Tough Environment To Play Darts In This Ranked Open Event

Took a trip up to the Scottish Open as a last minute decision and it was a tough event to play in very well supported but maybe a little too much in regards to the size of the event compared to the available facilities.
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[@ladydrone2345]

I’m glad you posted this video. It wasn’t whinging at all, it was constructive criticism, with great ideas to help sort it for next time

[@MatadorDarts]

It was nice to finally meet and talk to you Matt, I fully agree with you on the environment which you mentioned on the day. There needs to be adequate space to move around the venue and sit down for players yet alone play darts. I'd say there was at least 10 boards that weren't given a good amount of space. The Friday night it was so busy with people just there for a drink that I had to stand outside to catch my breath. At the British Open you have to pay a spectator fee but here anyone could just walk in and watch which doesn't help. Also you mentioned around 70 people didn't play Sunday, I was one of them. I was supposed to get a lift back to Leeds then a train home after we were knocked out on Sunday, but I ended up getting a train straight home on Sunday morning as the playing experience wasn't worth how late it was to get home and potentially miss work the next day.

[@Edgartvdarts]

interesting feedback to add to this that the experience had put you off. Id love to no what percentage of those 70 felt the same and just though it wasnt worth it.

[@wilherpel4943]

Iceland is a dream set up for any tournament! That whole venue is amazing!

[@craiglowe1944]

Was good to meet you at the weekend there. I can't disagree with any of your points, problem is it has been like this for years now with no attempt to improve the situation. I feel it will only get worse as darts grows in popularity and more people enter making the event even more a farce.

[@Edgartvdarts]

I heard that alot at the weekend also, there must be some form of arrangment with venue and organisation at a guess

[@iainnicholson6534]

Hi Matthew, I played in this event 2004-2013. In 2010 they did Friday & Saturday sessions which made a big difference, shame it was only a 1 year trial. I got beat by Stuart Kellett in 2nd round who went on to win it. Onwards & upwards for EdgarMania 💪

[@bentattersfield7987]

I was at an Open in Leatherhead once. Got to the quarter finals, and our referee called us over to the designated board. There was a massive grand piano one side of it so that you could only leave the board one way. There were about 60 spectators crowded round as well. I asked if we could use a board without a massive piano in my eyeline. They said no despite there being probably 30 others available. Farcical. I got tonked, but I didnt feel comfortable throwing at all. On all the other boards I was fine coz I had space.

[@norvillerodgers31]

Good luck in Slovakia Matt. Hoping you bounce back and get some nice points as well as confidence

[@jorisvandebeek6022]

Very recognizable remarks for similar events I’ve been to. And I have to say, the worst one I went to was the Belgian championship (“BK Darts”). Looking at the videos you show, compared to the one in Belgium, the amount of space you had in Scotland was lavish. I even got pushed in the back on multiple occasions by bypassers, while throwing a dart.

[@alexwilliams7352]

Great video Matt. It was great to meet you. You marked my board final and had a good chat with you. Good luck for the rest of the year 👍🏻

[@dangreene3895]

Reminds me of some tourney's I have been to in the states , signed up for a event the event started at 6 played my first game was at 9, got top 4 , and it was 3 in the morning

[@herschelsquirts2338]

Yep, too many tournaments here in the states are like that. I don’t even bother anymore. There’s nothing to do for so many hours that I just end up getting extremely drunk which I regret the next day.

[@dartfluke]

Keeping it authentic and honest. All the best in Slovakia!!

[@katemonaghan5684]

always been a shambles matt... years ago there was at least 1500 in mens singles... no tables or chairs to use... everyone has said the normandy was not big enough... x

[@Edgartvdarts]

Not even close, And looking at there fire restrictions not sure they even meet that criteria with the boards up

[@radimpavlik3055]

Matt, I hope it will be better this weekend in Slovakia.

[@hywelmorgan3800]

Tournament has been like this for years. I played from 2006-08, got to play Hendo in fact. Too cramped, just feel like everything is on top of you. Don't see that it will change any time soon.

[@shubr66]

Matt , you put your points over very well and no one can take offence. It’s just like a old amateur BDO event from the 80’s , nothing has changed but as you said PDC is different . Well you have learned your lesson and you have to weigh up whether the points were worth the visit .

[@Gazzjones180]

I used to play the Scottish open when it was 2000 in the men's draw and it was a cattle market then it looks just as bad now the venue isn't suitable for a large darts open I hope you enjoyed your time in Scotland matt hope you will return soon 👍

[@Edgartvdarts]

Not even sure it meets fire requirements with the boards in the middle and the space it takes up for the oches etc.

[@johngreenhorn8853]

I actually played a few times round about that time as well,and honestly can't remember it being that bad if I'm being honest,and always thought there was no problem with practice boards,mind you I was always half pissed when I was through there,so my memory might not be as it should be.

[@Annetekstra180]

The 2 guys with the beers at 8:00 got me😂

[@glen3468]

Hi Matthew,i stay 30minutes from the venue and i have never been, i was going to go for the first time but the advice i had picked up changed my mind so didnt go and after watching your video im glad i didnt,they probably need a bigger venue and apparently been like this for years,great video thankyou

[@manlikedvae]

Was actually quite off putting for those who don't get alot of board time at events. Events t Home up north are poorly constructed outing ls and the travel is insane to go down south at times. Would be nice to have regular events that are at least moderated and managed

[@Bowlymania]

Tunes banging so hard Edgar wants to melt into a puddle of sleep 😂

[@Edgartvdarts]

Only so much britney spears a man can take

[@CallumMcCleary]

Biggest bother for me was the boards itself too hard and losing one of my darts. Bounced out and landed on top of the frame didn’t find it until the third leg

[@SpacedOutCowboy]

Interesting and honest.

[@tomhinds4380]

Is the Edgar Mega Mix available on Spotify for the public?

[@WillHarr]

for anyone as old as me who attended this shithole every year this comes as no surprise every dart player ive ever spoke to including the ranked players always hated this venue looks like nothing has changed in 20yrs (i say 20yrs im not sure how long its been played at the normandy) i stopped going years ago i had no idea this venue was still being used for the Scottish open. my advise is dont go its not worth the hastle

[@phil3670]

4 practice boards.... bloody hell that's taking the biscuit. Are you going to be at blackpool this year Matt?

[@Edgartvdarts]

Hopefully will be yes

[@phil3670]

@@Edgartvdarts i might see you down there then buddy

[@Sportsperformanceanalysis]

Well done for thanking people, some players at other events told people to eff off haha

[@georgeclark9061]

Used to go but gave up years ago. No where to sit etc. It’s outgrown this venue for years.

[@davidshaw7404]

I have never played a massive tournament before because I know I’m not good enough but every time I played in a league etc I would get annoyed if they turned the music up when I was about to throw or the chalker was talking to his team etc so if someone walked in front when I was about to throw I think I would of shouted at him so got to give you credit for not losing your shit at them. If anyone says you are in the wrong for saying this then they are part of the problem

[@johnhanlon6061]

I stopped going years ago, the lack of seats used to kill my back. Its always been set up poorly.

[@dimitriospapadopoulos8106]

Will you be coming to Cyprus in May for WDF Cyprus Open?

[@Edgartvdarts]

I am planning to do so yes just got to price it all up and work out the details

[@dimitriospapadopoulos8106]

@@Edgartvdarts Perfect, can't wait to meet you!

[@PixelGT180]

Havent been for years because of some of the same points you made here. They used to split the singles over 2 sessions but the entries were a lot more then. Far too cramped a venue even then. Worse now they are playing 2 full comps in a day each. Sad thing is its not going to change either

[@RussCampbell11]

I played Darren Elliott and he actually hit the metal bar during our match.

[@nascarstopmotionguy]

I played the scottish open many years ago, never again, was there at 6am and ended up leaving at midnight, there's no where to sit and I have flat feet so the whole day, my feet was in so much agony, I couldn't walk the next day

[@danielsturtridge4494]

First, looks like an absolute nightmare 😂

[@stephengray9062]

2 minutes from my house at that hotel Edgar. Paisley👍 I also played Scottish open several times. I am not shocked about your feedback, when you’re used to the best it’s certainly a wake up call.

[@byrnez2755]

Yeah looks rather cramped there. Definitely got to have more practice boards. Like the saying goes... progress isn't a straight line. Onward and upward! 🤛

[@perryanthony]

Looks like Fallon Sherrock @ 9:20. Am I correct?

[@Edgartvdarts]

Yes correct

[@TheWilloj]

You should have tried to play back in the BDO days, 1500+ entries for the mens singles and 2 practice boards.

[@stefanob.1593]

That's why should be rules for certain number of players. Up to X number of players that many dartboards. Then each board should have that much space behind the ouch and on each side of the board.

[@kieranwalker9093]

Your absolutely right about the Normandy btw pain in the arse to play in but the wdf just say it as money in the pocket see you stayed at the abbey in also 🙌😂

[@Edgartvdarts]

Yes the abbey 👍

[@crazydrew01]

Stay in Scotland and have been there multiple times... il never go back its such a bad setup.

[@kierandrumm8984]

Wish I was good enough to play in these comps

[@closedforbusiness4249]

That must have been the Northern Lights you saw

[@BnGdarts]

Makes it hard to get into the game feeling like a sardine

[@jonescrusher1]

Lots of beers on the go at 10am

[@misfit2022]

Never seen anything like this even in pub darts let alone an official competition.

[@charliecampbell6793]

Played there last 2 years didn't bother turning up this year, venue way too small, not enough practice time or space, everyone breathing on one another all day long its that small, the prices are ridiculous behind the bar when you finally get served that is after standing in a que for half an hour, the format is all over the place, for a ranked event its awful im surprised so many entrants again this year after last years complaints, need to change venue and improve the layout and running of the full tournament but it will be the same again next year.

[@MrSchrodes]

early start 10pm?

[@niblet112]

Amateur darts. That’s what this reminded me of, my local comps are the same. And isn’t the WDF amateur darts Anyway?

[@mo77i57]

How do you get into the wdf events. Do you need a tour card or a challenger entry or something ? Love the vlogs and content looking forward to new darts 😜

[@Edgartvdarts]

Open to anyone who wants to play

[@mo77i57]

@@Edgartvdarts so how does the bronze and silver rankings work . Sorry new to the idea of things other than pdc and thinking about trying my luck at some things in the future

[@robertshadbolt3056]

​@@mo77i57the rating goes on what the WDF allocate points wise and money wise, the comp has to comply to certain criteria based on gold silver bronze etc. winning a gold garners more points than winning a silver. Points go towards the WDF world champs qualification and seedings

[@mo77i57]

@@robertshadbolt3056 so it's not like a league thing where you have to do so well in bronze to go up to silver then make ya way to lake side

[@michaeleastburn2587]

I thought you said you reached the last 32 in the results your not mentioned in the last 32

[@joshharrison619]

On the WDF rankings it says you got 9 points for position 17. What does position 17 mean?

[@Edgartvdarts]

9 ranking points for last 32

[@x-latetv-x6816]

How much was registration to this event?​@@Edgartvdarts

[@VegasMilgauss]

Hands, face, space

[@R3DNEWS]

Mathew, don't you save you're favourite TV shows for travel purposes only instead of counting sheep 😂😂

[@Edgartvdarts]

I should do really shouldnt I

[@R3DNEWS]

@@Edgartvdarts you still sound exhausted 😂😂😂

[@SosiskaTheHorrible]

Is that Paisley?

[@Edgartvdarts]

yes correct

[@SosiskaTheHorrible]

@@Edgartvdarts unlucky mate 😂

[@fishingstevie8830]

I once took part in the Scottish Open many years ago now and it was the worst venue ive ever been inside for a darts tournament Were hardly if any seats at all if u wanted to sit down for to say rest your legs inbetween practice and th long waiting as u mention. Practice boards were not many , with a large queue on each of sure was only two practice boards there when i was there way back as sais many yrs ago . Renfrew hotel this took place and sure is the same venue as yet in 2024 , i thought they would have changed the venue to another part of Scotland way back since but not , instance the Capital of Scotland Edinburgh as why not its easier for people to get to Edinburgh from all parts of the UK than likes of Renfrew in which only suits some of the Scottish players who reside in that region on the the West coast Its way time the venue was changed for a larger venue elsewhere . Ive never went back to Renfrew since all them yrs ago and its still held there yet in 2024 which is not good enough at all . As for people walking across oche again terrible amd an official gibbering away to someone nearbye where players are throwing again ignorant and amateurish more alike a pub tournament .wasnt it Wetherspoons Matt joking > lol Last but not least > No surrounds is Amateur also , as should be surrounds on all dartboards at such a tournament Sounds to me its still an Amateur venue as yet , this after all them years later since i was there . And the people who run it need to have this venue changed as i say for the Capital of Scotland for all as easier access for the vast majority . Quick edit Sure what you seen was i think a Meteor Shower .

[@1972vulture]

So you made a vlog with constructive criticism? You didn't just ragequit mid-match and tweet about it?

[@martynwilliams7329]

Sounds like a BDO competition. That's how they were in the past.

[@thadonis.]

7:20 Typical new darts player after the first leg when he realises he's shaking way more than he thought he would. Followed by the line "put down your gin and tonic love, you're driving home".- It's why she went from smiling to stone faced.

[@lispycorner5743]

when playing the doubles, my opponent hit the beam

[@Edgartvdarts]

I’ve heard a quite a lot of people have actually hit it now

[@robsingleton5951]

Good content Matt. Both constructive and informative. With 4hrs wait to play, next time return to hotel for some good board practice. In this instance I blame your manager 😉

[@Edgartvdarts]

Yes I will defo be looking at travel board systems in future

[@m.a.g.a.1806]

You are describing almost every open dart tournament in the U.S.A. 🤣

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

Is it free to watch the matches??

[@Edgartvdarts]

Yes anyone can go in

[@SuperGuvnor1]

Not a criticism of your good self but welcome to the real world of old school tournament play matt this is how it was for years through the 80s and 90s and 00s until the pdc came about which nowdays consists of a marker and 2 players slugging it out on the pro tour with no interruptions from outside sources. vauxhall was a classic example of this kind of thing a pdc ranked singles on the friday and another pdc ranked singles on the saturday with 1500 players in it when i used to go thats 3 times what you had there so you can imagine what that was like.even in the early days of the pdc eastbourne vauxhall highfield etc the board set ups were the same then you had to just get on with it regardless board to high to low to long or of what was going on around you, the dutch open was another one 2500 when i played it in the 90s the world masters at lakeside and the lakeside playoffs everyone was in close proximity to you when you was playing it was simply a case of who can handle it and who cant it was a good learning kerb for me i started in 1977 and still playing today it hardens you to crowds etc people walking in front of you noise etc etc.some of them young lads in the pdc now dont know fortunate they are to have a set up like they have today on the pro tour or challenge tour, i know a few lads in the pdc and they will tell you what it was like mardle anderson peter wright colin lloyd lewis they have all played in this sort of enviroment its the way it was back in the old days.i do agree with you though if a venue cant handle it they shouldnt be holding it there and it has dropped off a bit the 6 times i played in the scottish open in the 90s there was over a thousand entries and on one occasion i didnt play my first game till gone 3.30 thats how it was you had to handle it.

[@GusMac6129]

Although, it is always good to remember times gone by. The world moves on & so do the entry fee's and opportunities for players. It is not too much to ask for better conditions to play in. Asking for £25 an event, you should expect at least the freedom to throw darts, without disruption. There are plenty of venues in Scotland, capable of managing the numbers that these events, attract.

[@Edgartvdarts]

I use to go Vauxhall, cold caravans in March and nov

[@gregwellington97]

I’m Scottish and I think it’s the worst open out there.

[@tez180]

I've seen better venues for a 301 pub league

[@red8884]

Shouldnt wear that rangers shirt m8.

[@mikj29]

Think darts is bloated with too many UK players and it's more European players than worlds

[@red8884]

What you are describing is kind of the charm of an 'open' isnt it. At least there were these screens between the boards. And if one player throws from the far right against far left, and then the same on the board next to you, it can be tight. But the space between most lanes seemed quite allright. Dutch open is madness with 2k players, 5k people in venue in its prime

[@Edgartvdarts]

When your playing for ranking points for their 'worlds' you shouldnt have to wait for people to walk across your board before you throw

[@red8884]

@@Edgartvdarts true. Imagine how it must be for the better known players... beer+dartsfans+same area

[@makembounce69]

4 practise boards per 125 players 😂😂 that's not even funny incompetence and stupidity .

[@BALLYMONEY180]

Used to be none as that room was part of the playing boards

[@0Davie0]

Oh no Matt, you are going to trigger a lot of the clique up here. They are already many not happy on the Scottish darts pages, that you dare to criticise there beloved open. The decent players up here have been moaning for years to no avail.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

Sounds like an utter $hitshow in terms of the room. Gezzy would have lost his mind!

[@Edgartvdarts]

he be fine it wasnt cold

[@matimus100]

Jimmy loved Scotland

[@mikewe9842]

😂

[@robertwoods3314]

Totally agree with your assessment Matt, the Bar across the top was a real issue with me and in the end I Stopped leaving tops as I was constantly throwing low through fear.

[@Edgartvdarts]

Wasn’t just me then thought that was just one of my strange things

[@richard.c.griffiths1468]

Superb assessment. Constructive criticism is beneficial for future events.

[@Edgartvdarts]

Thank you glad it has come across that way

[@blakemccafferty2016]

I don’t have a clue. And I live on 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@david-johnmcgeoch6853]

The northern lights it happens regularly in Scotland

[@Phil_Tutty]

Great video Matt. It is important that you show all sides of your darting journey. You may be inspiring others to give it a go and they have to know what to expect. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@dougan90]

Spot on assessment of everything. The venue is far too small for the event. Those numbers are well down over the years as well. So you can imagine what it looked like with double the numbers of players in the venue. If the venue was better then the Scottish Open could be a massive event for not only the wdf but Scottish darts

[@Edgartvdarts]

Yeah would dreed to think it with more

[@thomasjohnson-qn6fh]

Looks very difficult. I think your core audience, if not everyone will completely understand where you were going and the message you are trying to get across here if not a rant for rants sake but to srsly improve the standard of an event that lots of players will have spent a large amount of money to be there and play

[@Edgartvdarts]

Thank you, I find it hard to do these kind of videos cause I know everyone works so hard to make the events happen but gotta say what you see sometimes

[@wolfyshell]

Ur best staying away from the hotel, if u like a quiter environment. We stayed along at premier Inn at braehead. Alot of darters were along there x

[@RTFCFanClub]

Where is the Slovak Open on Dartsconnect?

[@geraldsquire7163]

Yeah I no about that beam it dose put you off chin up mat hope your going to Bridlington

[@bigjohny8446]

Why they still use that venue is beyond me

[@Edgartvdarts]

far too small

[@scottthomson9813]

Welcome to every dart tournament ever played in Canada. Full of players and wives showing high volume videos of their new screaming baby or dog while you're trying to play within two feet of them.

[@robbiegib]

So happy I didn't fly over now and waste nearly 500 quid hearing this

[@adamc4576]

As someone just getting back into darts after not playing for years, this is honestly scary. 1 game in 4 hours and 125 people to board. People walking past on a match winning throw as well, I'd have went mental. 😂

[@jimcapel328]

The walking over the oche winds me up even in local leagues! Especially if kids are allowed to roam who have nothing to do with the darts and the parents do nothing! Plus if you complain about it - you’re the one in the wrong! Really grinds my gears. You can’t play your best darts in these kind of environments

[@gooddeedsbeatbad2625]

You should try their Christmas dinner. 400 packed in and they bring your food at different times and 1 young boy doing the drinks. Place is understaffed with the new owner.

[@AdamCraik]

I’m from Aberdeen so not entirely sure what that light show is but I think there’s an annual show in Glasgow roughly in February

[@primalmike2484]

Unfortunately there might be a missing darts player Chris Harris, Wales. Let’s hope he is found safe soon.

[@mrdjr6544]

This is not inviting for new or young players. Maybe 40 years ago this set up was acceptable.

[@thomasob1492]

Just coz you got pumped. The WDF Price.

[@bradybrown7029]

Literally every American dart tournament 😂

[@MitchellLawrie-wm6pl]

I was the one that asked to be in the vid and we said duzza was better than you 😂raging not to be in it lol

[@mrp7555]

Get better at darts then. Then you don't need play these rubbish leagues

[@wullieoke]

You should have been there when there were 1200 entries & not a seat in the place ?

[@Cfc88_]

Stick a travel board up in ya hotel room to practice!

[@jed_91]

Welsh open is ment to be ace plus dutch open😊

[@toddpearson9061]

This is how it is at most of all the big shoots here in the states.

[@Adam-by8rs]

It’s all about the journey Matthew, it’s shit you’ve had this experience, but thanks for the vlog, will help many events that’s for sure👍🏼