What Is the Vault National Finals?

 

The Vault National Finals is the pinnacle of the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) Vault series — a fast-paced, structured darts competition that serves as a springboard for amateurs aspiring to break into elite levels. With a £65,000 prize fund, this one-day knockout showdown brings together the top 12 performers from each regional Vault circuit, making it a who's who of top-tier talent outside the Pro Tour (yet often including former Tour card holders). There will be over 300 competitors battling it out on Saturday 15th November at the fantastic Bradmoor Farm, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Play starts at 10.00am (UK time)  and you can follow the scores here : https://www.dartsatlas.com/tournaments/yupSwmOPq9Je

Qualification takes the form of a Seven-week 'Vault' series runs across regions, featuring round-robin group stages (best-of-3 legs), leading into best-of-5 knockouts.This year's finals will attract over 300 players, showcasing consistent top-level play spanning multiple regions. It’s a marquee event, not just for the cash but also for national ranking points and potential entry into televised competitions like the Modus Super Series. On that note, it is a shame that this is not televised. In my opinion, this would make excellent viewing (even if just the highlights were aired)

Why This Matters

A key event for darts progression: players gain national ranking points, major cash rewards, and playing opportunities beyond the Vault. It has widespread representation from former pro players, the Finals truly blur the line between amateur and professional competition. For anyone tracking darts talent beyond the PDC Tour, this event is where rising and returning stars make their mark.

There are so many names that could potentially take the top prize of £10,000. Previous winners Neil Duff (WDF World Champion 2022) and current title holder, Thomas Banks will both be there. 

Here's just six potential contenders, but the list could be ten times that number:

Jack Tweddell

Jack has had an outstanding year.  He finished 7th on the PDC Challenge Tour and has played on the Pro Tour on a number of occasions this year, due to that high position. He has also been a regular on Modus Super Series stage,so has all the right credential for a good run.

Tyler Thorpe 

Those inside darts will be aware of the emergence of Tyler Thorpe. He recently broke a record at Modus, with the highest overall leg difference in a final group. He seems to be improving all the time and is a player in form.

Tom Sykes

Had a great and consistent couple of years. Always there or thereabouts, he is a heavy scorer and tough to get ahead of. He has gained a lot of Modus experience and is the sort of player that could easily handle the Pro Tour, as and when it comes his way. 

Shaun Fox

Shaun would be my tip to win. He seems to have been overlooked on the Modus Super Series stage, despite being one of the country's top amateur players. He showed some early season promise, by qualifying for the UK Open and he has had some good results throughout the year on the ADC circuit. Another player capable of very large averages and I expect to see him at the latter stages of this tournament. 

David Pallett

Another successful season on the WDF circuit, in particular, David has what it takes to win this. Ultra consistent and bags of stage and TV experience. Someone who could win the WDF World title this year, so this would be a great stepping stone. 

Gary Stone

Although Gary Stone is a very successful player, I always feel he has the ability to win so much more. He has a wealth of WDF and Modus experience, and is always thought of one of the main contenders in any event he enters. He has the ability to win this, just whether he can remain consistent is the key. 

A few of my local friends are in this tournament too, and I hope to see them progress. A few have a fair chance, so will be keeping a keen eye.