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{{short description|Professional darts organisation}}
{{Short description|Global governing body for professional darts}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2023}}
{{Primary sources|date=April 2023}}
}}
 
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name                = International Darts Federation
| name                = International Darts Federation
| former name        =  
| abbreviation        = IDF
| logo                =  
| logo                = IDF logo 2025.svg
| logo_size          = 200px
| image              = 2009 World Darts Championship.jpg
| image              = 2009 World Darts Championship.jpg
| image_border        =
| caption            = Stage at the 2010 PDC World Darts Championship
| size                = 250px
| formation          = {{Start date and age|df=y|2022|8|7}}
| alt                = <!-- alt text; see [[WP:ALT]] -->
| caption            = Photo of the stage at the 2010 PDC World Darts Championship
| map                =
| msize              =
| malt                =
| mcaption            =
| map2                =
| abbreviation        = IDF
| motto              =
| predecessor        =
| successor          =
| formation          = {{Start date and age|df=y|2025|1|7}}
| extinction          = <!-- date of extinction, optional -->
| type                = [[Professional]] [[darts]] organisation
| type                = [[Professional]] [[darts]] organisation
| status              =
| headquarters        = London, United Kingdom
| purpose            =
| region_served      = Worldwide
| headquarters        =  
| location            =
| coords              = <!-- Coordinates of location using a coordinates template -->
| region_served      =  
| membership          = 100+
| membership          = 100+
| language            = <!-- official languages -->
| general            = <!-- Secretary General -->
| leader_title        = Chairman
| leader_title        = Chairman
| leader_name        = [[Freddie Goodwin]]
| leader_name        = [[Freddie Goodwin]]
| leader_title2      = Chief Executive
| leader_title2      = Chief Executive
| leader_name2        =  
| leader_name2        = [[Marcus V. Lane]]
| leader_title3      =
| leader_name3        =
| leader_title4      =
| leader_name4        =
| key_people          =
| main_organ          =
| parent_organization =
| affiliations        = <!-- if any -->
| budget              =
| num_staff          = 7
| num_staff          = 7
| num_volunteers      =
| website            = [https://www.idfdarts.com idfdarts.com]
| website            =  
| remarks            =
}}
}}


The '''International Darts Federation''' ('''IDF''') is a professional [[darts]] organisation which hosts events with AI bots as the players combined with real players who use a mobile Darts app. The IDF was established in 2025 when Freddie Goodwin announced in December 2024 that he wanted to host a tournament, but nobody agreed to do so, therefore having him include bots.
The '''International Darts Federation''' ('''IDF''') is the global governing body for professional [[darts]], founded in {{start date|2022|8|7}} to expand and modernize the sport beyond its traditionally United Kingdom–centered base. The federation was created to unify international competition, standardize tournament structures, and provide a professional pathway for emerging players worldwide.


The PDC developed and holds several competitions, including the annual [[Home Masters Championship (IDF)|Home Masters Championship]], the annual [[Grand Prix Open Masters Championship (IDF)|Grand Prix Open Masters Championship]], and the [[IDF Darts Premiere League|Premiere League]]. Players are part of the [[IDF Order of Merit]] and are ranked based on prize money earned from participating in tournaments. The first edition of the [[IDF World Championship]] is scheduled to occur in September 2025.
The IDF oversees a complete season of professional tournaments, headlined by the annual [[IDF World Darts Championship]], the sport’s premier event. Alongside the World Championship, the federation organizes several major televised competitions such as the [[IDF Darts Premier League|Premier League]], the [[IDF World Matchplay]], and the [[IDF World Grand Prix]]. These tournaments form the backbone of the professional calendar and contribute directly to the federation’s [[Order of Merit (darts)|Order of Merit]] ranking system.


==History==
== History ==
Historically, darts was dominated by British organizations such as the [[Professional Darts Corporation|PDC]] and [[British Darts Organisation|BDO]], leaving limited scope for a unified international body. As the sport’s popularity expanded across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, calls grew for a single federation that could oversee a truly global structure.


=== Inception of bot competitions ===
On {{start date|2022|8|7}}, the International Darts Federation (IDF) was established, chaired by [[Freddie Goodwin]] and headquartered in London. Its inaugural [[2023 IDF World Darts Championship|World Championship]] was staged in 2023, becoming the federation’s flagship event. The following seasons saw the introduction of a structured multi-tier calendar comprising Majors, Premier Events, and Tour-level tournaments.  
In 2023, [[Alex Brow]] approached [[Freddie Goodwin]] on starting a organisation with the intention of hosting darts events that are for players with a average above 50.00. In November 2024, it was announced that the first event would be a "world-based" event, though would not be the annual [[IDF World Championship]] event, scheduled for September 2025.


==Events==
Since its formation, the IDF has worked to expand the professional scene beyond its European base. Under its governance, international television deals, sponsorships, and cross-regional qualification systems have elevated the sport’s global visibility. The federation’s competitive framework, anchored by the [[IDF Order of Merit]], ensures a merit-based progression for players from regional tours to elite events.
Each event that players participate in will be included in the [[IDF Order of Merit]] and are ranked based on prize money earned from their results from within each tournaments.  


=== Home Masters Championship ===
== Tournaments ==
The first [[Home Darts Championship|Home Masters Championship]] event was announced to be start with the 2025 version.
=== IDF World Darts Championship ===
{| class="wikitable style="
{{Main|IDF World Darts Championship}}
!Titles
The '''IDF World Darts Championship''' is the organization’s premier tournament and is considered the pinnacle of professional darts. First held in 2023, it brings together the top 32 players from the [[IDF Order of Merit]] and a selection of international qualifiers. The event follows a knockout format, with matches increasing in length as rounds progress. Its prestige, prize fund, and global broadcast reach make it the defining event of the season.
!Name
 
!Years won
'''Previous winners'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Titles !! Player !! Years won
|-
| 2
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Max Mad]]
| {{hlist|[[2023 IDF World Darts Championship|2023]]|[[2024 IDF World Darts Championship|2024]]}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1
|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Alex Brow]]
| {{hlist|[[2025 IDF World Darts Championship|2025]]}}
|-
|-
|1
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Logan White]]
|{{nowrap|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Lukas Parker]]}}
| {{hlist|[[2026 IDF World Darts Championship|2026]]}}
|[[2025 IDF Grand Prix Open Masters Championship|2025]]
|}
|}


=== Grand Prix Open Masters Championship ===
=== IDF Darts Premier League ===
The first [[Grand Prix Open Masters Championship]] event was announced to be done in 2025; the editions are: [[2025 IDF Grand Prix Open Masters Championship|2025]].
{{Main|IDF Darts Premier League}}
The '''IDF Darts Premier League''' is a 14-week invitational competition featuring eight of the world’s top-ranked players. Each night consists of knockout-style fixtures, with points awarded for weekly performance. The season culminates in the Premier League Finals Night, where the top four players contest the title. Its rotating international venues and fast-paced weekly format have made it one of the sport’s most watched events.


=== IDF Darts Premiere League ===
'''Previous winners'''
{{Main|IDF Darts Premiere League}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
The [[2025 IDF Darts Premiere League|2025 edition of the IDF Darts Premiere League]] began on January 7, 2025 and is set to conclude in November 2025.
! Titles !! Player !! Years won
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Duncan MacLeod]]
| [[2024 IDF Darts Premier League|2024]]
|-
|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Alex Brow]]
| [[2025 IDF Darts Premier League|2025]]
|}


=== IDF World Championship ===
=== IDF World Matchplay ===
The first edition of the [[IDF World Championship]] is scheduled to occur in September 2025.
{{Main|IDF World Matchplay}}
The '''IDF World Matchplay''' debuted in 2025 and quickly established itself as one of the IDF’s most prestigious tournaments. Staged annually in mid-July, it features a 32-player field competing in a legs-only format. The tournament’s emphasis on consistency and endurance makes it a true test of form across long matches.
 
'''Previous winners'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Titles !! Player !! Years won
|-
| 1
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Max Mad]]
| [[2025 IDF World Matchplay|2025]]
|}
 
=== IDF World Grand Prix ===
{{Main|IDF World Grand Prix}}
The '''IDF World Grand Prix''' is distinctive for its double-start, double-finish format—requiring players to both begin and end each leg on a double. Held annually in October, it features a limited field of the top 24 ranked players. The format’s difficulty has given rise to dramatic matches and numerous upsets, cementing its reputation as one of the circuit’s most unpredictable events.
 
=== Other Major Events ===
In addition to its flagship tournaments, the IDF calendar includes several other Majors and International Opens staged across different continents. These events provide valuable [[Order of Merit (darts)|ranking points]] and attract the sport’s elite while promoting new audiences. Notable examples include the '''IDF Masters''', '''IDF International Open''', and the '''IDF Continental Cup'''.
 
=== Tour and Normal Events ===
Below the Major tier, the IDF sanctions a year-round calendar of Tour and Normal Events, forming the competitive foundation of the sport. These tournaments contribute essential ranking points for professionals and provide exposure for new players. Success at this level is often a gateway to qualification for televised Majors and Premier events.
 
== Order of Merit ==
{{Main|IDF Order of Merit}}
The '''IDF Order of Merit''' is a rolling ranking system updated after every sanctioned event. Points and prize money determine player standings and qualification for major tournaments. The top 32 players are guaranteed entry into the [[IDF World Darts Championship]], while regional rankings offer qualification routes for international competitors. The system emphasizes consistency across the entire season.
 
== Television coverage ==
The IDF maintains global broadcast agreements across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Events are aired on major sports networks and simultaneously streamed through the IDF’s digital platform, '''IDF Live'''. Highlight shows, interviews, and analysis segments provide additional coverage aimed at growing international viewership.
 
== Player development and global growth ==
The federation actively supports grassroots and youth darts through regional academies, women’s tours, and junior championships. Initiatives in emerging regions such as South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia have increased the sport’s global participation base. The IDF also collaborates with national bodies to standardize rules and training programs, ensuring long-term development of professional and amateur talent.
 
== Notable players ==
Notable IDF players include multi-title champions such as {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Max Mad]], {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Alex Brow]], {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ethan Steel]], and {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Luke Littler]], all of whom have contributed to raising the sport’s international profile.
 
== See also ==
* [[IDF World Darts Championship]]
* [[IDF Darts Premier League]]
* [[IDF World Matchplay]]
* [[IDF World Grand Prix]]
* [[IDF Order of Merit]]


== References ==
== References ==
* [https://www.idfdarts.com Official IDF Website] 
* IDF World Championship Archives 
* Premier League Season Reviews 
* International Sports Broadcast Agreements 
== External links ==
* [https://www.idfdarts.com International Darts Federation official website]
* [https://www.youtube.com/idfdarts IDF YouTube channel]
{{IDF Darts}}
{{2025 in darts}}

Latest revision as of 23:54, 3 January 2026

International Darts Federation
AbbreviationIDF
Formation7 August 2022; 3 years ago (2022-08-07)
TypeProfessional darts organisation
HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
Region served
Worldwide
Membership100+
Chairman
Freddie Goodwin
Chief Executive
Marcus V. Lane
Staff7
Websiteidfdarts.com

The International Darts Federation (IDF) is the global governing body for professional darts, founded in August 7, 2022 (2022-08-07) to expand and modernize the sport beyond its traditionally United Kingdom–centered base. The federation was created to unify international competition, standardize tournament structures, and provide a professional pathway for emerging players worldwide.

The IDF oversees a complete season of professional tournaments, headlined by the annual IDF World Darts Championship, the sport’s premier event. Alongside the World Championship, the federation organizes several major televised competitions such as the Premier League, the IDF World Matchplay, and the IDF World Grand Prix. These tournaments form the backbone of the professional calendar and contribute directly to the federation’s Order of Merit ranking system.

History[edit | edit source]

Historically, darts was dominated by British organizations such as the PDC and BDO, leaving limited scope for a unified international body. As the sport’s popularity expanded across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, calls grew for a single federation that could oversee a truly global structure.

On August 7, 2022 (2022-08-07), the International Darts Federation (IDF) was established, chaired by Freddie Goodwin and headquartered in London. Its inaugural World Championship was staged in 2023, becoming the federation’s flagship event. The following seasons saw the introduction of a structured multi-tier calendar comprising Majors, Premier Events, and Tour-level tournaments.

Since its formation, the IDF has worked to expand the professional scene beyond its European base. Under its governance, international television deals, sponsorships, and cross-regional qualification systems have elevated the sport’s global visibility. The federation’s competitive framework, anchored by the IDF Order of Merit, ensures a merit-based progression for players from regional tours to elite events.

Tournaments[edit | edit source]

IDF World Darts Championship[edit | edit source]

Main article: IDF World Darts Championship

The IDF World Darts Championship is the organization’s premier tournament and is considered the pinnacle of professional darts. First held in 2023, it brings together the top 32 players from the IDF Order of Merit and a selection of international qualifiers. The event follows a knockout format, with matches increasing in length as rounds progress. Its prestige, prize fund, and global broadcast reach make it the defining event of the season.

Previous winners

Titles Player Years won
2

England Max Mad

1

Australia Alex Brow

England Logan White

IDF Darts Premier League[edit | edit source]

Main article: IDF Darts Premier League

The IDF Darts Premier League is a 14-week invitational competition featuring eight of the world’s top-ranked players. Each night consists of knockout-style fixtures, with points awarded for weekly performance. The season culminates in the Premier League Finals Night, where the top four players contest the title. Its rotating international venues and fast-paced weekly format have made it one of the sport’s most watched events.

Previous winners

Titles Player Years won
1

Error creating thumbnail: Duncan MacLeod

2024

Error creating thumbnail: Alex Brow

2025

IDF World Matchplay[edit | edit source]

Main article: IDF World Matchplay

The IDF World Matchplay debuted in 2025 and quickly established itself as one of the IDF’s most prestigious tournaments. Staged annually in mid-July, it features a 32-player field competing in a legs-only format. The tournament’s emphasis on consistency and endurance makes it a true test of form across long matches.

Previous winners

Titles Player Years won
1

Error creating thumbnail: Max Mad

2025

IDF World Grand Prix[edit | edit source]

Main article: IDF World Grand Prix

The IDF World Grand Prix is distinctive for its double-start, double-finish format—requiring players to both begin and end each leg on a double. Held annually in October, it features a limited field of the top 24 ranked players. The format’s difficulty has given rise to dramatic matches and numerous upsets, cementing its reputation as one of the circuit’s most unpredictable events.

Other Major Events[edit | edit source]

In addition to its flagship tournaments, the IDF calendar includes several other Majors and International Opens staged across different continents. These events provide valuable ranking points and attract the sport’s elite while promoting new audiences. Notable examples include the IDF Masters, IDF International Open, and the IDF Continental Cup.

Tour and Normal Events[edit | edit source]

Below the Major tier, the IDF sanctions a year-round calendar of Tour and Normal Events, forming the competitive foundation of the sport. These tournaments contribute essential ranking points for professionals and provide exposure for new players. Success at this level is often a gateway to qualification for televised Majors and Premier events.

Order of Merit[edit | edit source]

Main article: IDF Order of Merit

The IDF Order of Merit is a rolling ranking system updated after every sanctioned event. Points and prize money determine player standings and qualification for major tournaments. The top 32 players are guaranteed entry into the IDF World Darts Championship, while regional rankings offer qualification routes for international competitors. The system emphasizes consistency across the entire season.

Television coverage[edit | edit source]

The IDF maintains global broadcast agreements across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Events are aired on major sports networks and simultaneously streamed through the IDF’s digital platform, IDF Live. Highlight shows, interviews, and analysis segments provide additional coverage aimed at growing international viewership.

Player development and global growth[edit | edit source]

The federation actively supports grassroots and youth darts through regional academies, women’s tours, and junior championships. Initiatives in emerging regions such as South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia have increased the sport’s global participation base. The IDF also collaborates with national bodies to standardize rules and training programs, ensuring long-term development of professional and amateur talent.

Notable players[edit | edit source]

Notable IDF players include multi-title champions such as Error creating thumbnail: Max Mad, Error creating thumbnail: Alex Brow, Error creating thumbnail: Ethan Steel, and Error creating thumbnail: Luke Littler, all of whom have contributed to raising the sport’s international profile.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • Official IDF Website
  • IDF World Championship Archives
  • Premier League Season Reviews
  • International Sports Broadcast Agreements

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:IDF Darts

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