Luke Littler could raise huge funds on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK (Image: Getty)
The could be the most expensive to date thanks to Paddy Power’s latest collaboration. The likes of and reigning champion could cost the bookmaker big if they’re on top form at Ally Pally.
That’s after Paddy Power announced a new campaign in its partnership with Prostate Cancer UK called ‘The BIGGER 180’. And it promises to put more funds in the pockets of the charity, as well as players and fans alike.
More than £1million was raised at last year’s Darts World Championship thanks to ‘The BIG 180’, which saw Paddy Power donate £1,000 for every 180 hit at the tournament. The sponsor will adopt that same theme at this year’s competition, but The BIGGER 180 will also see Paddy Power donate an additional £180,000 for each nine-darter converted.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
That money will be divided equally between Prostate Cancer UK, the player responsible and one fan in the Ally Pally audience (£60,000 each). And it means top contenders like Littler, Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson have all the more reason to chase the perfect leg.
Fan favourite Stephen Bunting appeared in a new Paddy Power ad promoting the fundraising campaign. And it promises to get fans more excited than ever to see the stars strike gold in December and January.
“We’re absolutely delighted to team up with Paddy Power again for The BIGGER 180,” said Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK. “Last year’s campaign was a staggering success – raising an incredible £1million, getting record numbers checking their risk and making a huge impact for men and their loved ones.
?????? The BIGGER 180 ??????We donated £1MILLION to last year. Now we’re going even bigger!We’re putting up £180k for EVERY 9-darter – shared between player, a fan in crowd & .And STILL donating £1k for every 180! | | 18+ GambleAware
— Paddy Power (@paddypower)
“With The BIGGER 180, we’re aiming to reach even more men right across the UK. And the funds we raise along the way will help us move one step closer to a future where all men are invited for regular, accurate tests – which could save thousands of lives.”
One in eight men will get prostate cancer, which kills one person every 45 minutes. However, Prostate Cancer UK is attempting to raise awareness so that potential sufferers diagnose the issue early and increase their chances of survival.
The 2024 World Darts Championship also awarded the Ballon d’Art for the first time. The trophy went to the player who recorded the most maximums throughout the tournament, which was won by champion Humphries as he finished with 73 to his name.
Luke Humphries was crowned 2024 world champion and took home the inaugural Ballon d’Art (Image: Getty)
There have been nine-dart finishes thrown at the World Darts Championship, though last year’s tournament didn’t witness a single one. Fans will be hoping for a return to the heights of the 2022 competition, which hosted no fewer than three nine-darters courtesy of Gerwyn Price, William Borland and Darius Labanauskas.
Michael Smith was the most recent player to convert a perfect leg when he pipped Michael van Gerwen to the 2023 title. ‘Bully Boy’ capped off what has become known as the best leg of darts ever played, and he won’t be the only one attempting to mimic those heroics this year.