BoyleSports, a longstanding sponsor of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)’s prestigious World Grand Prix, has announced an exciting new charity initiative for this year’s tournament. The ‘D20 for £20’ Charity Challenge will see BoyleSports donate £20 ($26.78) for every double 20 hit during the event, which is set to take place from 7th to 13th October at Leicester’s Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium (commonly known as the Mattioli Arena).
This unique campaign adds a charitable dimension to one of the most thrilling events in the darts calendar. The World Grand Prix, renowned for its double-start format, requires players to both start and finish each leg by hitting a double, making it an ideal setting for a challenge focused on one of darts’ most frequently targeted numbers—the double 20, also known as ‘double top.’
Structure of the Charity Challenge
Under the ‘D20 for £20’ Charity Challenge, BoyleSports pledges to donate £20 for every successful double 20 scored throughout the week-long tournament. The total amount collected will go towards a charity chosen by the player who hits the most double 20s during the competition.
The emphasis on double 20s is a strategic choice, as this target is one of the most commonly aimed-for doubles in the game. Players frequently use it not only as a starting double but also as a preferred finish when closing out legs. With the double-start format in play for every leg of the tournament, the frequency of double 20 attempts is expected to rise, potentially leading to significant charitable donations by the end of the tournament.
Sharon McHugh, Head of PR and Sponsorship for BoyleSports, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative:
“We’re delighted to introduce our ‘D20 for £20’ Charity Challenge at this year’s BoyleSports World Grand Prix, which is always one of the most thrilling events on the darts calendar. The unique double-in format makes it a perfect stage to bring awareness to a range of charitable causes, and we can’t wait to see which player hits the most double 20s and the positive impact it will have on their chosen charity.”
Players and Their Chosen Charities
In an added twist, the player who hits the most double 20s over the course of the tournament will get the honor of selecting the beneficiary charity for the entire donation pot. Several players have already announced their preferred charities in advance of the tournament.
Luke Humphries, the defending World Grand Prix champion, has chosen Prostate Cancer UK as his designated charity. This organization is dedicated to funding research and providing support for men affected by prostate cancer.
Michael van Gerwen, a six-time World Grand Prix champion, has picked the Make-A-Wish Foundation as his charity of choice. Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
These preselected charities highlight the personal connections players often have to specific causes, making the initiative even more meaningful. Fans will no doubt be keen to see how their favorite players perform, knowing that every successful double 20 will contribute to a good cause.
Unique Format of the World Grand Prix: Perfect Fit for the Challenge
The World Grand Prix is unlike any other tournament in darts due to its distinctive double-start format. In most darts competitions, players aim to finish a leg by hitting a double, but at the World Grand Prix, players must also hit a double to begin scoring. This format introduces an extra layer of difficulty, as even the best players must consistently land doubles to stay competitive. It also increases the likelihood of players aiming for double 20, making the ‘D20 for £20’ Charity Challenge a natural fit for the event.
By focusing on the double 20, BoyleSports has ensured that this initiative will capture one of the most dynamic elements of the World Grand Prix. The double-start rule forces players to think more strategically about which doubles they aim for, and double 20 is often the top choice due to its central location on the dartboard and its role in maximizing scoring efficiency. The challenge will add an extra level of excitement for fans and players alike, as every double 20 hit will contribute not just to the match outcome but also to a greater cause.
BoyleSports and the PDC: A Strong Partnership for Charity
This initiative is just the latest example of BoyleSports’ ongoing support for charitable causes during the World Grand Prix. The bookmaker has been a key partner of the PDC for years and has consistently used its sponsorship of the World Grand Prix to benefit charities. Matt Porter, Chief Executive of the PDC, praised the new campaign, commenting:
“BoyleSports are always supportive of charities during the World Grand Prix, and this is an innovative way for our players to support their chosen charity at this year’s event.”
The PDC has a long history of partnering with sponsors like BoyleSports to bring attention to important charitable causes. By integrating charity efforts into one of its premier events, the PDC ensures that players and fans alike can feel good about their contributions to society, while still enjoying the excitement and competitive nature of the game.
Potential Impact of the ‘D20 for £20’ Charity Challenge
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how many double 20s will be hit during the tournament, historical data from previous editions of the World Grand Prix gives some indication. Top-level darts players are incredibly precise with their scoring, and the double 20 is a frequent target, not only as a starting double but also as a finishing option. The combination of the double-start format and the players’ accuracy makes it likely that hundreds of double 20s will be hit throughout the tournament.
For example, in a standard best-of-five-leg match, players have the opportunity to hit a double 20 multiple times per leg. Assuming a high success rate, it’s feasible that a single match could generate several successful attempts. With dozens of matches scheduled during the tournament, the total number of double 20s could climb rapidly, potentially leading to a significant donation by BoyleSports.
The ‘D20 for £20’ challenge also introduces a competitive element for players who may be motivated to hit as many double 20s as possible, not only to advance in the tournament but also to win the honor of selecting a charity for the final donation. This blend of competition and charity is likely to elevate the excitement around the World Grand Prix this year, as fans and players alike will keep a close eye on the double 20 count.
Looking Ahead: A Tradition of Charity in Darts?
The ‘D20 for £20’ Charity Challenge could pave the way for future charitable initiatives in darts, setting a precedent for other tournaments to follow. With the high visibility of events like the World Grand Prix, charity campaigns tied to specific match outcomes have the potential to raise significant funds and awareness for various causes. Should this year’s initiative prove successful, it wouldn’t be surprising to see similar campaigns in other major PDC events, such as the World Darts Championship or the Premier League of Darts.
For now, all eyes will be on the Mattioli Arena in Leicester as the world’s best darts players compete not only for the World Grand Prix title but also to support charitable causes through the ‘D20 for £20’ challenge.
The BoyleSports World Grand Prix has always been one of the standout events on the PDC calendar, and this year’s edition promises to be even more special with the addition of the ‘D20 for £20’ Charity Challenge. By donating £20 for every double 20 hit during the tournament, BoyleSports is using its platform to support charitable organizations while adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
With top players like Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen already committing to causes close to their hearts, fans will have more reason than ever to cheer on their favorite competitors. As the tournament unfolds, the anticipation will build not only around who will emerge as champion but also around which player will hit the most double 20s and earn the privilege of directing the donation to their chosen charity.
The combination of high-stakes darts and charitable giving is a winning formula, ensuring that this year’s World Grand Prix will be remembered not only for its thrilling matches but also for its positive impact on a range of important causes.