Competitors like Luke Littler are gearing up for a shot at winning a hefty $200,000 (£149,000) prize in Riyadh next week if they can achieve a nine-dart finish followed by hitting a ‘golden bull’ target.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the World Series of Darts for the first time, featuring a showdown between eight PDC Tour players and eight Asian Tour players. The tournament commences on Monday and offers a lucrative opportunity for the participants.
The prize money at stake is substantial. A player who manages a nine-dart finish will secure a $100,000 (£74,700) award, with the added thrill of doubling it by aiming for the bullseye with one ‘golden’ dart. This represents the largest prize in darts history for achieving a nine-dart finish, making it an exciting prospect for contenders like Littler.
Littler, who recently clinched a monumental £1 million prize by winning the World Championship, has been on a winning streak. Following his championship victory, he secured a lucrative contract worth £20 million over a decade with his darts supplier. His past success includes throwing nine perfect darts at the World Series event in Bahrain in 2024, showcasing his exceptional skills.
The newest incentive in the world of darts mirrors the format adopted by the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, featuring the ‘Riyadh Season golden ball’ challenge that offers a $1 million (£760,000) bonus for achieving a 167 break.
The ‘Riyadh Season ball’ is strategically placed in the center of the baulk cushion at the beginning of each frame, aligning with key spots on the table. It remains in play as long as a maximum 147 break is possible, being removed once such a feat becomes unattainable until the next frame.
Former World Championship semi-finalist Mark Webster shared his excitement about the darts prize structure on ITV 4, highlighting the potential rewards for players who achieve perfection on the board.
Joining Littler in Riyadh will be other top players including Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, Nathan Aspinall, and Danny Noppert. These professionals are currently competing in the Bahrain Masters, with Littler leading the pack as a two-time world champion.
During the ongoing Bahrain Masters, Littler showcased his prowess with a remarkable 170 ‘Big Fish’ check-out, defeating Paul Lim 6-1 to advance to the quarter-finals. Other contenders like Humphries, Van Veen, Van Gerwen, Bunting, and Aspinall also progressed to the next round, setting the stage for an intense competition.