Michael van Gerwen not the most backed player to win PDC World Darts Championship

Bookmakers Ladbrokes have revealed the 10 most popular picks with punters to win the World Darts Championship.

The official betting partner of the 2023 World Darts Championship say Michael Smith – who recently ended his long wait to capture a major title by winning the Grand Slam – is top of the popularity charts as things stand, with 12.7% of all outright bets being placed on Bully Boy, who is 13/2 to go all the way.

Unsurprisingly, Michael van Gerwen – the 13/5 favourite – is right behind in terms of bets placed with 11.8% of the share, while debutant Josh Rock is sixth in the popularity charts for the Sid Waddell Trophy.

READ MORE: Inside the early PDC World Championships with horse walk-ons and a young Jeff Stelling

World number one Gerwyn Price is next up with 7.8%, just ahead of defending champion Peter Wright, who begins his campaign tonight with a second round tie against either Mickey Mansell or Ben Robb, who meet in the first match of the tournament.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Michael Smith heads to Ally Pally in fine form, and punters are seemingly convinced Bully Boy will go all the way at the Worlds.”

He added: “All eyes will inevitably be on how Beau Greaves fares in her opener, but Josh Rock is very much among the ones to watch, and the up-and-comer boasts a healthy backing in the popularity charts as things stand.”

Who are you tipping the win the World Darts Championship? Tell us in the comments section.

Ladbrokes Latest Betting

Most popular picks to win World Darts Championship (% of total outright bets placed)

Michael Smith – 12.7%
Michael van Gerwen – 11.8%
Gerwyn Price – 7.8%
Peter Wright – 7.2%
Jonny Clayton – 6%
Josh Rock – 5.1%
Joe Cullen – 4.5%
Luke Humphries – 4.3%
Nathan Aspinall – 4.2%
Gary Anderson – 3.6%

READ NEXT: