Paddy Power reveal striking new ‘Ballon d’Art World Darts Championship trophy as part of BIG 180 charity campaign

PADDY POWER have revealed their striking new trophy ahead of the World Darts Championship – the Ballon d’Art.

It comes as the biggest tournament in darts gets ready for a start on December 15 with the bookmaker sponsoring it for the first time.

Reigning champ Michael Smith with the Ballon d’Art

The player to hit the most 180s at the Ally Pally will take home the trophy

The cheeky firm caused a stir last week when releasing a ‘new’ dartboard containing a dark green Treble 20 bed – moving away from the standard red.

But that was later confirmed to be a stunt, but a good one as it formed part of their ‘BIG 180’ campaign, where they’re looking to raise a possible £1million for Prostate Cancer UK.

Paddy Power will donate £1,000 for every maximum hit during the three weeks – with last year’s 901 hit hoping to be exceeded.

The objective of ‘The BIG 180’ campaign is to drive awareness, encourage 180,000 men to use the simple online Risk Checker, and force Paddy Power to cough up a potentially transformative sum to Prostate Cancer UK.

The Ballon d’Art is the next initiative as part of the BIG 180, with the player hitting the most 180s during the tournament – thus generating the most money for charity – collecting the near-one metre and 16kg trophy.

Last year’s tournament winner, Michael Smith also hit the most 180s – including two in THAT leg of the final – hitting 66 in total.

Whoever hits the most 180s at Ally Pally will receive the Ballon d’Art trophy.

Now, let’s see what the players think of it…@OfficialPDC | @ProstateUK | 18+ BeGambleAware pic.twitter.com/ywvZGA0EWk

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 4, 2023

The impressive trophy stands at almost one-metre in height

Speaking on the new trophy, he said: “We don’t need much encouragement when it comes to scoring 180s at the World Championship, but to know each one will trigger a £1,000 donation to Prostate Cancer UK is another fantastic incentive for us.”

He added: “Prostate cancer has never been on my radar, but hearing the disease affects one in eight men is a shocking statistic. Men need to be more aware of their risk of prostate cancer, and I include myself in that, as if caught early it’s curable. 

“If we can help raise money and awareness of Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker tool via www.prostatecanceruk.org/180-risk to save lives that will be amazing.”

Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Laura Kerby said: “We are thrilled to become the official charity partner of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship and thank Paddy Power and the PDC for uniting the darts community as we target this disease head on.

“This iconic tournament is a sporting staple across the festive period, and THE BIG 180 will put us at the heart of the action.

“The Ballon d’Art will celebrate the darts player who raises the most money for Prostate Cancer UK via THE BIG 180 campaign one maximum at time.”  

It weights an impressive 16kg

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