What Is 2019 Champions League of Darts

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Champions League of Darts was a professional darts tournament held from May 24 to September 21, 2019, featuring eight top PDC players competing in a round-robin and knockout format. Michael van Gerwen won the title by defeating James Wade 11–10 in the final held in Leicester, England.

Key Facts

The 2019 Champions League of Darts ran from May 24 to September 21, 2019
Eight players participated, all selected from the PDC Order of Merit
Matches were played in a round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds
Michael van Gerwen won the final 11–10 against James Wade
All matches used the unique 'double-start' format where players must begin scoring by hitting a double

Overview

The 2019 Champions League of Darts was a limited-edition PDC televised event that brought together the top eight ranked players from the PDC Order of Merit following the 2019 UK Open. Designed to showcase elite-level darts in a fast-paced format, the tournament emphasized consistency and high-pressure performance across multiple stages. It was the third edition of the Champions League of Darts, building on the success of prior years.

Hosted across several dates and venues, the event culminated in a final held at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on September 21, 2019. Unlike standard PDC events, the tournament used a distinctive structure combining group play with knockout stages, allowing fans to see repeated matchups under evolving conditions. The event attracted strong TV coverage and was praised for its entertainment value and competitive depth.

Eight players qualified based on their PDC Order of Merit rankings after the 2019 UK Open, ensuring only the world’s elite participated.
The tournament began on May 24, 2019, with the final held on September 21, 2019, spanning nearly four months due to a staged format.
All matches used the double-start format, meaning players had to hit a double to begin scoring, increasing difficulty and strategy.
Michael van Gerwen claimed his second Champions League title by defeating James Wade 11–10 in a dramatic final.
The event was broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK, reaching a peak audience of over 1.2 million viewers during the final.

How It Works

The 2019 Champions League of Darts used a unique structure compared to standard PDC tournaments, blending round-robin group play with sudden-death knockout stages. Each match followed strict rules designed to accelerate gameplay and increase viewer engagement, making it distinct from traditional darts events.

Double-Start Format: Players must hit a double to begin scoring. This rule increases difficulty and forces strategic opening throws.
Best-of-11 Legs: Most matches were played as best-of-11 legs, requiring players to win six legs to claim victory.
Round-Robin Group Stage: The eight players were split into two groups of four, playing each opponent once in a round-robin format.
Top Two Advance: The top two players from each group advanced to the semifinals, ensuring consistency was rewarded over multiple matches.
Knockout Rounds: Semifinals and finals were single-elimination matches, increasing pressure and intensity in later stages.
Match Duration: Games averaged 45–60 minutes, shorter than traditional darts events, to suit televised scheduling.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 Champions League of Darts with other major PDC tournaments to highlight format differences and competitive structure:

Tournament	Participants	Format	Final Format	Winner 2019
Champions League of Darts	8 elite players	Round-robin + knockout	Best-of-11 legs	Michael van Gerwen
World Darts Championship	96 players	Single-elimination	Best-of-13 sets	Michael van Gerwen
UK Open	160+ players	Random draw, open entry	Best-of-11 legs	Nathan Aspinall
World Matchplay	32 players	Single-elimination	Best-of-21 legs	Rob Cross
Grand Slam of Darts	32 players	Group + knockout	Best-of-19 legs	Glen Durrant

The Champions League of Darts stood out due to its exclusive field and extended timeline. While other tournaments featured broader participation, this event focused on head-to-head excellence among the very best. Its use of the double-start rule and condensed match length made it a unique spectacle in the darts calendar, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Champions League of Darts was significant not only for its high-level competition but also for its role in expanding the sport's televised appeal. By featuring only the top players and using a dynamic format, it helped grow darts as a mainstream entertainment product in the UK and beyond.

The tournament reinforced Michael van Gerwen’s dominance, marking his third major title of 2019 and solidifying his world number one status.
ITV4’s coverage of the event averaged 1.1 million viewers, demonstrating strong public interest in elite darts formats.
The double-start rule introduced a new strategic layer, influencing how players approached early-game tactics.
Its staged format allowed for extended broadcast windows, increasing sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
The event helped promote darts in non-traditional markets through online streaming and international broadcasting deals.
By limiting entries to the top eight, it emphasized consistency and ranking performance throughout the season.

Although the Champions League of Darts was discontinued after 2019, its legacy endures in how elite darts events are structured and marketed. It demonstrated that condensed, high-stakes formats could deliver excitement without sacrificing competitive integrity, influencing future PDC innovations.