What Is 2000 PDC World Darts Championship

Overview

The 2000 PDC World Darts Championship was the seventh edition of the Professional Darts Corporation's premier event and marked a pivotal moment in darts history. Held during the turn of the millennium, it showcased the sport's growing professionalism and global appeal.

Centered at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, the tournament maintained its intimate, high-pressure atmosphere. This edition solidified Phil Taylor's dominance in the PDC era, as he pursued yet another world title amid rising competition.

• Event dates: The championship officially began on December 28, 1999, and concluded on January 3, 2000, straddling the new year.
• Location: The tournament was held at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex, a venue known for its close proximity between players and fans.
• Winner:Phil Taylor claimed the title, defeating Dennis Priestley 7–3 in sets in the final match.
• Historic achievement: Taylor's victory marked his sixth consecutive PDC World Championship win, a record unmatched in the sport.
• Format: The event featured a 32-player single-elimination bracket, with matches played in sets using the best-of format.

How It Works

The PDC World Darts Championship follows a structured knockout format with standardized rules to ensure competitive fairness and consistency across matches.

• Match Format:Best-of format varies by round; early rounds are best-of-3 sets, while the final is best-of-13 sets, each set requiring 3 legs to win.
• Scoring System: Players must finish on a double, with the bullseye counting as either single or double depending on the target.
• Set Structure: Each set is won by the first to win 3 legs, with a deciding leg if the score reaches 2–2 in a set.
• Player Qualification:32 players qualify via rankings, regional qualifiers, and invitations, ensuring global representation in the field.
• Prize Fund: The 2000 champion earned £50,000, part of a total prize pool of approximately £200,000.
• Refereeing: Matches are overseen by a neutral referee who calls scores, manages conduct, and enforces time limits between darts.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects between the 2000 PDC World Darts Championship and its BDO counterpart during the same era.

The PDC version emphasized faster-paced matches and higher stakes, while the BDO maintained a traditional, longer-format approach. This contrast helped differentiate the organizations and attract distinct fan bases.

Why It Matters

The 2000 PDC World Darts Championship was a milestone in the sport’s evolution, highlighting the PDC’s growing influence and the era of Phil Taylor’s dominance.

• Legacy of dominance: Taylor’s sixth straight title cemented his status as the greatest darts player of all time during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
• Organizational growth: The PDC continued to challenge the BDO’s authority, pushing darts toward a more commercialized, televised future.
• Global reach: Players from Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia participated, signaling darts’ expanding international footprint.
• Media impact: The event was broadcast on ITV and Sky Sports, increasing visibility and attracting new fans.
• Format innovation: The PDC introduced shorter match formats and faster play, making the sport more viewer-friendly than the BDO’s traditional style.
• Historical context: This tournament occurred during a critical schism in darts, with the PDC establishing itself as a legitimate alternative to the BDO.

Ultimately, the 2000 championship helped shape modern professional darts, setting standards for competition, production, and player recognition that endure today.