A record audience of over 4.8m people tuned in to watch the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship final between Luke Humphries and Luke Littler last night, making it the most watched darts event ever on Sky and NOW.
With darts fever sweeping the nation, a peak audience of 3.71m watched Humphries claim his maiden World Darts Championship title at Alexandra Palace, as he fought back from 4-2 down to defeat teenage sensation Littler.
The record figure represents the highest ever non-football peak on Sky Sports, and marks a 143% increase on the sensational 2023 final between Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen.
“This year’s World Championship was record-breaking on every level and it’s fitting that its final reached the biggest audience in the history of the PDC and Sky darts,” said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
“The two Lukes delivered an amazing contest that kept us all on the edge of our seats and finished off a thrilling and dramatic tournament in memorable fashion.
“The World Darts Championship is a staple part of Christmas viewing, delivering drama and suspense with every match and it sets up perfectly what is sure to be a phenomenal year for darts.”
Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports Managing Director, said: “Even more of the nation have fallen in love with the darts over the last few weeks and as a long-term partner of the PDC, we are thrilled that this most entertaining of sports is in the spotlight.
“Over 4.8m people tuned in to watch the remarkable final last night, making it the most watched non-football sports event ever on Sky and NOW.
“Our congratulations to both Lukes and to all the players who contributed to such a memorable World Championship. We can’t wait for the Premier League Darts to get started in February.”
As darts continues to dominate the column inches, Sky Documentaries has today announced the commission of an access-all-areas premium documentary series, which will follow the stories of the players beyond the oche and will be available on Sky and NOW later this year.
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