Live televised darts – a ‘unique experience’ in Portsmouth
A weekly competition, Modus Super Series sees a selection of semi-pro and ex pro players from around the world, compete live in Portsmouth and live streamed online.
The venue, Modus Live Lounge on London Road, was an old church transformed during the first lockdown into a space with a stage, audience seating, bar and state-of-the-art TV studios, to make it one of the biggest darts organisations outside the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
Each week, 12 players compete in a series of group matches Monday to Friday, with six qualifiers facing off in front of a live audience at finals night each Saturday evening. After a 12-week cycle there is champions week, where all the winners compete for £20,000.
Sixteen-year-old darts sensation, Luke Littler competed in the series in Portsmouth last year and earned himself around £50,000 as well as a slot in the world championships, in which he came runner up and won himself a further £200,000.
Social media manager for the Modus Super Series, Taylor Kneller said: ‘He [Littler] caused a lot of influx for us and the sport.’
Managing Director and Co-owner, George Noble said: ‘For the players it’s a great way for them to learn how to perform on the big stage and it’s an ideal stepping stone for anyone who is aspiring to become a professional darts player.’
The tournament has featured former world champions such as Martin Adams, Neil Duff, Robert Thornton, and Glen Durrant. It has also hosted Fallon Sherrock, who became the first woman to hit a televised 9 darter in August 2023.
Executive Producer and commentator, Chris Murphy said: ‘It’s a small audience in an intimate venue and you’re close to the stage. Players will brush past you at the bar, you could be meeting legends or future stars so it’s a unique experience.’
The company has high hopes for the future and, Managing Director, Noble added: ‘We don’t want it to be just a UK-based thing, we want it to become worldwide.’
They are also encouraging more local people to come and watch and support the players.
The Saturday evening events start 19:30 every week with free admission and all drinks are three for £10 at the bar. Social Media Manager, Kneller also said: ‘When Portsmouth are playing [football] at home, people can come here after the game and continue their night out and enjoy an evening of live darts.’
Visit the Modus Super Series website. https://modussuperseries.com/