It’s 8pm on the opening night of the World Darts Championship and the atmosphere at Alexandra Palace is electric. Amongst the raucous crowd, a Michael van Gerwen look-alike sips on a pint, mimicking the three-time world champion’s iconic style. The room erupts with chants of Oooooh, Michael van Gerwen! as the party gets underway. This is just the beginning of the darts extravaganza that will dominate Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The reigning World No 1, Michael Smith, takes to the stage later in the evening, ready to defend his title. Smith’s victory over Van Gerwen in last year’s final produced the greatest leg of darts ever seen, with both players narrowly missing out on a historic nine-darter. This incredible moment went viral, captivating audiences worldwide and fueling a new wave of fascination with the sport.
Darts, with its simplicity and striking intensity, has managed to captivate fans like no other game. The explosive atmosphere, rowdy crowds, and gripping moments of tension make every match a spectacle. Whether it’s the backrooms of pubs or the grand stage of Alexandra Palace, the sport has come a long way and continues to attract new audiences.
On the opening Friday night of the 2024 World Darts Championship, Alexandra Palace, dubbed the biggest pub in London for the occasion, is packed with spectators dressed in fancy costumes. Among the sea of color and pints, the crowd is more focused on chatting and chanting, creating an energetic and boisterous atmosphere.
While the fans revel in their festive spirit, the players take center stage. Cameron Menzies, ranked World No 63, is enjoying his time in the spotlight. Shortly before the tournament, Menzies even posted on social media about working as a plumber earlier in the day. Now, he dances through the room, hyped by the crowd’s cheers, and secures his place in the second round.
During the intermissions, the entertainment continues with karaoke classics and darts-themed songs. The crowd becomes part of the show, swaying to the rhythm and declaring their love for the game. In this sea of exuberance, Michael Smith, the defending champion, prepares to defend his title. The pressure is on as he faces Kevin Doets, ranked World No 66.
As the match progresses, Ally Pally hangs on every throw. Doets takes a two-set lead, threatening to shatter Smith’s dreams of retaining the championship. However, the beauty of darts lies in its fine margins. Smith’s skill and determination shine through as he stages a comeback, culminating in a stunning 142 checkout. The crowd erupts, and Smith secures his victory, avoiding the ignominy of becoming the first defending champion to be eliminated in the first round since 2009.
As the night draws to a close, the crowd gradually makes its way down the hill towards the trains, still buzzing from the magic witnessed on stage. The World Darts Championship has once again proven why it has become an integral part of the festive season, captivating fans with its thrilling displays of skill and incredible moments of tension.
In the end, it is the storytelling and the shared experiences that keep people coming back year after year. The darts boom continues, and the sport’s journey from the back rooms of pubs to the grand stage of Alexandra Palace shows no sign of slowing down. The World Darts Championship is no longer just a sporting event—it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings people together in celebration of a game that combines skill, passion, and sheer entertainment.
As Christmas and New Year approach, the darts will continue to take center stage, captivating fans around the world and providing an exciting and unforgettable way to celebrate the festive season.
