Surprises, Upsets & Incredible Talent: Highlights from the 2024 CDC Weekend #2 with Sean Green & Peter Citera

In this episode of Shootin’ the Bull, the official podcast of the Championship Darts Corporation, host Anthony Eugenia welcomes Sean Green and Peter Cetera to discuss the latest happenings in darts from a North American perspective. We review the Winmau Darts Championship, Galaxy Gold Cup, and Magic Darts Masters, highlighting standout performances and compelling storylines.

Join us as we talk what led up to the impressive victories of Gary Mawson, Stowe Buntz and David Cameron, as well as the challenges faced by some of the other top players and stand out moments from up and coming talent.

If you’re a fan of darts and love to stay updated on the latest news and insights from the world of darts, this podcast episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to “Shootin’ the Bull” to stay in the know on all the action!

Stay connected by signing up for our newsletter: https://champdarts.info/intheknow

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and Twitter: @champdarts

#DartsDiscussion #CDCPodcast #ChampionshipDarts #MagicDartsMasters #WeekendRecap #PlayerPerformances #TopPlayers #CDCSeason #TournamentResults #DartsCommunity #ProfessionalDarts #PlayerAnalysis #CDCRankings #ExcitingMatches #DartsChampions #DartsCompetition #DartsSeason #DartsPros

[00:04:23] Halfway point of the season.

[00:07:34] DraftKings and sports betting opportunities.

[00:13:50] Insane match between Savada and Spellman.

[00:16:52] Seeds crashing and burning.

[00:19:48] Rising dart player performances.

[00:31:23] Magic Darts Masters.

[00:35:27] Travel issues affecting players.

[00:40:35] A wonderful weekend at Darts.

[00:42:21] Jules van Dongen

[00:45:30] Surprising players on the list.

[00:49:43] Regional tour opportunities for players.

[00:56:52] Neon Nightmare Stowe Buntz

[01:02:15] Reading the player brief.

[01:07:05] Innovative tournament format.

[01:10:00] Gaming in the darting world.

[01:14:59] American darts and regional style.

[01:18:45] Road to PDC World Championship.

[01:23:32] Impressive performance from Luke Humphries.

[01:24:13] Dart players making statements.

[01:30:12] Mexico and CDLC

[01:34:06] North American success in sports.

[01:36:46] Setting ambitious goals in darts.

[01:41:19] A journey into commentary.

[01:44:26] Youth Dart Events in Charlotte.

[01:47:31] Youth weekends and contributors appreciation.

Cameron Claims 7th CDC Title with Magic Darts Masters Win

David Cameron clinched the 2024 Magic Darts Masters title with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Jeff Smith in an all-Canadian final, marking his seventh overall win on the CDC circuit. He surged to a 6-3 lead before Smith launched a relentless comeback, surviving match darts to force a nervy deciding leg in which Cameron pinned tops in 18 darts to secure the win.

Smith and Cameron entered the weekend as the top two in the 2024 points standings but had not advanced past the quarterfinals until Event 5 on Sunday. Cameron was knocked out in the quarterfinals twice, while Smith didn’t make it past the last 16 on Saturday.

“The Silencer” began his Magic Darts Masters run with a 5-2 victory over Shane Meeks, followed by a 5-3 win against PDC tour card holder Jules Van Dongen. He then cruised through the next rounds, defeating fellow countryman and good friend Albert Anstey 6-1 and Leonard Gates 6-3, before facing Danny Baggish in the semifinals. Scoring and finishing on-form, Smith got to within one leg of victory at 6-3 before Baggish managed to claw back three legs on the trot to force a last-leg decider where Smith checked 14 for a 16-darter to book the clash with Cameron.

For his part, “Excalibur” navigated the early rounds smoothly, dispatching Brian Fenlon 5-1, Eugene Schmitt 5-0, and Anthony Cianciolo 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals. There, he faced a tough challenge from Gary Mawson, who had been in top form all weekend. In a seesaw battle, Cameron emerged victorious in a last-leg decider and then defeated fellow Canadian Jim Long to reach the final.

Throughout the tournament, Cameron posted the third-highest average at 88.58, just behind Jeff Springer and Adam Sevada. He also led with 12 180s. Daniel Baggish recorded the highest checkout of 160 and tied with Sevada for the highest checkout percentage, hitting 44% of his finishes.

Finals

  • David Cameron 7-6 Jeff Smith

Semifinals

  • Jeff Smith 7-6 Daniel Baggish
  • David Cameron 7-2 Jim Long

Quarterfinals

  • Daniel Baggish 6-4 Adam Sevada
  • Jeff Smith 6-3 Leonard Gates
  • David Cameron 6-5 Gary Mawson
  • Jim Long 6-5 Jake Womack

The journey to the 2024 Continental Cup continues on August 3 & 4 with main events 6 to 8 in Chicago, IL.

 

Article by Brian Fraser
July 15, 2024

STOWE-king the Fire: Buntz Reigns Supreme in Galaxy Gold Cup

Stowe Buntz clinched the 2024 Galaxy Gold Cup in a thrilling final Saturday night, overcoming Jacob Taylor 7-5 in a match that saw drama and brilliance in spades. Trailing 5-4 after nine legs, the reigning Continental Cup champion reached deep and reeled off the final three legs to capture his first title of the year and remind the darts world why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Coming off a shocking second-round exit in his previous event, Buntz wasted no time making his intentions clear. He stormed through the early rounds with a 5-2 triumph over Levi Kransel and dispatched Ross Snook 5-1 to set the tone. Buntz then delivered back-to-back 6-0 whitewash wins against Jake Womack and Jim Long, cruising into the semifinals. There, Event 3 winner Gary Mawson pushed him to the brink, but Buntz’s resilience shone through in a thrilling 7-6 win.

Jacob Taylor, on the other hand, had a rocky start, edging past Jeff McDonald, Trevor Buboltz, and Dustin Holt in less-than-impressive fashion. But he found his rhythm just in time, averaging 103.43 in a 6-2 demolition of Leonard Gates and continuing his strong form with a 92.70 average to overcome Adam Sevada in the semifinals. His 98.58 average in the final was six points higher than his opponent’s but wasn’t enough to stop Buntz’s late surge.

Statistically, Buntz was peerless. He posted an 89.05 average and matched Taylor with 10 maximums. His checkout rate of 40% is a testament to his clinical finishing under pressure. Danny Baggish, meanwhile, provided the highest checkout of the day with a spectacular 167 to close out his second-round win over Albert Anstey.

Finals

  • Stowe Buntz 7-5 Jacob Taylor

Semifinals

  • Jacob Taylor 7-6 Adam Sevada
  • Stowe Buntz 7-6 Gary Mawson

Quarterfinals

  • Adam Sevada 6-4 Alex Spellman
  • Jacob Taylor 6-2 Leonard Gates
  • Gary Mawson 6-5 David Cameron
  • Stowe Buntz 6-4 Jim Long

With the Galaxy Gold Cup in the rearview mirror, the CDC main tour moves on to the Magic Darts Masters, kicking off Sunday at noon in Chicago, Illinois. The journey continues, with all roads leading to the 2024 Continental Cup.

Article by Brian Fraser
7/14/2024

“The Mawler” Rolls Back the Years to Take Winmau Championship Title

North America’s top players gathered in Chicago, IL, for the Winmau Darts Championship – Event #3 on the 2024 Championship Darts Circuit. Sixty-four players started the day vying for the title, but it was “The Mawler” Gary Mawson who turned back the clock, defeating Jeff Springer 7-4 to secure his first CDC title since the 2018 Continental Cup. Both players were making their first finals appearance since 2022.

The tournament saw shocking first-round exits for Jeff Smith, Jules Van Dongen, and Danny Lauby. Second-round defeats for Stowe Buntz, Leonard Gates, and Adam Sevada left the bracket wide open. Top seed Alex Spellman failed to make it past the last 16, while former US number one Daniel Baggish fell in the quarterfinals, along with the Canadian trio of Jacob Taylor, David Cameron, and Jim Long.

Gary Mawson was in commanding form during his early matches, securing a 5-1 victory over Chris Caldwell, a 5-0 win over Jacob Schaeffer, and a 6-1 triumph over Sylvain Bourdeau. He faced a tough test in the quarterfinals, falling behind 4-3 before rallying to win the last three legs to secure victory over David Cameron. In the semifinals, Mawson opened up a 5-2 lead against Jake Womack, eventually holding on for a 7-5 win.

Springer was the giant killer of the day, knocking out Jeff Smith 5-2 in the first round, Alex Spellman 6-5 in the third round, and Daniel Baggish 6-3 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals against Nick Linberg, Springer found himself trailing 5-4 but showcased his resilience by winning three successive legs to take the match 7-5.

Despite his defeat in the last 16, Alex Spellman posted an impressive average of 95.65 on the day. Jeff Springer led the way with twelve 180s, four more than semifinalist Jake Womack, and also hit the highest checkout of the tournament with a 164.

 

Final
Gary Mawson  7-4  Jeff Springer

Semifinals
Jeff Springer  7-5  Nick Linberg
Gary Mawson  7-5  Jake Womack

Quarterfinals
Jeff Springer  6-3  Danny Baggish
Nick Linberg  6-1  Jacob Taylor
Gary Mawson  6-4  David Cameron
Jake Womack  6-2  Jim Long

The full bracket is available at: https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/cdc24dc03/brackets/72784

The CDC continues with Event #4 – the Galaxy Gold Cup – this evening in Chicago.

Article by Brian Fraser

July 13, 2024

CDC Tour Weekend #2 – Betting Preview

As the Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) Tour prepares for its second weekend in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois from July 13-14, the darts world is buzzing with anticipation. With two months passed since the season opener in Indianapolis, players have had time to refine their game and strategize for the challenges ahead. The betting odds reflect this extended break, taking into account not just the Indianapolis results, but also players’ performances in other competitions and their historical strengths. From seasoned champions looking to assert their dominance to hungry challengers eager to make their mark, the Oakbrook Terrace event promises a smorgasbord of betting opportunities for those willing to delve deep into the intricacies of each matchup.

After reading, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.

Elevate Your CDC Tour Betting Experience with NXTbets’ Expert Analysis

Ready to take your CDC Tour betting to the next level? Don’t miss out on NXTbets’ comprehensive CDC Tour Weekend #2 Best Bets Article. Packed with expert insights, value picks, and in-depth analysis, this guide is your ultimate resource to navigate the odds and make informed wagers on all the weekend’s premier matches.

Where to Place Your Bets

Get in on the high-stakes action with our affiliated sportsbooks, offering competitive odds and exclusive promotions for the CDC Oakbrook Terrace Weekend. For an extra dose of excitement, try your hand at CDC Tour DFS on partner platforms and claim your deposit match bonuses!

Key Takeaways

  • Cameron’s Momentum: David Cameron’s recent Event #2 victory and overall standings lead make him a compelling favorite, but do the odds reflect his true potential?
  • Spellman’s Comeback: Alex Spellman’s disappointing Indianapolis showing has lengthened his odds, creating a high-risk, high-reward betting opportunity if he rediscovers his 2022 form.
  • Gates’ Gambit: Leonard Gates’ dramatic shift from Event #1 champion to Weekend #2 outsider presents an interesting dilemma for bettors weighing recent success against consistency.
  • Buntz’s Surge: Stowe Buntz’s strong start and reigning Continental Cup status have positioned him as a top contender, but can he live up to the hype in Oakbrook Terrace?

With the stage set and the odds locked in, it’s time to make your mark on the CDC Tour Weekend #2. Whether you’re backing a proven champion, a surging underdog, or spreading your bets across the field, the time to act is now. Don’t let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers – head to our expert analysis, study the latest odds, and stake your claim on what promises to be a weekend of nail-biting action and potentially lucrative outcomes. May your bets be as precise as a perfect nine-darter!

21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

US Darts Masters Moments, World Cup and Q&A with Stowe Buntz

In the latest episode of our podcast, “Shootin’ the Bull,” Anthony Eugenia was joined by Continental Cup Champion Stowe Buntz and CDC Correspondent KJ McGlinn. We had a fantastic discussion about the 2024 US Darts Masters, PDC World Cup of Darts as well as answering your questions about North American darts. Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

  • PDC World Cup of Darts: We delved into the action-packed matches, notable performances, and team dynamics at the World Cup. From Team USA’s tough start to Canada’s promising prospects, we covered it all.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Stowe Buntz, shared his experiences playing on the big stage and representing North America. He discussed the nerves, excitement, and camaraderie that come with competing in prestigious darts events. KJ McGlinn shared insights from interviewing the players and fans at the recent US Darts Masters. 

  • Future Prospects: We looked ahead to the potential growth of darts in North America and the exciting opportunities for players to showcase their skills on the international stage plus how YOU, the fans can make an impact in growing the sport!

If you’re a darts fan or simply enjoy engaging discussions about sports, this episode is a must-listen. 

You can listen to the full episode on our podcast platform or watch the video version on our YouTube channel.  

🎉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more engaging content and updates.🎯

Let us know your thoughts and favorite moments from the episode in the comments! 

 

[00:03:10] PDC players talk coming to New York

[00:11:32] US Darts Masters highlights

[00:13:32] Playing at Madison Square Garden.

[00:19:34] Dart players as performers.

[00:20:16] The importance of showmanship.

[00:30:39] First autograph request memory.

[00:33:25] Darts attracting new fans.

[00:37:26] What’s ahead for the 2025 US Darts Masters

[00:45:25] Representing USA in darts.

[00:49:19] Doubles format in tournaments.

[00:53:52] CDC circuit updates

[00:57:26] Favorite darts players.

[01:02:30] Youth players becoming big stars.

[01:09:20] Supporting players and growing the game.

[01:12:23] Promoting sport in North America.

Talking Littler, Tour Winners & US Darts Masters with Jeff Smith & Gordon Dixon

🎯 In this episode with your host, Anthony Eugenia, we had some incredible insights and discussions with our special guests, Gordon Dixon and reigning North American champion, Jeff Smith. Here are three key takeaways from this episode that you won’t want to miss:

  1. Luke Littler’s Impressive Debut: Luke Littler, the young dart player, made a remarkable debut in the Premier League, showcasing nerves of steel and exceptional talent. Despite his young age, he proved himself on the big stage, leaving us all in awe of his potential.

  2. CDC Championship Darts Circuit Weekend 1 Recap: We delved into the highlights of the CDC Championship Darts Circuit Weekend 1, where Leonard Gates and David Cameron emerged victorious in the events. Jeff Smith’s performance in the qualifiers and his upcoming participation in the PDC US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden were also discussed.

  3. PopCon Indy Experience: Our team had an amazing time at PopCon Indy, a pop culture convention, where we introduced darts to a diverse audience. The interactions with fans, including young kids and celebrities like Andy Serkis and John Barrowman, were truly memorable, showcasing the universal appeal of darts.

[00:01:32] Premier League hot takes & the Littler Effect

[00:08:53] Weekend #1 Recap

[00:18:32] PDC US Darts Masters.

[00:32:19] Darts at PopCon

Tune in to the latest episode to catch all the exciting insights, discussions, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of darts! 🎯

🎉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more engaging content and updates.

Let us know your thoughts and favorite moments from the episode in the comments! 

#ShootinTheBull #CDCPodcast #DartsCommunity 🎧🎯

 

Cameron Races to Victory in Indianapolis 501

Two of Canada’s finest clashed in the Final at the 2024 CDC Indianapolis 501 on Sunday, with David Cameron – the 2023 CDC top-ranked Canadian – emerging victorious over the 2023 North American champion, Jeff Smith, to clinch the title. Cameron’s precision finishing proved decisive in the final, showcasing three ton-plus finishes and two more over 90.

Jeff Smith, returning to the CDC circuit after several years playing overseas, began his campaign with a 5-3 win over Sylvain Bourdeau, followed by a commanding 5-0 victory over Chris Swanson. Smith then defeated the 11th seed, Keith Way, 5-3, before delivering a blistering performance against fellow US Darts Masters qualifier, Adam Sevada, winning 6-0 with a 101 average to Sevada’s 96. He continued his impressive run with a 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Jacob Taylor and a 7-1 semifinal triumph over Jake Womack.

David Cameron, the number one seed, opened with consecutive 5-1 victories over Paul Forauer and Chris Caldwell. He narrowly escaped his last-16 matchup against Danny Young, winning 6-5, and then dispatched an out-of-sorts Daniel Baggish 6-0. Cameron’s semifinal clash against Stowe Buntz was a tight, back-and-forth affair, but he ultimately prevailed 7-5 to reach the final.

This was a big weekend for Excalibur as he not only claimed the Event #2 title, but also booked a spot at the US Darts Masters (alongside Smith and Sevada) by winning Friday’s qualifier AND secured his place as Matt Campbell’s partner on Team Canada at the World Cup of Darts to be held in Frankfurt from June 27-30.

The tournament saw several surprising early exits, with five top-10 players falling in the round of 64. Notable early casualties included Alex Spellman (2), Jim Long (6), Larry Butler (7), and Gary Mawson (9). However, the biggest shock came when Leonard Gates, the fourth seed and winner of Main Event #1, was knocked out by Jack Robinson 5-2.

Adam Sevada, who also qualified for the North American Championship and the US Darts Masters, led the way with a 92.33 average. Jeff Smith edged out David Cameron for most 180s, hitting 12. John Part had a 45% checkout rate, while Jake MacMillan recorded a tournament-high 167 checkout in his third-round loss to Jake Taylor.

Finals
David Cameron (1) 7-5 Jeff Smith

Semifinals
David Cameron (1) 7-5 Stowe Buntz (5)
Jeff Smith 7-1 Jake Womack

Quarterfinals
David Cameron (1) 6-0 Daniel Baggish (8)
Stowe Buntz (5) 6-5 Jack Robinson
Jake Womack 6-2 Jules Van Dongen (15)
Jeff Smith 6-3 Jacob Taylor (3)

The Championship Darts Corporation’s main circuit continues with Events 3 to 5, taking place July 13 and 14 in Chicago, Illinois.