In a move that’s set to thrill darts enthusiasts worldwide, the Professional Darts Corporation has announced a significant investment in the sport’s global development, including a key qualification change for future World Darts Championships. Following an inspiring performance at the ongoing tournament at Alexandra Palace, the governing body has pledged over £3 million to foster growth in emerging darts regions, with Africa at the forefront of this ambitious push.
The highlight of this initiative is the addition of an extra qualifying spot for African players starting from the 2027 World Darts Championship. This decision comes on the heels of a remarkable upset during the current 2025/26 event, where Kenyan darts sensation David Munyua stunned the crowd and the darts world alike. The 30-year-old veterinarian, who only picked up the sport seriously a few years ago, battled back from a 2-0 deficit in sets to defeat established player Mike De Decker 3-2, securing his place in the second round and marking a historic moment for African darts.
Munyua’s gritty display not only captivated fans at Ally Pally but also highlighted the untapped potential across the continent. In his post-match reflections, he passionately advocated for greater representation, saying, “If we could have different countries from Africa (at the tournament), that would be impressive. If Munyua is doing it why not them? From Cameroon, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania. There is nothing that could unite Africa more than sport, sport is the only activity that can join us.”
The PDC has responded swiftly and positively to this call, partnering with the African Darts Group to enhance the Continental Tour. This will feature six events each in the Northern and Southern regions, each offering R50,000 in prize money, building a stronger pathway for talented players. The increased qualification spots—rising to two for the 2026/27 championship—will ensure more African voices and stories grace the world’s biggest darts stage.
This announcement underscores the PDC’s broader commitment to making darts a truly global phenomenon. Already, the current World Championship boasts representatives from a record 34 nationalities, thanks in part to recent expansions that grew the field to 128 players and introduced greater inclusivity, such as a minimum of four women’s spots. The sport’s accessibility—requiring little more than a board, darts, and determination—has fueled its rapid spread, and initiatives like this are poised to accelerate that momentum.
Fans have long clamored for more diverse fields, craving the unpredictable magic that underdogs bring to the oche. Munyua’s run exemplified this perfectly: a part-time player from Kenya holding his own against seasoned pros, delivering nail-biting legs and evoking the kind of fairy-tale narratives that make the World Championship unmissable. With more qualifiers from regions like Africa, future tournaments promise even more of these electrifying moments—upsets that shake the draw, new rivalries that ignite passions, and stories that transcend the sport.
The investment extends beyond Africa, supporting affiliate tours worldwide and secondary pathways to give rising stars from all corners a shot at glory. As darts continues to boom in popularity, driven by young phenoms like defending champion Luke Littler and veterans like Michael van Gerwen, this global focus ensures the game remains fresh and inclusive. The expanded prize fund, now reaching £5 million with £1 million for the winner, further raises the stakes, attracting talent from far and wide.
For Munyua and countless others dreaming of Ally Pally walks-ons, this rule change is a game-changer. It opens doors that were once narrowly ajar, fostering competition and unity through the simple thrill of hitting doubles and trebles. As the current championship unfolds with its mix of high averages, nine-darters, and dramatic comebacks, the future looks brighter than ever. Darts fans can look forward to a more vibrant, worldwide spectacle—one where the next big upset could come from anywhere on the map.
This progressive step not only delights supporters eager for more international flair but also solidifies darts as one of the most welcoming and exciting sports on the planet. With Africa set to play a bigger role, the World Darts Championship is evolving into a true global celebration, uniting players and fans in the shared joy of the arrows.
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