A record-breaking year for the 180 at Alexandra Palace

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A record-breaking year for the 180 at Alexandra Palace
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In short: The 2024 PDC World Darts Championship didn't just crown a new champion; it shattered historical records for precision. From a teenage debutant's historic average to a charity drive that turned maximum scores into a million-pound donation, the tournament redefined the limits of the sport.

The 2024 tournament, held at Alexandra Palace from December 15, 2023, to January 3, 2024, saw Luke Humphries secure his first World Championship title. After securing three majors during late 2023, Humphries arrived as a strong favourite before beating 16-year-old newcomer Luke Littler 7–4 to win the final. This victory propelled Humphries to the world number one ranking for the first time in his career. The event was notable for its demographic shifts and record-breaking feats. The four semi-finalists—Scott Williams, Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Rob Cross—were all English for the initial time since 2006. Furthermore, the tournament saw two unseeded players reach the final four, a feat not achieved since 2010.

Among the standout performances was 16-year-old Luke Littler, who set a debutant record by averaging 106.2 in a victory over Christian Kist. Beyond the individual accolades, the 2024 championship reached a milestone in charitable impact. Sponsored by Paddy Power, the event featured a 'Big 180' campaign where £1,000 was pledged to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 score achieved. A total of 914 scores established a record for 180s in one tournament, generating £914,000 which became a final £1,000,000 gift once rounded. Humphries led this effort by scoring 73 maximums, earning him the inaugural Ballon d'Art trophy.

The tournament also marked significant transitions for the sport's veterans. Referee Russ Bray retired after 28 years with the PDC, officiating his final televised ranking match in the world final. Meanwhile, Steve Beaton concluded a remarkable era of longevity, making his 33rd consecutive and final appearance at the championship.

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