The History of the Winmau World Masters

The Winmau World Masters stands as a cornerstone in the history of darts, celebrated as the longest-running major tournament in the sport. For over four decades, Winmau proudly supported this prestigious event, cementing its reputation as a global spectacle and a highlight of the darting calendar. Affectionately known as "The Winmau," the tournament was second only to the World Championships on the British Darts Organisation (BDO) calendar.

Broadcast to millions across networks like the BBC, Sky Sports, ITV, Eurosport, and more, the World Masters captured the hearts of darts fans worldwide. Now, as we anticipate its 2025 revival under the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), let’s delve into the rich history and evolution of this iconic tournament.

Origins and Early Years

The World Masters was first organised by the BDO in 1974, with Winmau coming on board as the title sponsor in 1975. This partnership marked the beginning of an enduring relationship between the tournament and the dartboard manufacturer. The inaugural event under Winmau’s sponsorship took place at London’s West Centre Hotel on 20 November 1976. Thirteen nations were represented, reflecting the sport’s growing international appeal.

England’s John Lowe etched his name in history as the first Winmau World Master, defeating Wales’ Phil Obbard 3-0 in the final. The semi-finalists included players from the USA and Australia, underscoring the tournament’s global reach. With a winner’s cheque of £1,000, the event set the stage for a legacy of excellence.

The Winmau World Masters became the richest two-day tournament on British TV when it offered top prize for the Men's Masters Champion in 2007 of £25,000 (part of a total prize fund of £60,000, which included £5,000 for the Women's World Master (a tournament inaugurated in 1982)). The company also introduced a World Youth Masters in 1986 and this was split into two (World Boys Masters and the World Girls Masters) in 1999.

Legends like Eric Bristow, Dennis Priestley, and Phil Taylor graced the tournament, solidifying its status as a proving ground for greatness. The event’s unique format—initially contested as the best of five legs before transitioning to a sets format—added to its allure, testing players’ skill and resilience.

The PDC Masters

In 2013, the PDC introduced its own Masters tournament, quickly establishing it as a major event on the darting calendar. Unlike the Winmau World Masters, the PDC Masters featured the top 24 players from the PDC Order of Merit, offering fans the chance to see the sport’s elite compete in a high-stakes environment. The tournament, held annually in January, delivered thrilling matches and became a key fixture in the PDC’s schedule.

However, in 2025, the PDC Masters will be replaced by the revived Winmau World Masters, marking a significant evolution in the PDC’s calendar. This transition ensures that the iconic legacy of the Winmau World Masters continues under the PDC banner, bringing its rich history to new generations of fans and players.

A New Chapter

The collapse of the BDO in 2020 left the future of the World Masters uncertain. However, the World Darts Federation (WDF) and now the PDC have stepped in to ensure its legacy endures. In 2025, the tournament will undergo a significant transformation as the PDC rebrands its existing Masters event as the Winmau World Masters.

Scheduled for 30 January to 2 February at Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena, the revamped tournament will feature an expanded field and a return to its traditional sets format. The top 24 players from the PDC Order of Merit will be joined by eight qualifiers from Preliminary Rounds, which will include players from the PDC’s Secondary Tours, Global Affiliate Tours, and the Junior Darts Corporation.

The Preliminary Rounds, held on 29 January, will be streamed live on PDCTV, providing an exciting platform for emerging talent to shine. The four-day event promises high-stakes action and a vibrant atmosphere, with tickets selling out in record time.

Winmau’s ten-year partnership with the PDC underscores their commitment to preserving the spirit of the World Masters. Vince Bluck, Winmau’s Managing Director, highlighted the event’s role in bridging generations of darting excellence:

“The Winmau World Masters embodies everything that's great about our sport; by combining this with the PDC’s showcase arena atmosphere, broadcast to millions of fans around the world, we will be able to captivate brand new audiences and create unrivalled opportunities for more dart players in this rapidly growing sport.”

PDC Chief Executive Matthew Porter said: "We are delighted to share our exciting plans for reintroducing the Winmau World Masters to the darts calendar, which I'm sure will excite darts fans and players alike.

"Since the beginning of our working relationship with Winmau we have discussed the idea of reviving this historic event which in its heyday was one of the biggest prizes in the sport.”

The return of the Winmau World Masters is a momentous occasion for darts fans and players alike. As we eagerly await the action at the Marshall Arena, the legacy of “The Winmau” reminds us of the tournament’s enduring impact on the world of darts.