Costumes and High Drama Darts Set to Conquer the United States!

Hearn understands that darts can be a tough sell to those unfamiliar with its true essence. Critics have questioned its status as a sport due to players not always being in peak physical condition and historically indulging in drinking and smoking during matches. However, this outdated perception contrasts sharply with the intense drama and precision witnessed in professional darts tournaments, which have surged in popularity. Hearn suggests skeptics watch a match to truly appreciate the excitement and atmosphere.

While Hearn focuses on promoting darts globally, PDC’s CEO Matthew Porter handles daily operations and growth strategies. Porter has overseen a shift in how darts is perceived, aiming to elevate it from an amateur pastime to a professional spectator sport. The PDC supports the Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) in North America to nurture talent and provide a pathway to professionalism.

Peter Citera, CEO of CDC, is optimistic about darts’ potential in North America, citing a passionate fanbase and past success with world champions like John Part from Canada. Citera aims to discover the next North American star and position darts as a prominent alternative to major leagues like NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. With the sport gaining momentum, CDC and PDC are in talks with broadcasters to expand its reach and elevate its status.

The emergence of young talent like Luke “The Nuke” Littler at the World Championship signifies the sport’s growth and potential for future stars. As North American players aim for success on the global stage, Citera remains confident that the region will produce a world champion and make a significant impact in the darts world.

Becoming the youngest ever finalist in the process. The English teenager has continued his amazing form this season, becoming the youngest ever world champion at age 17 and helping to boost the reputation of the sport even more. Hearn, Porter, and Citera all refer to the “Luke Littler effect” when talking about how much darts has grown in the last year and all agree that an American equivalent would be the golden egg in their pursuit to establish darts in the North American psyche. Littler became the face of the sport after breaking through at the world championships last year. – Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Three North American players featured in the first round of this year’s world championships, having qualified through the CDC. American Stowe Buntz and Canada’s Jim Long both exited in the first round, while the US’ Leonard Gates won his first match before losing in the second round. Gates notably proved popular with the Alexandra Palace crowd, dancing on stage as he made his walk-up at this year’s tournament.

Speaking to CNN, he admits he never thought he would be making a living from the game, having first picked up a set of darts while hanging out with friends at the bar. After coming across the sport by accident, Gates fell in love and started playing every day. He now makes most of his living from the game, balancing his sports career with a small part-time job.

When asked why he thinks more Americans aren’t pursuing a career in professional darts, Gates tells CNN that it’s all about changing perceptions, especially in the younger generations – an audience the CDC targets through its junior tour. “I used to hear all the time when playing darts that you can’t make a living playing darts,” Gates said. “I never imagined I’ll be making a living.” “You have to have that dedication to say, ‘OK, this is what I want to do,’ and take the proper steps to go towards it. You will benefit from it. “I see some of the youngsters (in the US) now that have gotten into it and they came over here to England. They can build from that, whether or not they’re going to stick with it is yet to be seen.”

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