Why darts has climbed to the top of the TV Christmas tree

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Like brussel sprouts, Christmas TV is often a matter of taste. For traditionalists, it’s hard to beat Carols from King’s. In a panic over dinner on the big day? Look no further than Delia or Nigella. Then again, if all you want is proof of how your own life isn’t all that bad, EastEnders is the go-to. Since 1993, however, seasonal viewing has had an unlikely hero that’s gradually built a more universal audience, and is now as much part of the festive fabric as pigs in blankets. Of course, it can only be the World Darts Championship.
How has this happened? It’s no secret that PDC events (that’s the Professional Darts Corporation) are often the hottest ticket in town, but it’s the Ally Pally incarnation that commands a truly global love affair, whether a particular nation does Christmas or not. Here are seven compelling arguments to help explain this Yuletide phenomenon.
Fancy dress
It's said that if you're on your way to watch the darts and you manage to lose your bearings, just follow Santa... or Harry Potter, Smurfs, Super Mario Brothers - in fact anyone who's in North London in costume. Fancy dress has been part of the darting landscape for many years, but come mid-December it's on another level. This paints endless splashes of colour on your screen, not to mention last-minute inspiration for the party season that's ahead.
The venue
It's clichéd to even say it's a cliché, but Alexandra Palace, to give it the proper title, is a genuinely iconic arena. Once the preserve of actors and musicians, the game of darts has helped bring this grand old Victorian stage to a completely new audience, watching a completely new kind of player in the process. That's the power of Christmas TV for you.
A truly global event
Speaking of which, with fans on every continent - we can probably even include Antarctica in this one - the event is watched with baited breath by the rest of the world, in a number which grows exponentially year-on-year. You could travel to most countries at Christmas and find a screen beaming out the 180s, and with promotion on this kind of scale it's ultimately an added boost for UK tourism as well.
Think of what you'd have to watch instead
Sometimes a picture says it all...
It could be you!
Fancy becoming a world champion? Okay, you'll have to dream big and work even harder, but if there's one sport that's within the grasp of the man or woman - and these days, teenager - on the street, it's darts. Many a hopeful has taken to the Ally Pally stage, and many many more will follow in their footsteps, so why not? After all, it's said we watch TV for escapism and surely this is the ultimate.
Nearly three weeks with barely a day off
Just like Santa, there's not much in the way of respite for the players, save for a few key dates, which means there's enough darts as you can handle! Heaven for some and a living hell for others, but nobody can deny that you get your money's worth (it is on Sky Sports, after all). Did we mention there's afternoon and evening sessions? It seems darts widows really are a thing.
And finally, pure drama
As 2020/21 proved, this tournament would be nothing without the fans, and that certainly goes for the players too. The set-play format means it ain't over 'til it's over, and with so many unknown quantities making their debut, the big boys often come a cropper. Most of the cream still rises to the top, but even seasoned pros wilt under the pressure this extraordinary place brings. How lucky we are to be able to experience it from the comfort of a sofa!
How long have you been going crazy at Christmas about darts? Maybe this will be your first time; maybe you've always despised it, and how dare you?! Whatever your thoughts, let us know in the comments, maybe along with your tip for World Championship glory.
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