

How Britain fell in love with darts
10 snips Jan 3, 2025
Jonathan Liu, a Guardian sports writer and darts expert, unpacks the skyrocketing popularity of darts in Britain. He shares the electrifying ambiance of the PDC World Darts Championship and explains the sport's unique cultural significance. Liu discusses the awe of a nine-dart finish and how this rare feat captivates audiences. The conversation highlights darts’ working-class roots and transformation from a mere pub game to a celebrated sport, showcasing its growing inclusivity and appeal across diverse demographics.
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Defining Sport
- Darts' status as a sport is determined by society's perception and engagement.
- Its popularity shows society embraces it, regardless of traditional sport definitions.
Darts Appeal
- Darts is engaging due to its exciting atmosphere and the fine line between success and failure.
- The suspense until a dart lands creates a visceral experience for viewers.
Darts Excitement
- Darts commentator Russ Bray highlights the one-on-one nature of darts, where skill is paramount.
- He emphasizes the pressure and excitement of hitting the double to win a large sum of money.