The Professional Darts Corporation’s push into new territory took a major step forward with the staging of the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, but while the standard of play impressed, the atmosphere inside the arena quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the event.
Held in Riyadh as part of the PDC’s World Series schedule, the tournament brought together some of the biggest names in the sport, including world champions and Premier League stars. On the oche, the quality was never in doubt. The reigning world champion produced another commanding performance, rolling through the field before defeating Michael van Gerwen in a high-quality final to lift the trophy. It was a statement victory that reinforced his status at the top of the game and capped off an already remarkable start to the year.
Yet away from the scoreboard, attention turned to the crowd. For many watching at home — and for the players themselves — the atmosphere felt noticeably different from what darts fans have come to expect. Gone were the booming chants, elaborate fancy dress, and wall-to-wall noise that typically define PDC events in Europe. Instead, the Riyadh audience was calm, respectful, and often reserved, creating a stark contrast to the sport’s traditional party-like environment.
That difference didn’t go unnoticed. One world champion offered a brutally honest assessment after his match, admitting the crowd experience took some getting used to. He suggested that the atmosphere felt unfamiliar and hinted that not everyone inside the venue appeared to be a seasoned darts fan. While stressing that the audience was polite and well-behaved, he acknowledged that the lack of sustained noise and reaction made the experience feel unusual compared to packed arenas in the UK or Netherlands.
Other players echoed similar sentiments, describing the environment as “different” rather than hostile. Some admitted it was strange to hear applause for modest scores while big moments were sometimes met with subdued reactions. For professionals who thrive off energy from the stands, the quieter setting presented a new challenge, requiring them to generate momentum internally rather than feeding off the crowd.
Not all feedback was critical, however. Several players were keen to highlight positives, pointing out that the Saudi audience was attentive and clearly focused on the darts itself. Rather than being distracted by chanting or alcohol-fuelled antics, spectators followed the action closely, reacting to finishes and key moments with appreciation. One former world champion even praised the crowd for being genuinely engaged in the sport, arguing that darts doesn’t always need chaos to be compelling.
The PDC, meanwhile, defended the event and welcomed the honest feedback. Officials acknowledged that launching tournaments in new regions naturally comes with cultural differences, particularly in crowd behaviour. They emphasised that the event was a first step rather than a finished product and that building a passionate darts culture takes time. From the organisation’s perspective, strong attendance, global television exposure, and elite-level performances all marked the tournament as a success.
For the reigning world champion, the focus quickly returned to results rather than surroundings. His victory in Riyadh added another major title to his rapidly growing collection and further underlined his consistency at the top level. While he admitted the atmosphere was unlike anything he had previously experienced, he also stressed that adapting is part of being a professional and that winning remains the ultimate priority.
As darts continues its global expansion, the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters has sparked an important conversation about tradition versus growth. The crowd may not yet resemble the roaring scenes seen at Alexandra Palace or Rotterdam Ahoy, but the foundations are in place. Respectful engagement, curiosity, and high-level competition suggest there is room for the sport to evolve in the region.
Whether the atmosphere transforms in future editions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the event has already left a lasting impression — not just for the darts thrown on stage, but for the honest and sometimes uncomfortable conversations it has triggered across the sport.