Darts is a popular game played in pubs and bars all over the world. The game originated in England during the Middle Ages as a pastime for English soldiers. Over the years, the game evolved into a professional sport with international tournaments, world rankings, and millions of fans. Let’s take a look at the evolution of darts from a pub game to a championship sport.
The Early Days of Darts
The earliest versions of darts were made of wood and were played by throwing short arrows at marks or targets on walls. The game became more organized in the 1800s when the first dartboard was introduced. This board was circular with numbered segments and a bull’s eye in the center. The standard game of “501” was also established, where players start with a score of 501 and must reduce their score to zero by hitting the numbered segments in order.
Pubs and Darts
Darts became a popular game in British pubs during the early 1900s. It was a social game that could be played by anyone, regardless of their skill level. The game became so popular that many pubs held darts tournaments, and local leagues were formed. Pubs also began to produce their own custom dartboards, which featured local landmarks, politicians, or celebrities.
The Rise of Professional Darts
Professional darts began to take off in the 1970s. The first World Darts Championship was held in 1978, and it quickly became the most prestigious tournament on the circuit. The tournament was traditionally held at the Alexandra Palace in North London, England, but has since moved around the UK and to international locations.
The popularity of professional darts grew rapidly, and televised tournaments became a regular fixture on TV. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was formed in 1992, and this organization took over the running of the World Championship. The PDC also introduced a ranking system and established regular tours in which players could compete for prize money.
The Game Today
Darts remains hugely popular today and is played in over 100 countries. The sport has gone global, with players from around the world competing in major tournaments. The PDC World Championship remains the pinnacle of the sport, with a prize fund of over £2.5 million in 2020.
Darts has also become more accessible, with electronic dartboards that can be used in the home. These boards have features such as scoring, game options, and sound effects. They can also be played online, allowing players from around the world to compete with each other.
Conclusion
Darts has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a pub game. It has evolved into a professional sport with international tournaments and a huge fan base. The game’s popularity shows no sign of waning, with more people than ever playing and watching darts. From pubs to championships, darts has truly become a sport for everyone.
