3 Players Who Could Be Set for a Big Year in 2024

It has been an excellent year on the PDC circuit in 2023, with some big performances on the oche across the season. Here is a look ahead to 2024 and who could be set for a fantastic year in the sport, with major glory going their way.

 

Luke Humphries

Englishman Luke Humphries has ended 2023 in remarkable form. He won three straight major televised tournaments between October and November, with success coming in the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals.

Before the World Grand Prix in Dublin, Humphries had never won a major ranking event with the PDC before. He now looks as though he will add to his tally in 2024, as there is no reason to think he won’t carry his form into the new calendar year.

Enjoyed being back at Alexandra palace last night! Wasn’t at my best but got the important win, looking forward to being back, and will be even better next round thanks for all the support before, during, and after my first game, see you all after Christmas  pic.twitter.com/mPMrTjA9zf

— Luke Humphries (@lukeh180) December 18, 2023

Humphries will be hoping to end the season on a high at the PDC World Darts Championship, where he is the 3/1 favourite. Those looking to back “Cool Hand Luke” at the Alexandra Palace should consider the best free bet offers available of the tournament, like the get £40 in bonuses when you bet £10 with Betfred or SpreadEx, a promotion open to new customers.

 

Damon Heta

Australian Damon Heta is the only player in the top 10 of the PDC’s Order of Merit not to have won a major tournament yet. His wait should come to an end in 2024, as The Heat has shown he can get results against the leading players on a consistent basis.

Along with Simon Whitlock, Heta helped Australia win the PDC World Cup of Darts in 2022. Heta beat both Gerywn Price and Clayton in the final, dropping just two legs in those matches. He averaged 99.46 in the fourth and conclusive match in the final in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Brisbane Darts Masters winner reached the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals in 2023. Just like Humphries did, once he wins his maiden major title, he could go on to have multiple ranking success in the PDC.

 

James Wade

The Machine James Wade will head into the new year full of disappointment. He was beaten in the second round of the World Darts Championship after being upset by Canadian Matt Campbell. That loss should spur Wade on to practice hard in the early stages of 2024.

Morning! I’m still on cloud 9 it’s a great feeling to win the #UKOpen again. Thank you everyone for the support ⚙️ pic.twitter.com/YCMsnQrHS8

— James Wade (@JamesWade180) March 8, 2021

With 11 major titles in the PDC, Wade is one of the most decorated players in the history of the organisation. However, his last major title was in 2021 when he won the UK Open for the third time.

Wade showed he is still capable of challenging for the big tournaments when he reached the final of the European Championship in 2023. He had wins over Dirk van Duijvenbode, Jose de Sousa, and Humphries before losing to Peter Wright in the final. He can go one place better in a major event in 2024.

The 2024/25 PDC season begins on the 18th of January with the Bahrain Masters. The opening ranking event of the year starts on the 1st of March with the UK Open in Minehead.