Copenhagen Calling: What's Actually at Stake When the Darts Elite Hit Denmark

By Lewis Barnett 6 June, 2025 5 mins read 59 Views

So here we are again. Another weekend, another World Series stop, and honestly? I'm more excited about this one than I probably should be.

The Nordic Darts Masters landed in Copenhagen yesterday, and the prize money situation has gotten... well, let's just say someone at the PDC finally decided to open their wallet properly. We're talking £100,000 total now - a jump that made my calculator do a double-take when I first saw the numbers. That's £40K more than what they were throwing around in 2024, which feels like the kind of increase that actually matters when you're Luke Littler trying to justify missing family time.

Hear the Summary

The Money Trail (Because That's What We're All Here For)

Look, I've covered enough of these tournaments to know that prize breakdowns can be boring as hell, but this one's worth paying attention to:

Winner walks away with £30,000. Not life-changing money for someone like Humphries, but definitely "new car" territory for most of the field. Runner-up gets £16,000 - which, honestly, isn't terrible for losing a final. I've seen worse ratios.

Semi-finalists pocket £10,000 each (not bad for two matches if you're seeded right), quarter-finalists get £5,000, and even the poor souls who bomb out in round one still collect £1,750. That last number always makes me think about travel costs and whether it's actually worth showing up if you're not confident.

Why This Year Feels Different

Gerwyn Price won this thing last year, beating Rob Cross 8-5 in what was actually a pretty decent final. Price has been defending titles left and right lately, but here's the thing - Luke Littler is finally showing up.

Cool Luke missed 2024 entirely due to "family commitments" (which, at 17, probably meant his mum said no). Now he's here, fresh off whatever teenage darts prodigies do between tournaments, and the bookmakers are going slightly mental with their odds.

Humphries took last weekend off after his Premier League triumph, which was probably smart. Guy's been playing like a machine, but even machines need oil changes.

The Usual Suspects (Plus Some Interesting Wildcards)

Cross and Stephen Bunting are the only two players who've actually won World Series events this season. That's... kind of embarrassing for everyone else, isn't it? These tournaments are supposed to be where the depth of the PDC really shows, but apparently we're still waiting for that depth to wake up.

Bunting's been having one of those years where everything just clicks. Remember when he was struggling to make rent? Now he's buying caravans and winning tournaments. Darts is weird like that.

How to Actually Watch This Thing

ITV4 has the coverage, which means you'll get the usual commentary team doing their best to make every 180 sound like the shot heard 'round the world. ITVX has the stream if you're one of those people who watches darts on your phone (no judgment, I've been there).

We'll be running live coverage too, because apparently I enjoy typing "MAXIMUM!" forty times per session.

The tournament kicks off properly today, and honestly? With this prize money and this field, someone's going home significantly richer than they arrived. In Copenhagen, that's saying something - have you seen the price of a beer there?

Frequently Asked Questions

My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?

Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

Statistics

The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."

External Links

How To

Taking Your Game Public

Playing at home is one thing; throwing in a crowded, noisy bar is another beast entirely. My first league night was a disaster—I couldn't focus with people walking behind me and the pressure of teammates watching. Now I wear headphones with low music between throws and have a specific pre-throw routine to center myself.