What Is 2019 BDO World Darts Championship

Overview

The 2019 BDO World Darts Championship marked a significant shift in the tournament's history by relocating from the traditional Lakeside Country Club to the Indigo at The O2 in London. This move signaled an attempt by the British Darts Organisation to modernize the event and attract a broader audience amid declining viewership and financial challenges.

The championship featured 32 men and 16 women competing in a straight knockout format, with matches played in sets using the best-of format. Despite the venue change and renewed promotional efforts, the tournament struggled with lower attendance and media coverage compared to previous years.

• January 5–13, 2019: The tournament spanned nine days, beginning with preliminary rounds and culminating in both men's and women's finals at the Indigo venue.
• Indigo at The O2: This marked the first time the BDO World Championship moved away from its long-time home at Lakeside, Surrey, after 41 years.
• Glen Durrant: The English player claimed his first BDO world title by defeating Scott Waites 7–3 in a final that lasted over two hours.
• Deta Hedman: The women's title was won by Deta Hedman, who beat Kirsty Hutchinson 3–0 in sets to claim her first world championship at age 59.
• Prize fund of £290,000: The total purse included £100,000 for the men's champion—the largest in BDO history—but remained below PDC levels.

How It Works

The BDO World Darts Championship follows a structured knockout format with seeding based on regional rankings and qualifying events held months in advance. Players earn entry through national federations or by winning regional tournaments across Europe and beyond.

• Qualification:32 men and 16 women qualified via national rankings, regional events, or wildcards, with representation from over 15 countries.
• Tournament format:Matches are played in sets, with men's games best-of-7 sets (first to 4) and women's best-of-5 (first to 3).
• Scoring system: Each set requires a player to win three legs, with a sudden-death leg if the set reaches 2–2 in men's matches.
• Venue change: The 2019 event moved to Indigo at The O2, a 2,300-capacity venue, aiming to increase visibility and attract younger fans.
• Broadcast:Channel 4 televised the event in the UK, with live streaming available globally via the BDO’s digital platform.
• Prize distribution: The men's winner earned £100,000, the runner-up £40,000, while women's champion received £12,000.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2019 BDO and PDC World Championships reveals key differences in prize money, format, and viewership.

The PDC clearly outperformed the BDO in prestige and financial backing. While the BDO attempted to rebrand with a new venue, the PDC’s larger prize pool, broader media reach, and consistent attendance highlighted its dominance in professional darts.

Why It Matters

The 2019 BDO World Darts Championship was one of the last major events before the organization’s decline and eventual liquidation in 2020. It represented both a final effort to revitalize the tournament and a symbol of the growing gap between amateur and professional darts.

• End of an era: This was the last BDO World Championship held before the organization ceased operations in September 2020.
• Legacy of Lakeside: Moving away from Lakeside after 41 years severed a historic connection cherished by fans.
• Player transitions: Champions like Glen Durrant later migrated to the PDC circuit, seeking better opportunities.
• Women's visibility: Deta Hedman’s win brought attention to growing female participation in darts despite limited support.
• Financial strain: Despite a record purse, the BDO operated at a loss due to declining sponsorships.
• Impact on darts: The collapse paved the way for the WDF to assume control of amateur darts governance globally.

The 2019 championship ultimately underscored the challenges of sustaining a parallel darts circuit in the shadow of the PDC’s commercial success, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution.