What Is 2014 World Series of Darts

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 World Series of Darts was a professional darts tournament series organized by the PDC, featuring six global events from May to November 2014, culminating in a final in Dubai on November 29, 2014.

Key Facts

The 2014 World Series of Darts included 6 events across different continents
Events were held in May, July, September, October, and November 2014
The final took place in Dubai, UAE, on November 29, 2014
Phil Taylor won the Dubai Darts Masters, a key World Series event, with a 11–8 victory over James Wade
The series featured 8 top PDC players competing in each event

Overview

The 2014 World Series of Darts was a groundbreaking expansion of the Professional Darts Corporation's (PDC) global outreach, introducing a structured series of events outside the UK. It aimed to popularize darts internationally by bringing elite-level competition to new markets across five continents.

This inaugural edition featured a six-tournament circuit, combining exhibition-style play with ranking points and prize money incentives. The series concluded with a high-profile finale in Dubai, marking the first time a PDC event of this scale was held in the Middle East.

First Global Circuit: The 2014 series was the first official global tour by the PDC, establishing a model for future international expansion beyond traditional darts strongholds.
Six-Event Format: The tour included stops in Wellesley (USA), Dubai (UAE), Johannesburg (South Africa), Tokyo (Japan), Auckland (New Zealand), and Hamilton (New Zealand), showcasing geographic diversity.
Top Player Participation: Each event featured eight of the world's top-ranked PDC players, including Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Raymond van Barneveld.
Dubai Finale: The Dubai Darts Masters, held on November 29, 2014, served as the season finale and attracted over 3,000 fans at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Prize Structure: The total prize fund across the series exceeded $300,000, with individual event winners earning up to $25,000.

How It Works

The 2014 World Series of Darts operated under a unique format blending exhibition appeal with competitive integrity, designed to engage new audiences while maintaining elite standards.

Player Selection: The top 8 PDC-ranked players were invited to each event, ensuring consistent high-level competition and star power at every stop.
Tournament Structure: Each event followed a single-elimination bracket with best-of-11 legs matches, culminating in a best-of-19 final to determine the winner.
Scoring Format: Matches used the standard 501 format with double-out rules, consistent with PDC World Championship regulations.
Global Rotation: Events were scheduled between May and November 2014, allowing regional promotion and staggered media coverage across time zones.
Fan Engagement: Organizers introduced interactive fan zones and meet-and-greets at each venue to grow grassroots interest in non-traditional darts markets.
Ranking Influence: While not part of the main PDC Order of Merit, performances contributed to World Series-specific standings used to seed the Dubai finale.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2014 World Series events highlights regional reach, attendance, and competitive outcomes across the tour.

Event	Location	Date	Winner	Prize (USD)
Dubai Darts Masters	Dubai, UAE	Nov 29, 2014	Phil Taylor	$25,000
Japan Darts Masters	Tokyo, Japan	Aug 23, 2014	Michael van Gerwen	$20,000
New Zealand Masters	Auckland, NZ	Oct 11, 2014	Raymond van Barneveld	$20,000
US Darts Masters	Wellesley, USA	May 23, 2014	James Wade	$20,000
South Africa Masters	Johannesburg, SA	Jul 12, 2014	Adrian Lewis	$15,000

The table reveals a balanced distribution of events and prize money, with higher stakes reserved for the Dubai finale. Player dominance varied by region—Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen each won two events, demonstrating consistency. The US and South African stops introduced darts to emerging markets, while Asian and Oceanic events built on existing fan bases. Overall, the 2014 series laid the foundation for future global darts tours, proving the sport's international viability.

Why It Matters

The 2014 World Series of Darts was a pivotal moment in the globalization of professional darts, transforming it from a UK-centric sport into a worldwide phenomenon. Its success influenced future PDC strategies, including expanded tours and increased investment in non-European markets.

Global Expansion: The series marked the first time PDC held official events in Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania, broadening the sport's international footprint.
Media Exposure: Broadcast deals with ESPN and Eurosport increased global viewership, with the Dubai final reaching over 2 million households.
Player Earnings: Top performers earned up to $100,000 across the series, enhancing the financial appeal of professional darts.
Grassroots Growth: Local qualifiers in host countries allowed regional players to compete against pros, inspiring new talent.
Commercial Success: Sponsorships from Ladbrokes and Winmau demonstrated strong commercial confidence in the format.
Legacy: The 2014 model directly led to the 2015–2024 World Series expansion, now featuring over 10 annual events.

The 2014 World Series of Darts proved that darts could thrive beyond its traditional bases, setting a precedent for global sports tours and redefining fan engagement in niche sports.