‘Show who you are’ – Darts star reveals how Barry Hearn chat led to axing of little-known World Championship rule
‘Show Who You Are’ – Darts Star Reveals How Barry Hearn Chat Led to Axing of Little-Known World Championship Rule
A darts star has revealed how a conversation with Barry Hearn helped bring about the removal of a little-known rule at the World Darts Championship, allowing players greater freedom to express their individuality on the sport’s biggest stage.
For years, PDC regulations meant players could be forced to change shirts if their opponent wore a similar colour, with lower-ranked players often required to bring multiple kits to Alexandra Palace in case of a clash. While rarely discussed publicly, the rule was a source of frustration behind the scenes.
That has now changed — and according to former PDC tour card holder Matthew Edgar, a direct discussion with PDC president Barry Hearn played a key role in the decision.
Speaking on his Edgar TV YouTube channel, Edgar explained how the topic came up during meetings between players and the PDC hierarchy.
“As darts became more individual and personalities were encouraged, Barry was very clear,” Edgar said. “He was saying, ‘We need you to show who you are.’”
Edgar recalled how the old rule could lead to awkward situations, especially when facing players known for sticking to a trademark colour.
“When I played Michael van Gerwen, who always wears green, I had to take an alternative shirt because I also wore green at the time,” he explained. “It happened all the time. It got even trickier with someone like Peter Wright, because you never knew what colour he was going to turn up in.”
Under the previous system, the higher-ranked player had priority, meaning their opponent was forced to change — even in blockbuster clashes between top stars.
Edgar argued that as darts evolved, that approach no longer made sense.
“The sport is about familiarity and personality now,” he said. “Fans recognise players by what they wear. Those little details matter.”
Following discussions with players, the PDC ultimately decided to scrap the rule, allowing competitors to wear similar colours as long as their shirts were clearly distinguishable through design or pattern.
The change has been quietly welcomed by players and fans alike, with several World Championship matches already benefiting from the relaxed regulation this year.
For Edgar, it was a sign of how the PDC continues to adapt alongside the sport’s growth.
“Darts isn’t just about throwing arrows anymore,” he added. “It’s about identity. And Barry understood that.”
The axing of the rule may have gone largely unnoticed by casual viewers, but for players on the Alexandra Palace stage, it represents a small but significant shift towards celebrating individuality at the World Darts Championship.
