BDO World Championship: The Heritage of Darts
The BDO World Professional Darts Championship was the original “World’s” and remains the most storied tournament in the history of the game. Founded in 1978, it served as the global stage for the sport’s first icons and remained a beloved tradition for over four decades.
The Lakeside Legacy
From 1986 until 2019, the tournament was synonymous with the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey. Known as the “Home of World Darts,” the Lakeside atmosphere was famous for its respectful, hushed crowds and iconic red-and-black stage.
While the BDO organization officially went into liquidation in 2020, the spirit of the tournament lives on through the WDF (World Darts Federation), which returned the World Championship to the Lakeside stage in 2022 to preserve this historic venue for future generations.
Icons of the BDO Era
The BDO stage launched the careers of every legendary figure in the sport. Notable multi-time champions include:
- Eric Bristow (“The Crafty Cockney”): The sport’s first true superstar, winning 5 titles in the 1980s.
- Raymond van Barneveld: A 4-time BDO Champion who famously unified the darts world’s attention before his move to the PDC.
- Martin Adams (“Wolfie”): A 3-time Champion and the face of the BDO for over 20 years.
- Trina Gulliver (“The Golden Girl”): The most successful female player in history, winning a record 10 BDO Women’s World Championships.
Tournament History & Format
| Feature | Historical BDO Standard |
| First Held | 1978 (Winner: Leighton Rees) |
| Last BDO Held | 2020 (Winner: Wayne Warren) |
| Traditional Venue | Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green |
| Classic Broadcaster | BBC Sport (1978–2016) |
| Format | Set Play (Best of 5, 7, 9, and 13 sets) |
The Transition to the WDF (2022–2026)
Following the collapse of the BDO in 2020, the World Darts Federation (WDF) took over the mantle of the “People’s Championship.”
As of 2026, the WDF World Championship at Lakeside remains the premier event for the global amateur and semi-professional circuit. It provides a vital platform for emerging talent to prove themselves before potentially making the leap to the PDC Pro Tour. It remains a “pure” darts experience, cherished by fans who prefer the traditional atmosphere over the arena-style spectacle of the PDC.
Historical Note: The BDO was a founding member of the WDF in 1976. Today, the WDF carries on that mission, representing over 70 member nations worldwide.