Episode 60-PDC North American Pro Tour-Round Table
Jeff Smith returns this week from the PDC’s Qualifying School to talk about winning his first ever tour card. He described his experience as a confident one while he shot some of the best darts of his life. He looks forward to spending some time overseas and seeing what sponsorship can do for him to get him to travel more often. Congratulations Jeff! Immediately following the interview we turned to our panel of guests including Jay Tomlinson of Bullseye News Magazine, Steve Panuncialman of Dart Talk, Anthony Eugenia of Dart Players New York, Brian Jackson of Major League Darts and Chris Helms who recently became the next ADO President. With a fully diverse panel we set out to dissect the newly organized PDC North American Pro Tour. Thanks to Jay, we got a very detail explanation of how it is going to work. We got a sense that all on the panel were excited to see what this new tour will bring to North America. Even better yet, organizations like Major League Darts and Dart Players New York will be able to contribute to these tournaments by sending top players to participate in these events. Oh, and don’t forget, all who are participating in these events need not worry about being disqualified for the WDF World Cup! Look out for more information to follow about the return of the PDC in the coming months. Stay tuned!
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PDC North American Pro Tour- Why should we believe this weakest attempt yet to “support and promote” professional darts in North America will have any more chance at success than their previous failed attempts?
Is there any reason to believe the PDC won’t bail from this latest “commitment” like they bailed from their previous plans.
It’s better than nothing, but just barely.
Well to be honest this is something that should have been done a long time ago. This is to establish an order of merit. This is completely different than what they were doing with the one event in Las Vegas. They were pretty much hoping to get 1. US viewing audience at the drop of a hat 2.big participation from US players both which were not achieved. This is going to be a more gradual attempt plus with all the new advantages in communication and the growth of supporting organizations to improve the player base as well as the “fan” base here in the US, we are clearly headed in the right direction. If you simply follow the current mood of dart players in this country, you immediately notice that change is inevitable. Thanks for listening.
Actually, they did try this previously.
The 2007 PDC North American Pro Tour and Order of Merit was tried after they abandoned the World Series of Darts the year before.
It was essentially abandoned for the US Open and the North American Darts Championship which was abandoned for the absurdly implemented New Tropicana World Series of Darts Festival in 2010.
In 2011, the PDC completely abandoned the US market with no tournaments held in the USA last year.
My point is, the PDC’s track record in this regard makes it hard not to be skeptical about the chances for this latest PDC proposal.
I do follow the current mood of dart players in this country and agree that change is inevitable. I’m just not sure if that change will come as a result of the PDC’s efforts. Considering the recent history, I can’t help but question their true “commitment”.
I’m sure the reigning PDC Women’s World Champion, Stacy Bromberg of the USA, would relish a chance to defend her title.
Keep up the great work on the podcasts. Very enjoyable.