The PDC have announced investment worth more than £3 million into the global expansion of the sport, which includes a change to the rules for qualification. It comes as darts continues to expand, with 34 different nationalities already represented in this year’s expanded World Darts Championship format.

That has not only brought about top quality matches, but some brilliant characters for the Alexandra Palace to get engaged with. Following that, there have been calls to open up more qualification spots from continents such as Africa, not least after the performance of David Munyua.

The Kenyan pulled off one of the greatest upsets on the Ally Pally stage when he fought back from 2-0 down in sets to beat Mike De Decker 3-2. Munyua had only picked up darts three years prior to his appearance at Worlds, and was keen to emphasise how much talent there was in Africa.

That has been heard by the PDC, who have confirmed the addition of another qualifying spot for Africa for the 2027 World Darts Championship as part of a rule change. In a statement from the darts body about their investment into the global game, the expansion in Africa reads: “Darts across Africa will be boosted by a new agreement with the African Darts Group, which will see the African Continental Tour feature six R50,000 events each across the Northern and Southern regions respectively – and will increase to featuring two World Championship qualifiers from the 2026/27 event.”

That means more opportunities for stars from Africa to show their quality on the biggest stage, while putting themselves in a position to win the £1 million prize fund at the end of it all. Munyua’s performance certainly highlighted to the masses how much unearthed quality could be in the continent, with the right investment made to support players.

While his dream debut ended in the second round, with defeat to Kevin Doets, the Kenyan has reflected on an amazing journey so far. “I tried my best, but Kevin [Doets] was much better than me today. I wish him the best,” he said after falling to defeat. “It is amazing, the exposure that I have got, and playing quality players like Kevin and Mike [De Decker] makes it all worthwhile.

“Winning the first round was phenomenal for me, and with this being my first time at Ally Pally, I have done my best, and I am happy with that.” Meanwhile the 30-year-old, who is a full-time vet outside of his darts playing career, also opened up on his hope that darts can continue to expand in Africa.

“If we could have different countries from Africa (at the tournament), that would be impressive. If Munyua is doing it why not them? From Cameroon, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania. There is nothing that could unite Africa more than sport, sport is the only activity that can join us.”

The PDC have certainly opened up that opportunity, with one of the most accessible sports on the planet now being available to even more. The boom within darts seems to just be starting, with more and more people gripped by the action at Ally Pally and beyond.

All eyes will be on the rest of the tournament now, as the Christmas break comes in for the next three days, before the action kicks off again. From December 27 onwards, the latter rounds get underway, starting off with round three.

Luke Littler is still the favourite to win the competition this year, though there have been plenty of upsets already. Luke Humphries is also fancied to make the final, while other stars have shown they are capable of pulling out some top averages and clinical finishing when needed.