watch the Dart Seniors World Championship broadcast live.
You can also find out everything you need to know about the World Cup for over-50s players here.
Who won the 2023 Senior Darts World Championship?
This year's Senior Darts World Championship, held at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet, saw John Henderson emerge victorious , beating Collin McGarry 5-0 and leaving McGarry with virtually no chance .
More darts knowledge: Robert Thornton won the last two events. At the 2023 Darts Seniors World Championship, Thornton won 5-2 against Richie Howson and in 2022 5-1 against Martin Adams.
Darts for seniors is becoming increasingly popular, which is why a German took part for the first time this year. Manfred Bilderl not only took part in the Darts Seniors World Championship for the first time, but he was also the first German to do so.
He was so full of adrenaline that he actually made history. In the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, England, he defeated darts legend Phil Taylor 3-2 in his first match dart and was thus in the round of 16 .
Taylor certainly imagined his last Darts World Championship differently. Even though he retired in 2018, he played in the Senior Darts World Championship and announced before the World Championship that he would end his career after it .
Just by taking part in the World Championship, Bilderl has already secured 900 euros and was certainly dreaming of the winner's prize money of 30,000 pounds , which is a good 35,000 euros.
Did you know that he has “ Run Boy Run ” by Woodkid as his darts entrance music ?
How much is the prize money at the Dart Seniors World Championship?
The prize money is of course significantly lower than in the regular World Championship. The winner will receive a whopping 30,000 pounds .
- 1st round already £750
- and in the 2nd round £1,000 .
- £2,000 awaits in the quarter-finals
- and in the semi-finals £4,500 .
- The runner-up will be rewarded with a whopping £13,000 .
- That’s a total of £80,000 that will be distributed to the seniors.
Anyone who qualifies can receive a nice amount in the first round. 16 players will receive a wildcard from the organizer . These 16 darts players are automatically seeded and qualified .
Then there are ten players who are there via direct invitation and there are six more places that will be played out in qualifying tournaments .
More darts knowledge : The most important thing is that none of the darts players can be under 50 years old . In addition, none of the players can hold a PDC European Tour card.
Last but not least, the two best players from the PDC Order of Merit money list as well as the two best players from the points ranking of the World Senior Darts Tour are added.
Seniors darts as a hobby: why the sport is so popular
Senior darts is becoming increasingly popular. Not least because more and more of the top players are reaching a certain age but are still not thinking about quitting. In addition , darts has become more and more established in recent years and has also arrived in Germany .
The two German players Gabriel Clemens and Martin Schindler , who are now very well known, caused an absolute hype last year.
But darts has many other advantages for seniors . Basically, almost everyone has played darts at some point. That's why many older people are discovering this social game for themselves . The advantages are of course undeniable.
Socializing: Darts is, among other things, an individual sport , but it can also be played excellently as a group sport . Even if you don't have any friends or acquaintances nearby, it is now possible to play darts online with your acquaintances and friends.
Most people meet in a club or pub to play darts together. But grandparents and parents can also play with their grandchildren, who may have a great darts career ahead of them and want to go to the PDC Qualifying School , to spend time together as a family.
Concentration-enhancing: The game of darts also helps to improve concentration. If you want to place your darts on the individual fields, you need maximum concentration to hit the target. This is especially true when it comes to ending the game, which usually happens in the double field. To improve concentration even further, you can also play bullseye darts . This not only requires concentration , but also skill and precision , which you can definitely improve by aiming at the bullseye .
No stamina required: Another positive point is that you don't need a lot of stamina. Between each throw , you can sit down and rest your legs if you're not feeling so good on your feet. You can also recover when it's not your turn.
Maintains motor skills: Darts have another absolute advantage that you should not forget. Throwing darts maintains your motor skills . This is primarily important if you have problems with your finger joints, for example. Movement is always good and can help to alleviate the discomfort .
Conclusion
As you can see, you are far from being old if you are over 50. Darts for seniors is very popular and in many cities you have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and indulge in your hobby.
If you don't have any darts players nearby, there is always the possibility of meeting online to throw a few darts together. But don't forget that many young people have also made darts their hobby and many parents or grandfathers play with their grandchildren to spend a good time together and have fun.
Even if you cannot watch the Dart Seniors World Championship live on German television, you have the opportunity to follow the games via Dartconnect – perhaps together with your dart-loving family or friends and acquaintances.
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