Commonly known as “the Winmau”, it remains the longest running TV event of all by the same organisation. It was first played in 1974 and sponsored by Phonogram, with Winmau taking over in 1976. Players qualify by either winning an international ranking event, through their national team or via the British inter-county system. The Winmau is traditionally the place where new talents knock on the door. For many of the current best players, the Winmau was their first stepping-stone to world fame. Eric Bristow won the event 5 times, yet more evidence of his world supremacy during the early 1980’s. When talking about the World Masters, you surely cannot fail to mention Bob Anderson and Martin Adams, the only two players to win 3 times in a row (Anderson, 1986 to 1988 and Adams 2008 to 2010). John Lowe reached the final 5 times, winning twice. Dave Whitcombe also won this very tough championship on two occasions. By the way, Welshman Richie Burnett played in 3 consecutive finals, winning once in 1994. For the Netherlands, Raymond van Barneveld took the trophy in 2001 & 2005, and young Michael van Gerwen won this tournament in 2006, his first major beating Martin Adams in the final. And once upon a time, a Belgian was strongest. If you look at the trophy you’ll see Erik Clarys as the winner in 1995.