Top 5 Match Averages in World Championship History
Calculated on standard 3-dart scoring across all completed sets and legs on the televised stage.
| Rank | Player | 3-Dart Average | Year & Round | Opponent & Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Michael van Gerwen | 114.05 | 2017 Semi-Final | Raymond van Barneveld (109.34) |
| #2 | Phil Taylor | 111.21 | 2002 Second Round | Shayne Burgess |
| #3 | Phil Taylor | 110.94 | 2009 Final | Raymond van Barneveld |
| #4 | Raymond van Barneveld | 109.34 | 2017 Semi-Final | Michael van Gerwen (Highest losing average in history) |
| #5 | Michael van Gerwen | 108.08 | 2023 Semi-Final | Dimitri Van den Bergh |
Maximum 180 Scoring Benchmarks at Ally Pally
The highest total number of 180s hit across all 95 matches in World Championship history, breaking the previous mark of 880.
Michael "Bully Boy" Smith blasted 83 maximum 180s during his march to the 2022 final, surpassing Gary Anderson's previous record of 71.
Peter Wright hit 24 maximums in his gripping 6-4 semi-final triumph over Gary Anderson, setting the all-time single-match record.
The Greatest Match in Darts History: 2023 Final
On 3 January 2023, Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen contested what is universally regarded as the greatest single leg and final in darts history. In the third leg of the second set:
The Nine-Dart Leg Heard Around the World:
- Van Gerwen opens with 180, followed by Smith's 180.
- Van Gerwen follows with 177 (6 perfect darts), Smith replies with 180 (6 perfect darts).
- Van Gerwen hits T20, T19, and narrowly misses double 12 for a nine-darter.
- Smith steps up and hits T20, T19, and double 12 to complete the greatest nine-dart finish in sporting history!
"I can't spake! I can't spake! Wayne Mardle's gone, I've gone, the whole of Alexandra Palace has gone!" — Wayne Mardle, Sky Sports Darts.
World Championship Records FAQ
What is the highest losing average in World Championship history?
Raymond van Barneveld holds the highest losing average in World Championship history with 109.34 in the 2017 semi-final, where he was defeated 6-2 by Michael van Gerwen (who averaged an all-time record 114.05).
When did the World Championship move to Alexandra Palace?
The tournament moved from the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex to the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace in North London for the 2008 World Championship, where John Part was crowned the first Ally Pally champion.
Has anyone ever retained the PDC World Championship?
Yes. Phil Taylor successfully defended the title multiple times (most notably 1995–2002), Adrian Lewis retained the title in 2012, and Gary Anderson retained it in 2016.