It’s almost time for the WDF Masters – undoubtedly one of the highlights on the organisation’s calendar. In fact, some might say second only to the Lakeside extravaganza. Think of it as the World Matchplay of the WDF.
However, this year, the competitors have to travel a little further than Blackpool in England. So much so, it’s not just in a different country, but another continent altogether – North America.
To be precise, Las Vegas in the Nevada Desert. Famed as Sin City and the gambling capital of the world, the Rio Casino plays host to this year’s event.
It will be where great champions are crowned and many a loan will be taken out by others. Before I get onto the event itself, it would be fair to say the decision to switch the location to the other side of the world has gone down like a lead balloon. And not just that, a lead balloon that has fallen on your local pub on the very night it was offering free pints and a two-for-one deal on Scampi Fries. Other snacks are available.
For decades, England staged this prestigious tournament. Then, in 2022, it was switched to the Netherlands and, last year, Hungary. The signs were there. Each season, the distance was increasing. So much so that, at this rate, players will have to travel to Pluto to compete, where not only are hotel prices exorbitant, but should you manage to successfully check in, the planet’s atmosphere will kill you.
The WDF Masters is an invite-only event. I was interested to know the criteria, so had a gander. Turns out, if you won a youth event over twenty years ago, you’re laughing and get offered the chance to pop along. There are former players who competed in the late 90s with dogs whose great-grandpuppies got an invite in the post.
All in all, there are four main events. The Open (which is essentially Men’s, and anyone who was born without the necessary chromosomes to fit that description but has somehow rectified that impossible biological change can enter). Last time out, Jimmy van Schie picked up the prize. But, as he is now a PDC player, he is no longer eligible. Not all bad news though – his nan’s second cousin got an invite instead.
There is a $41,600 prize pot for that one, with $12,000 awarded to the winner. Should just about cover the airfare, hotel bill and a few goes on the roulette wheel. Basically, if you don’t win but have taken out a second mortgage to get there, chances are you’ll be tent shopping in a month or two.
Scotland’s Lorraine Hyde returns as the only one of the four reigning champions seeking to retain her crown. It’s $6,000 for her and another year for the silverware to spend on her family mantelpiece, should she be successful.
Neither of last year’s younger winners will be in attendance. Both Mitchell Lawrie and Rebecca Allen are busy at the WDF Youth Cup in Ireland. Significantly easier and cheaper to get to. Especially for Becca, who is Irish.
There are also a few other tournaments knocking about over the six-day desert darting festival. A WDF World Championship qualifier, a Silver-ranked World Open and some American Darts Organisation (ADO) cricket events are also taking place.
Dozens have been invited. I’m not sure exactly what percentage will make it to Vegas, but here are the invite links and what they did to earn the WDF nod.
I’m not trying to sound negative about the players or the tournament traditions. There are some fantastically talented arrow-smiths on show and it’s definitely a great trophy to have on your tungsten CV.
The only thing is, when Budapest pulled the plug, I fail to believe that across the entire continent of Europe – which obviously includes the UK and Ireland – the closest possible venue the WDF could find to host the event was across the Atlantic on the west coast of America.
However, I am able to believe a large brown envelope kind of helped grease certain palms. Controversial? Damn right!
Below is a full list of all invitees. Click on link.
