Context:

The Professional Darts Corporation's Challenge Tour was introduced to create a comprehensive infrastructure for players amidst new qualifying restrictions for the main Pro Tour. Initially launched as a 'youth tour' for 16 to 23-year-olds, it faced controversy over age limits and the participation of top-ranked players like Michael van Gerwen. The tour has evolved into a 'second division' of the PDC, allowing those without a Tour Card from Q-Schools to compete and offering prize money with the top players earning Tour Cards and spots in major championships. Despite its early controversies, the tour has been a stepping stone for players such as Masters Champion Joe Cullen and is now sponsored by Winmau. The event features no spectators or streaming and is covered extensively by Darts World magazine, which has been promoting the sport since 1972.

Dive Deeper:

• The Challenge Tour was created to provide additional opportunities for players following the introduction of qualification restrictions on the main Pro Tour, initially targeting young players aged 16 to 23.

• Controversy arose due to the inclusion of high-ranking Pro Tour players, including Michael van Gerwen, which was seen as an opportunity for these players to earn more money, sparking debates about age limits.

• Over time, the Challenge Tour was rebranded and became the 'second division' of the PDC, allowing players who did not obtain a Tour Card through Q-Schools to compete, with top-ranked players filling in gaps in the Pro Tour.

• Each of the 30 events offers significant prize money, with £2,500 awarded to winners, and culminates in the awarding of Tour Cards and qualifications for major tournaments like the PDC World Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts.

• The tour format includes two events per day over a weekend, resembles the early Pro Tour days, and is currently sponsored by Winmau, taking place without live spectators or streaming.

• Notable players such as Joe Cullen have emerged from the Challenge Tour, with Michael Smith recording a remarkable average score, potentially the highest ever in a PDC official game, during the tour's early years.

• Darts World magazine, the sport's longest-running publication, provides comprehensive coverage of the Challenge Tour, reflecting its commitment to promoting darts from professional to amateur levels worldwide.

• The Professional Darts Corporation's Challenge Tour was born as part of a successful attempt to build a fuller infrastructure for their players around the time qualification restrictions for the main Pro Tour were introduced.

• The new event was not without controversy, following its 2012 launch, as it was initially a 'youth tour' for those between 16 and 23 years old.

• Disputes about the minimum age and the maximum - both thought to be too high - and the permitting of even highly ranked Pro Tour players, including Michael van Gerwen, to take advantage of extra opportunities to earn money, caused no little noise from those outside this category.

• The first winner was Adam Hunt while MVG claimed 4 titles that first season while rebuilding his confidence which had taken a blow after the Dutch prodigy moved to the PDC. Many players from that first event and season have gone on to notable darts careers including Masters Champion and premier League runner-up, Joe Cullen.

• It's often forgotten that Michael Smith, on his way to a runner-up spot in Event 2, recorded an average of 132.61. This may well have been the highest average ever recorded in an official game of 3 legs or more as well as a record within the PDC.

• Over time the initial tour was rebranded the Development Tour and the Challenge Tour was adapted to become the 'second division' of the PDC after the professional circuit or Pro Tour.

• The current iteration sees all players who play in the annual Q-Schools, and do not win a Tour Card, eligible to play in the Challenge Tour events. In addition top ranked players are invited to fill any gaps in PDC Pro Tour events if Tour Card holders are unable to play.

• Substantial prize money is paid out at each of the (30) events (currently) £2,500 for the winner, which is included in the tour's own Order of Merit. At the end of the year, the top 2 players in the Challenge Tour Order of Merit receive a Tour Card.

• The top two also earn a place at the next PDC World Championship with the top player also qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts.

• The Challenge Tour is similar to the early days of the pro Tour except there usually two events per day and 5 over a weekend. The tour is currently sponsored by darts manufacturer Winmau and takes place without spectators nor is it streamed.