The UK Open was founded in 2003 was won five times by Phil Taylor. Since 2014 the tournament's location is Butlins in Minehead. Before this year, the tournament was held in the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. The UK Open lasts three days in which 168 players of the PDC perform, based on knock-out. Seeding is not based on ranking, thus any player can meet any player in any round. Because of this unique rule, the UK Open has also been named “the FA Cup of darts”.As of 2015 qualifying events for amateur players are organised by Rileys and held in various locations across the UK. In 2014 Rileys Sports Bars hosted 32 qualifiers for the event.
In addition there are six UK Open qualifiers for professional players, which also form part of the PDC Pro Tour. These events are only open to players holding an active PDPA membership - either a tour card or associate membership. Prize money won in these six qualifiers is then collated into an Order of Merit table.
UK Open results previous years
UK Open Finals 2015 Michael van Gerwen - Peter Wright (11 - 5)
UK Open Finals 2014 Adrian Lewis - Terry Jenkins (11 - 1)
UK Open Finals 2013 Phil Taylor - Andy Hamilton (11 - 4)
UK Open Finals 2012 Robert Thornton - Phil Taylor (11 - 5)
UK Open Finals 2011 James Wade - Wes Newton (11 - 8)
UK Open Finals 2010 Phil Taylor - Gary Anderson (11 - 5)
UK Open Finals 2009 Phil Taylor - Colin Osborne (11 - 6)
UK Open Finals 2008 James Wade - Gary Mawson (11 - 7)
UK Open Finals 2007 Raymond van Barneveld - Vincent van der Voort (16 - 8)
UK Open Finals 2006 Raymond van Barneveld - Barrie Bates (13 - 7)
UK Open Finals 2005 Phil Taylor - Mark Walsh (13 - 7)
UK Open Finals 2004 Roland Scholten - John Part (11 - 6)
UK Open Finals 2003 Phil Taylor - Shayne Burgess (18 - 8)