Unveiling the most dramatic moments in PDC World Championship history

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The PDC Darts World Championship has provided fans with an abundance of exhilarating moments, where the tension is palpable, and the drama unfolds with each perfectly thrown arrow.

This latest renewal of the prestigious tournament is underway at Alexandra Palace, and we have already witnessed enthralling drama at the grandest oche of them.

Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen are the favourites in the darts world championship odds, but this is a competition that tends to throw up surprises. 

So, as we watch with anticipation to see how it is going to pan out, let’s delve into some of the most dramatic moments that have defined the rich history of the lucrative PDC World Championship. 

Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld’s epic final (2007)

The 2007 final between Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld stands as one of the greatest matches in darting history.

The tension was palpable as the two legends battled fiercely, taking the match to a sudden death leg with the scores level at 6-6.

In an unforgettable moment, Van Barneveld — who was once 3-0 down to Taylor earlier in the match — secured victory with a 7-6 win in sudden death, marking a dramatic conclusion to an already thrilling contest.

Kirk Shephard’s Cinderella run (2008)

From a clash of titans to an underdog story, the contrasting 2007 and 2008 PDC World Championship finals displayed the unpredictability of the prestigious tournament. 

In 2008, the darting world witnessed an unexpected fairy tale as Kirk Shepherd — a qualifier — reached the final.

The unseeded Shepherd’s journey included victories over established players, like three-time finalist Peter Manley, creating an atmosphere of unpredictability and excitement.

Although he fell to John Part, losing 7-2 in the final, Shepherd’s dramatic run was like something out of a fairy tale and made for a memorable renewal of the World Championship. 

Adrian Lewis’ first World Championship (2011)

The 2011 final showcased the emergence of a new star in the form of Adrian Lewis.

Facing off against Gary Anderson, Lewis displayed youthful exuberance and incredible skill — securing a 7-5 victory to claim his first PDC World Championship title. 

It was a moment that signalled the arrival of a formidable force in the world of darts, and ‘Jackpot’ went on to defend his title with a win over Andy Hamilton 12 months later.

The birth of Michael van Gerwen (2014)

Having lost 7-4 to Taylor in 2013, Van Gerwen returned with a vengeance in 2014 and won his first World Championship with a dominant display over Peter Wright. 

‘Mighty Mike’s’ relentless scoring and precision on the doubles were on full display, culminating in a 7-4 victory over the Scotsman.

The win marked the beginning of Van Gerwen’s era of dominance in the world of darts.

Fallon Sherrock breaking barriers (2019)

In 2019, Fallon Sherrock made history by becoming the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship.

Sherrock defied the bet calculator to first beat Ted Evetts 3-2 in the opening round, and she followed it up with a 3-1 victory over Mensur Suljovic in the second round before eventually losing to Chris Dobey in the third round. 

Nonetheless, her run captivated the darting world, breaking barriers and showcasing the universal appeal of the sport.