What Is 2020 World Series of Darts Finals

Overview

The 2020 World Series of Darts Finals was a premier darts tournament organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) as the culmination of the World Series of Darts events. Originally planned for earlier in the year, it was rescheduled due to the global pandemic and eventually held in late September in Salzburg, Austria.

This edition marked a shift in venue and format adjustments due to health protocols, including limited live audiences and strict safety measures. Despite challenges, the tournament maintained its high competitive standard, drawing top players from around the globe.

• 24 players competed, including the top eight from the World Series Order of Merit and regional qualifiers from North America, Japan, and Australasia.
• The event was held at Salzburgarena, a first-time host for a PDC major, replacing the originally planned location in Austria.
• Gerwyn Price won his first World Series Finals title, defeating Michael van Gerwen 11–9 in a tightly contested final.
• Matches were played in a best-of-five sets format in early rounds, advancing to best-of-seven and best-of-eleven in later stages.
• The total prize fund was $500,000, with the winner receiving $100,000, one of the largest purses in the World Series circuit.

How It Works

The tournament structure combined consistent performance across global events with direct qualification pathways, ensuring a diverse and elite field. Players earned points through regional World Series events, which determined seeding and qualification for the Finals.

• Qualification Pathway: The top eight players in the World Series Order of Merit qualified automatically, based on points earned from global events. This ensured consistent performers advanced.
• Regional Representation: Four spots were allocated to regional qualifiers from North America, South Africa, Japan, and Australasia, promoting global inclusivity in the sport.
• Seeding System: Players were seeded based on their PDC rankings and World Series performance, minimizing early clashes between top contenders.
• Match Format: Early rounds used a best-of-five sets format, with each set played to three legs. Later rounds increased to best-of-seven or best-of-eleven.
• Scoring Rules: Matches followed standard PDC rules, requiring a double to start and finish each leg, with a maximum of 501 points per leg.
• Live Broadcasting: The event was broadcast globally via Sky Sports and DAZN, reaching fans despite limited in-person attendance due to pandemic restrictions.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2020 Finals differed from previous editions in format, location, and competitive dynamics. The table below highlights key differences:

While the prize fund and final format remained consistent, the 2020 event stood out due to its relocation and pandemic-related adaptations. The shift to Salzburg introduced a new atmosphere and logistical framework, influencing player preparation and fan engagement. Despite these changes, the level of competition remained elite, with familiar names reaching the later stages.

Why It Matters

The 2020 World Series of Darts Finals was significant not only for its competitive outcomes but also for demonstrating the sport’s resilience during global disruptions. It highlighted darts’ growing international appeal and the PDC’s ability to adapt major events under pressure.

• The victory solidified Gerwyn Price as a dominant force, marking his rise to the top tier of professional darts.
• Expanding regional qualifiers helped grow the sport in non-traditional markets like Japan and South Africa.
• Successful execution during the pandemic set a precedent for future events under health restrictions.
• Increased global broadcast coverage expanded the PDC’s audience reach, especially in digital streaming platforms.
• The tournament reinforced the World Series format as a key component of the PDC calendar.
• It provided crucial ranking points and prize money, impacting player standings and career trajectories.

Ultimately, the 2020 Finals served as both a showcase of elite darts and a testament to organizational flexibility in uncertain times. Its legacy continues to influence how global darts events are structured and delivered.