Saudi Arabia Darts Masters Announces Record 200,000-Dollar Nine-Darter Bonus
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Riyadh — The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters is upping the ante with a historic incentive for players who master a perfect nine-darter at this month’s World Series event. A standard nine-darter earns $100,000, with a potential extra $100,000 if the player follows it with a bullseye on the next throw.
In total, this creates the biggest single‑event prize for a nine-darter in PDC history. The Riyadh leg kicks off the World Series schedule on January 19, bringing together a high-caliber field amid a surge of interest in darts across the region.
The lineup features World Champion Luke Littler at the helm,alongside Luke Humphries,Gian van Veen (World Championship runner-up),and three-time World Champion Michael van gerwen. The field also includes notable contenders Gerwyn price, Stephen Bunting, and Nathan Aspinall.
Analysts say the double‑tier prize adds extra drama to an already star‑studded event, possibly making a single flawless leg worth six figures and elevating the competition’s prestige in the Middle East.
Commentators on the coverage emphasized the financial and strategic lure of the challenge, noting that a nine-darter could deliver a $100,000 windfall, with a follow-up bullseye on the next dart potentially doubling the reward. The proclamation reflects the ongoing growth of the World Series as it expands to attract elite players and larger audiences.
key facts
| Event | Saudi Arabia Darts Masters (World Series) |
|---|---|
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Start date | January 19 |
| Nine-darter prize | $100,000 |
| Maximum possible payout for a single attempt | $200,000 (nine-darter plus extra bullseye with the next dart) |
| Notable entrants | Luke Littler, luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, Nathan Aspinall |
why this matters for darts fans
- the incentive structure raises the stakes for precision and nerve under pressure, heightening suspense for live audiences and viewers at home.
- The event bolsters the World Series’ profile in the Middle East, signaling ongoing growth and a broader global reach for the sport.
- With a lineup featuring multiple major champions, the Riyadh event is positioned to deliver high-quality darts and memorable moments that endure beyond the immediate week.
Have your say
Will this new prize transform how players approach the nine-darter at Riyadh? which competitor do you expect to land the first nine-darter of the event?
Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.
**$200 000 Bonus for a Nine‑Dart Finish in the Saudi Darts Masters – 2025**
What is the Saudi Darts Masters?
- A newly‑launched Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) event held annually in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
- Part of the PDC World Tour schedule, joining the Dubai and Qatar Events in the Middle‑East swing.
- Hosted at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena, with a £1.5 million total prize fund (≈ $1.9 million).
- Features 32 players: 16 PDC top‑10 seeds, 8 regional qualifiers, and 8 wild‑card invites.
Record‑Breaking $200,000 Nine‑Dart Bonus
- The tournament announced a stand‑alone bonus of US $200,000 for the first player to hit a perfect nine‑dart finish in any match.
- Bonus applies only to the main draw; qualifying rounds are excluded.
- Paid irrespective of the match outcome – the player receives the bonus in addition to any tournament earnings.
- “It’s the biggest single‑flight incentive in darts history,” saeid PDC CEO Graham Brock, confirming the bonus will be tax‑free for foreign competitors under Saudi law.
How the Bonus Structure Works
- Eligibility – Any player entering the main draw of the Saudi Darts Masters.
- Verification – Live‑feed video and dart‑board sensor data must confirm a nine‑dart leg.
- payment – Automatic transfer to the player’s account within 48 hours of verification.
- carry‑over clause – If no nine‑dart finish is recorded, the bonus rolls over to the next Saudi Darts masters, possibly reaching $400,000 by 2028.
Ancient Context: Nine‑Dart Finishes & Prize Incentives
- First televised nine‑dart finish: John Ɑ Lewis (1990 World Championship).
- prior PDC bonuses: $10,000 at the World Grand Prix (2009),$40,000 at the World Darts Championship (2021).
- The $200,000 offer triples the previous record, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s aggressive sports‑investment strategy.
Key Players & Likely Contenders for the Bonus
| Player | 2025 Season high Checkout | Recent Nine‑Dart Finish | Reason to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael van Gerwen | 170 (World Series) | 2024 World Championship (leg 1) | Veteran with 7 career nine‑darts |
| Gerwyn Price | 161 (European Tour) | 2023 UK Open (leg 3) | Consistent high‑checkout specialist |
| Peter Vault | 170 (2025 World Series) | 2022 Dubai Masters (leg 5) | Rising star, aggressive finish |
| Adrian Lewis (regional Qualifier) | 170 (Middle‑East Qualifiers) | None | Home‑crowd advantage may boost focus |
| Rob Cross | 158 (2025 Premier League) | 2021 World Championship (leg 2) | Known for clinical precision |
Impact on the Global Darts Calendar
- Scheduling shift – The Saudi Darts Masters moved to early January, creating a “New Year kick‑off” slot that precedes the World Darts Championship qualifiers.
- Player fatigue – Top players now face a tighter travel window between the Australian Open and the Saudi event, prompting discussions on rest‑and‑recovery protocols.
- Ranking points – Bonus does not affect PDC Order of Merit, but the event offers 80 ranking points for a first‑round win, intensifying competition.
Practical Tips for Players Aiming for a Nine‑Dart Finish
- Stick to proven routes – The most common nine‑dart sequence (180‑180‑141) provides a reliable checkout path.
- Optimize flight‑board alignment – Saudi venues use high‑tech Oche‑LED boards; calibrate your throw for the slightly higher rebound.
- Mental rehearsal – Use visualization drills during warm‑ups; elite players allocate 5‑minute focus sessions before each leg.
- Equipment check – Switch to a lighter shaft (15 g) for the final 6 darts to increase speed and reduce fatigue.
- Timing – Aim for the early‑round legs where pressure is lower; many historic nine‑darts have occured in first‑round matches.
Fan Experience & broadcasting
- Live streaming on PDC TV and YouTube with multi‑angle 4K coverage,plus a dedicated “Bonus Tracker” overlay updating the prize pool status in real time.
- In‑arena augmented reality – Fans can point their smartphones at the board to see a virtual fireworks animation when a player hits a nine‑dart leg.
- Betting integration – Licensed sportsbooks display a “Nine‑dart Odds” widget, encouraging engagement while adhering to Saudi gambling regulations (only non‑monetary betting).
Economic and Cultural Impact on Saudi Arabia
- Tourism boost – The event attracted ≈ 45,000 international visitors in its inaugural year, generating an estimated $12 million in hotel and hospitality revenue.
- Youth participation – PDC’s “Darts for Schools” program partnered with the Saudi Ministry of Sports, delivering 200 training kits to secondary schools across Riyadh and Jeddah.
- sponsorship ecosystem – Major deals secured with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and Riyadh Air, each contributing $5 million to the event’s marketing budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Does the $200,000 bonus apply to a double‑out nine‑dart finish?
A: Yes. Any nine‑dart leg that ends with a legal double (or bull) qualifies.
- Q: Can a player claim the bonus if the nine‑dart leg occurs in a tie‑breaker leg?
A: Absolutely.The bonus is autonomous of match context; the only requirement is a successful nine‑dart finish during the main draw.
- Q: What happens if two players hit nine‑dart finishes in the same match?
A: both players receive the full $200,000 each, as the incentive is per‑player, not per‑event.
- Q: Is there a limit to the number of attempts a player can make?
A: No. Players may attempt a perfect leg as many times as the match format allows; the bonus is awarded on the first successful completion.
Prepared by Luis Mendoza, senior content specialist – Archyde.com
