Superstars of darts target more maximums as they back The BIGGER 180

The biggest names in darts are stepping up to send a lifesaving message to men as they throw their support behind The BIGGER 180 at the World Darts Championship. 

We’re joining forces with Paddy Power to reach record numbers of men – and get them checking their risk. 

Because right now, the biggest lifesaver is making sure every man knows his risk of prostate cancer. That’s why we’re getting our message out to men right across the country. And urging darts fans in all corners of the UK to check their risk using our 30-second online risk checker. 

But we’re not stopping there. When the sport’s showpiece event gets under way at Alexandra Palace on 15 December, the biggest stars in darts will be aiming to hit as many 180s as possible – with the Ballon d’Art trophy up for grabs for the player with the most maximums.  

For each 180 scored at this year’s championship, Paddy Power will donate £1,000 - plus a massive £180,000 bonus for every nine-darter. That’s £60,000 to the player who lands the perfect checkout, £60,000 to one lucky darts fan in the Ally Pally crowd and a further £60,000 to support TRANSFORM - the most ambitious prostate cancer screening trial ever. 

Our TRANSFORM trial will find the best way to diagnose the disease early, when it’s easier to treat. And pave the way for a national screening programme, where every man at risk is invited for regular, accurate tests. This is the big one – and it will help us save men’s lives long into the future.  

One step closer to a world where all men are invited for regular tests

Last year, The BIG 180 raised £1 million towards our work after the planet’s top players fired in an astonishing 914 maximums during the 2023/24 World Darts Championship – with Paddy Power rounding up the final donation to reach the seven-figure sum. 

But this Christmas, we’re aiming to go even bigger. By raising record funds and reaching men right across the UK, including regions like Scotland, Wales, the North West, the South West and the Midlands where we know there are higher numbers of men who are diagnosed too late to be cured. 

Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to team up with Paddy Power again for The BIGGER 180.  

“Last year’s campaign was a staggering success – raising an incredible £1 million, getting record numbers checking their risk and making a huge impact for men and their loved ones. 

“With The BIGGER 180, we’re aiming to reach even more men right across the UK. And the funds we raise along the way will help us move one step closer to a future where all men are invited for regular, accurate tests – which could save thousands of lives.” 

'Getting checked and understanding your risk is so important'

Michael Smith, the world champion in 2023, is among the top contenders for this year’s crown. But he’s already hit the bullseye by backing our big message for men. 

“Prostate cancer has never been on my radar,” he said. “But hearing it affects 1 in 8 men is a shocking statistic. Men need to be more aware of their risk – and I include myself in that. If it’s caught early, it’s curable.” 

And Rob Cross, who was crowned world champion in 2018, says he’s proud to get behind The BIGGER 180 too.  

“People love the darts – everybody goes mad for it. And by having this campaign, a lot more people will become aware of prostate cancer. People getting checked and understanding their risk of the disease is so important. I’m proud to support it.” 

Check your risk of prostate cancer today. And if you've done it already, talk to the men in your life and ask them to check theirs too. It only takes 30 seconds – you can do it while you’re watching the darts! 

CHECK YOUR RISK