THE PDC
- The 2018 season will have record prize money, with talk that it'll be around the £13-14m mark. 24 men won over £100,000 in the 2017 season, with probably another 4-5 people that will hit that mark in 2018 based on substantial increases. To qualify for Ally Pally, you'll probably guarantee yourself the same amount as getting to the Semi Finals at Lakeside (if it indeed does return).
Entry fees have been terminated for all PDPA members.
You can travel the world and win more prize money at probably the same cost as chasing BDO points around. With entry fees terminated, there is no longer the financial pressure other than flights, accomodation and beer that would be consumed at a BDO event anyway. There is typically 2-3 events per ProTour weekend, rather than 1 BDO event.
As Lakeside Champion, you could gain a place on the World Series? All expenses paid by the PDC playing in some fantastic locations like Las Vegas, Tokyo, Shanghai and Brisbane.
You can play in professional playing conditions. No crowded rooms of 1000 people over 64-128 boards in some locations. You have space to breathe. You will be welcomed with open arms.
TV is guaranteed until 2025 at least. You will be more attractive to sponsors by having more TV time. As Lakeside Champion, you'll enjoy more coverage than the typical switcher should you qualify for the events. You're already guaranteed 6 matches over 2 years at the GSOD and £2.5k+ a year just for turning up.
You will become a better player by playing with better players.
- There is no guarantee of TV next year.
There is no guarantee that this tournament will still be at Lakeside next year. If Lakeside goes, the history, the prestige and the fans that attend every year goes with it.
Only 1 player can win the £100,000 every year. Whereas most main tour PDC events will have that as a total prize fund.
Frankly, outside of Lakeside no one cares about BDO events. No one knows that other events, national teams, county and SL even exist.
How many promises have the BDO board made and broken since Olly retired/was retired? And before that?
The rumoured new chairman of the BDO has been shown to be unprofessional; probably someone the TV companies and sponsors will not want to be associated with.
