Gary Anderson Calls for Darts Prize Money Redistribution Ahead of Championship

Gary Anderson, a two-time champion of the World Darts Championship, is advocating for a redistribution of prize money in the tournament, specifically suggesting that more funds be allocated to players in the early rounds. As the prestigious event approaches in December 2023 at Alexandra Palace, Anderson’s comments raise important considerations about financial support for competitors.

The upcoming championship is set to feature a record-breaking prize pool, with the eventual champion poised to win £1 million. This amount marks a significant increase from the £500,000 awarded to Luke Littler, who claimed his first world title earlier this year after defeating Michael van Gerwen. While Anderson acknowledges the excitement surrounding the large prize for the champion, he emphasizes the financial burdens many players face throughout the tournament.

In an interview with Online Darts, Anderson remarked, “Good luck to whoever wins it, but I’d rather see a bit of that money go to the early rounds. It’s so expensive for a lot of the lads to play on tour. Before I’d even thrown a dart in Germany, I was £1,600 down on flights, hotels, transport – it adds up fast.”

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has announced an overall increase in prize money across the tournament, with a total pot of £5 million set for the World Darts Championship. This represents a doubling of the prize fund from the previous year and reflects the growing popularity of the sport. The championship will expand to include 128 competitors, up from 96 in 2022.

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter highlighted the significance of the increased prize funds when they were unveiled in March 2023. “The £1 million prize for the world champion reflects darts’ standing as one of the most exciting and in-demand sports in the world,” he stated. Porter also noted that the increase demonstrates the PDC’s commitment to enhancing earning potential for players at all levels.

In addition to the World Darts Championship, prize money for the Premier League winner will also rise from £275,000 to £350,000. “Expanding the player fields for the World Darts Championship and Grand Slam of Darts will provide more opportunities than ever before for players around the world to feature in televised PDC events,” Porter added.

As the tournament nears, Anderson prepares to compete in the World Grand Prix, facing off against fellow competitor Raymond van Barneveld in the first round. Both players have yet to secure a victory in this competition, with Anderson having finished as a runner-up in 2016 and van Barneveld in 2008 and 2009. Meanwhile, Mike De Decker enters the event as the defending champion after triumphing over Luke Humphries in last year’s final.

Anderson’s call for change may resonate with many players who struggle to cover the costs associated with competing at a high level. As the World Darts Championship unfolds, the conversation around prize money distribution may continue to evolve, reflecting the sport’s growth and the needs of its athletes.