Is darts a sport? An age-old debate which has a simple answer

An age-old debate is whether darts is a sport. Some view it as a pub game, while others see it as something that anyone can do.

Albeit the age-old debate has a simple answer which has been recognised by governing bodies in the UK in particular which gives undeniable proof whether believed or not.

1. Introduction: The age‑old debate
2. Arguments for darts being a sport
3. Arguments against darts being a sport
4. Global Reach
5. Mental game

Introduction: The age‑old debate

In the UK, it is officially recognised as a sport. It was recognised as of 2005 by Sport England who mulled over its inclusion with a period of debate as to whether it can be considered a pub game or a sport.

In that way it is very similar to snooker and pool but similar to those sports, it also takes a degree of skill and precision with high accuracy.

It is often a jibe levelled at darts that it is not a sport but it is recognised as such by the leading governing bodies and isn't just a sport that anyone can be good at.

As well as the UK, England, United States, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium have all recognised it as an official sport as opposed to a game.

Arguments for darts being a sport

In terms of actual definition, a sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. So by definition also due to it being a sport also that not everyone can play, it is a sport.

Often the issue with darts is that it is a sport that anyone can play in the pub or a bar, but to actually play it well it takes like other sports hours of practice.

Also some such as Michael Smith, Luke Littler and Adrian Lewis have natural talent in the sport which means they can throw darts fairly efficiently with minimal practice. This is not achieved by everyone and it is why darts players make £1million for the PDC World Darts Championship this year.

Arguments against darts being a sport

According to stats from 'The Telegraph', 78% of people do not see it as a real sport. But this is underlined by the fact that apart from perhaps modern era greats like Gerwyn Price, many aren't athletically appearing.