Former PDC professional Chris Mason believes darts is on the cusp of a wave of elite young talent, predicting a "conveyor belt" of future stars emerging in the next decade. Mason's optimism stems from his experience commentating on the opening night of the JDC Junior Power League last Friday, an event streamed live on YouTube that showcased promising young players. He credits the professional environment the JDC now provides with accelerating their development.
Mason was particularly impressed by the venue, which he described as "without doubt the best darts facility I have ever been to." He noted it was acquired from the old West of England county venue and praised JDC head Steve Brown for doing "an incredible job." According to Mason, this setup gives young players a "great platform," allowing them to play under lights, receive commentary, and learn about their game in a professional setting, preparing them for future steps like Q School.
In a conversation with the Weekly Dartscast, Mason elaborated on the long-term impact, stating, "I think over the next ten years or so we're going to see a huge change. There's already been a shift, but I think after the Littler effect, in possibly ten years' time, it's just going to be a conveyor belt – one after another coming through." He pointed to early signs of progress, such as Mitchell Lawrie producing a nine-darter during the JDC Advanced Tour.
Mason values his involvement with the JDC, calling it a "great privilege" that provides insight into the sport's future. He said, "It gives me a bit of insight and a bit of foresight into what's coming next. I'll have a bit of a leg up on everybody else because I've already seen them, assessed them, talked to them and discussed any little issues they may have in their game." He added, "I love every minute of it. It's great fun and humbling." With initiatives like the JDC Junior Power League growing, Mason sees darts laying foundations for a powerful new generation.
