The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, set to take place later this month, has sent shockwaves through the darts world by announcing a staggering $200,000 (£149,400) bonus for any player who hits a 'special' nine-darter during the event. This unprecedented prize, confirmed by BBC Sport Darts, is believed to be the largest single-shot bonus ever offered in professional darts, dwarfing previous incentives like the PDC's standard £50,000 for a nine-dart finish in major televised tournaments. The move underscores Saudi Arabia's aggressive push into global sports entertainment, following similar high-stakes ventures in golf, boxing, and football, and is poised to add a thrilling layer of drama to the tournament's already intense competition.
To qualify for the bonus, players must achieve a nine-dart finish—the perfect leg of darts, requiring 501 points to be scored in just nine darts—but with a unique twist: the final dart must land in the bullseye, a 50-point segment, rather than the traditional double or triple 20. This 'special' variant adds a significant degree of difficulty, as bullseye finishes are notoriously tricky under pressure, often reserved for clutch moments in lesser formats. Historically, nine-darters are rare feats, with only a handful occurring each year on the professional circuit; requiring a bullseye to cap it off makes this challenge even more elusive, potentially turning it into a once-in-a-generation spectacle if achieved.
The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, part of the World Series of Darts tour, features an elite eight-player field including reigning world champion Luke Humphries, 16-time world champion Phil Taylor (in a special appearance), and other top stars like Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price. With such a lineup, the bonus could incentivize aggressive play, as players might adjust their strategies to target the bullseye in critical moments, though this carries risks of missed opportunities and higher pressure. For context, the PDC has seen 71 nine-darters in televised events since records began, with Phil Taylor holding the record for most in competition, but none have been officially recorded with a bullseye finish in a major tournament setting, making this a potential historic first.
Financially, this bonus represents a game-changer for players. In darts, where top earners like Michael Smith can make over £500,000 in a year, a single £149,000 payout would significantly boost a player's annual income and career earnings. For lower-ranked participants, it could be life-altering, offering a windfall that surpasses many tournament wins. This aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategy of using financial incentives to attract top talent and generate buzz, similar to the LIV Golf series, which has disrupted traditional sports economics. The bonus also highlights the growing commercialization of darts, as organizers seek to innovate beyond standard prize pools to capture global attention.
Implications for the sport are profound. If a player hits this 'special' nine-darter, it could become an iconic moment, replayed for years and elevating darts' profile in new markets like the Middle East. However, critics may argue that such bonuses risk overshadowing the tournament's competitive integrity, potentially encouraging gimmicky play. Yet, proponents see it as a bold move that celebrates skill and entertainment, akin to boxing's knockout bonuses. As darts continues to expand globally, with events in places like Bahrain and the Netherlands, this Saudi initiative could set a precedent for future high-stakes bonuses, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in precision sports.
In summary, the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters' £149,000 bonus for a bullseye nine-darter is more than just a cash prize—it's a statement of ambition that could redefine moments in darts history. With the tournament fast approaching, all eyes will be on the oche to see if any player can rise to the challenge and claim this monumental reward, blending skill, luck, and drama in a way that only darts can deliver.
Source: BBC Sport Darts