For the first time, in cooperation with the Nederlandse Darts Bond, the 2021 WDF World Masters will take place at the Bonte Wever in Assen, the venue that has hosted the iconic Dutch Open since 2014.
Paul Engelbertink, NDB Director said “We are honoured that the WDF have chosen the Netherlands and de Bonte Wever in Assen as the location for the World Masters. As the Dutch Open has proven in the past, it really is the ideal setting for a large ‘floor’ event that leads into big TV stage finals. The NDB look forward to welcoming all the players, offering our assistance to run this great tournament and giving the WDF our full support!”
The prestigious World Masters tournament began back in 1974, ran by the British Darts Organisation and sanctioned by the World Darts Federation until it’s last edition in 2019. It has been the launchpad to the careers of some of the sports greatest stars, including John Lowe, Eric Bristow, Bob Anderson, Phil Taylor, Deta Hedman, Trina Gulliver, Anastasia Dobromyslova, Raymond van Barneveld, Michael van Gerwen, Martin Adams & Lisa Ashton.
In January 2020, the WDF made their intentions clear in assuming full responsibility of the World Masters and World Championship, complete with a new rankings structure and qualification criteria. However, plans to announce and run these major events at the end of the 2020 season were placed on hold due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Play may have stopped, but the hard work continued throughout 2020 with plans to reinvigorate grass root darts worldwide.
Nick Rolls, WDF Secretary General said “With over 80 ranking tournaments already in the WDF calendar for 2021, it was very important for the WDF to announce that this historic tournament is not lost, as it provides an end of season finale for players from ALL member nations to aim for. Discussions also continue with potential partners to deliver the World Championships, with every effort being made to secure and announce the event as soon as possible.”
“On behalf of the WDF Executive, we thank the NDB for their assistance in securing and hosting the 2021 World Masters. Without the cooperation and support of our member countries over the past 12 months, it would not have been possible to launch the WDF World Masters and we hope that this announcement repays the confidence they have each shown in the WDF delivering on their promise.”
It is the WDF’s priority to make the 2021 World Masters more accessible to it’s members than ever before, in an event that features separate Mens, Womens, Boys and Girls competitions. Over 1000 amateur players will qualify through various avenues, including the WDF world and regional rankings, top placings in WDF sanctioned events, former World Masters and World Championship winners, plus places awarded to every member nation.
The full qualifying criteria, tournament format and prize money will be confirmed in due course, along with information regarding tickets and hotel packages. Communications continue with our commercial partners to finalise sponsorship and broadcast contracts for the 2021 WDF World Masters and we look forward to announcing more good news in the near future.
