The PDC World Championship is the biggest darts competition. It is impossible to argue otherwise, with the world’s best players all congregating at London’s Alexandra Palace and competing to be crowned the best of the best.
With a cash prize of £500,000 up for grabs for the winner and a total of £2.5 million available to everyone who participates, there is not quite a darts tournament like it elsewhere. The runner-up can go home with £200,000 for their efforts, although they may be gutted that they fell at the last hurdle.
Michael Smith won last year’s edition as he defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in the final. Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has been the most successful of all time at the championships, having won a total of 14 times. He reached 19 finals in his 25 appearances, thus making him one of the undisputed greats of the game.
However, while many will have reminisced of his days at the oche, attention has already turned to this year’s tournament. Games have already been played as it begins in December, with to take place on January 3, 2024.
2024 PDC World Championship: Main contenders to win this year’s tournament
Much like many other sports worldwide, a lot can depend on the form and how a player feels on the day of their match. They need to be in the zone to ensure they are able to produce the optimum performance, especially as they are playing in front of a raucous crowd that features thousands of paying fans and millions watching globally.
There are many fans who watch the darts and every competition of the season, while there are some who engage in the tournament because of the betting opportunities that they are provided with.
Currently, they have Michael van Gerwen as the main favorite to win at operators, with the Dutchman priced at 3/1, with Luke Humphries priced at 7/2. Gerwyn Price is 11/2, with current champion Michael Smith valued at 17/2. Luke Littler – who is a 16-year-old sensation – is the fifth favorite as he continues to showcase his skills with the tungsten he is priced at 9/1, edging Gary Anderson, who is at 10/1.
Why is Michael van Gerwen the No. 1 favorite for the PDC World Championship?
When it comes to darts competitions, it has become almost impossible to overlook over the last decade or so. The Dutchman has arguably been the standout player on the oche, with his arrow-throwing ability often unmatched.
He has won the tournament on three occasions and is no stranger to the crowd at Alexandra Palace. This could help him to have the edge over many of his opponents, as he knows what it takes to get the job done. He has been hitting form in recent weeks, thus making him a daunting opponent for even the best players around the circuit.
Why is Luke Humphries among the favorites?
Luke Humphries is a name that the casual fan may not quite recognize, but he is a player whose profile has been increasing at a rapid pace over the last few years.
Like Van Gerwen, he has been in exceptional form in the lead-up to , and many believe he has what it takes to go the distance. However, he will need to get past the Dutchman if he is to reach the final and compete for the title and £500,000 prize. If things go as planned, the pair will meet in the semifinals.
Will Gerwyn Price win another PDC World title?
Gerwyn Price is a divisive figure on the oche, with fans loving to boo and cheer him in equal measures. The former professional rugby player managed to win the 2021 edition of the PDC World Championships and has been in good form heading into this year’s tournament.
He is in the top half of the draw and would only meet the other two favorites in the final if either of them and he were to get there. Price could face Michael Smith or Gary Anderson in his part of the draw, though, but with both out of form, “The Iceman” will likely fancy his chances of remaining cool and getting the job done.