Hungry like the Wolfie

Man oh man was I dragging my feet yesterday. It's not my fault, though. It is the time difference's. As I said Sunday, the hubs' team had a Super Bowl get together at a local restaurant. Seeing as the game didn't start until midnight, we were up pretty late. I am still feeling a little weary...but I think I will make it :)

So, let's see. It has been just over 24 hours since the Super Bowl. You won't get another taste of football - well, besides the ever exciting CFL - until late summer. I imagine that the die hard fans have already hit the panic button and will soon be going through withdrawals. I think this scares a few of you football fans as well, or, better yet, very much pleases those of you who aren't fans!

But there is no need to worry. Quit panicking, crying and screaming, I have just the thing that will fill that gaping void that football left in your TV schedule.

World Championship Darts. Yep, you read that right, I am new found fan of the professional darts circuit. 

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British Sky played the heck outta the BDO World Darts Championship over the holiday season. I mean, it was always on. Well, that and Snooker, but I can't stoop that low and bring myself to watch Snooker.

At first, we would laugh, skipping over the channel, thinking 'who in their right mind would watch darts on television". But then, one dark and cold night (with NOTHING else on TV) darts changed our whole perspective on sh*t.

Come on, don't stop reading now, I promise you won't be disappointed :)

Really, what is not to love about the World Darts Championship?! There's action, drama, love, excitement. And beer, lots of beer.

So, not only is it entertaining - the sarcastic commentary and camera work are great - but the fans at the event go crazy. You would not believe this party! It's like Oktoberfest, Halloween and a darts bar all rolled into one. There are costumes, signs, cussing, tears, dramatic shots of the players (throwers?) wives and girlfriends cheering. Oh yeah, those dart studs pull in the broads hand over fist. 

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My favorite game to watch is 501. According to WIkipedia "There are many games that can be played on a dartboard, but darts generally refers to a game whereby the player throws three darts per visit to the board with the goal of reducing a fixed score, commonly 501, to zero, with the final dart landing in either the bullseye or a double segment."

Its fast moving and fun to try to keep up with the counting. In 501, the most you can get in one turn is 180 points, which is when all 3 darts hit the triple 20. A pretty difficult maneuver.

When this happens the camera dramatically zooms in, the announcer goes crazy, and the fans go wild. As soon as they hear the famous "One hundred and eeeeiiiigggghhhhtttyyy" the crowd is up and jumping around. Have a look at the first part of the clip below to have a better idea of what I am talking about. Just awesome. 

You think this guy gets chicks solely on his darts announcing skills. All signs point to yes!

Then of course we can't forget about the most important people there, the professional dart players. One look, and it is easy to tell that they are indeed pro 'athletes". I think it is their strength, agility and Adonis-like physique that stands them apart. Or maybe the 1980s style clothes and wicked facial hair. It's one of the two. 

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Take Andy "The Viking" Fordham pictured above. Pure athletics, right? Well, he did win the 2004 BDO World Darts Championship. And was for some time ranked number 1...in the world. When was the last time you were ranked number one in the world...or in anything? Yeah, me neither. So this guys gets a pass.

But my personal favorite has got to be Martin Adams, aka Wolfie. Not only is he a great darts player, but he has one of the sickest intros of all times. They blare "Hungry Like the Wolf" when he is being introduced. Plus the crowd howls when we walks out. Awesome! 

He became champion for the second time at the 2010 BDO World Darts Championship and is quickly becoming one of the legends of the sport. I think the hubs might have to start blasting the Duran Duran before his games now as well. With a track record like Wolfie, why would not want to emulate his routine (or his facial hair for that matter)?

I heart Wolfie (source)

Also, I am pretty sure it is a requirement to have a badass nickname to play pro darts.  There is Bob "The Limestone Cowboy" Anderson, Steve "Magnum PI" Beaton, Richie "The Prince of Wales" Burnett, and Keith "The Milky Bar Kid" Deller. I could go on, but I'll spare you.

But all joking aside, it really is a fun and mesmerizing sport to watch. If the BDO World Championship ever comes on back at home, take 30 seconds, and I can guarantee you will be hooked.

I honestly hope I can attend a World Championship one day. No, I'm not kidding, I might even have to add it to my bucket list. And its not so much that I am a big darts fan, but I do love a great party :)