THE search is on for the 2017 Worthington’s Champion of Champions with pubs and clubs across the country signing up to hold heats to find local champions for the £20,000 grand final in Cardiff on August 26.

Sponsored by Molson Coors and Red Dragon Darts, the tournament mirrors the best of three legs 501 format of the iconic News of the World competition with heat winners automatically qualifying for the 256 player grand final.

To take part, players must first register at www.reddragondarts.com and can play in as many qualifiers as they like. The tournament is open to men and women of all abilities, as well as children over the age of 14 with the permission of landlords.

“The Worthington’s Champion of Champions is the people’s darts tournament,” says Simon Hall, head of marketing at Red Dragon Darts. “Pubs and clubs are at the heart of the sport and as we have seen in previous years, they produce some fantastic darting talent. The event gets better and better and this year’s will be an incredible experience for everyone taking part.”

Last year’s winner was Jonny Clayton, a plasterer from Pembrokeshire. In addition to the trophy and title of Worthington’s Champion of Champions 2016, he picked up a cheque for £5,000.

“It’s a marvellous event,” he says. “The organisation is second to none and pits some of the best-known names in the game alongside pub champions. The tournament has a great, big-stage feel to it and I’m sure the 2017 event will be even bigger and better.”

To hold a qualifying heat, pubs and clubs have until May 30 to sign up at www.reddragondarts.com. More details on the Worthington’s Champion of Champions 2017 tournament, including a list of venues already signed up to hold qualifiers, is also available on the website.