A brewery is on the hunt for punters in the East Midlands willing to step up to the oche in and be in with the chance of winning £10,000 and a game of 501 darts against arrows champ Luke Humphries 

This February, Marston’s is challenging darts teams up and down the country to step up to their local oche and see if they have what it takes to get their hands on a cool £10,000. 

Following the success of last year’s tournament, the Cool Hand Cup is back. This time Marston’s and Luke Humphries have teamed up to find the UK’s best darts team, challenging them to take on the fan-favourite 501 game. 

Marstons pubs across the East Midlands will be hosting four-week, round robin leagues between February 2 and March 1, with teams of four invited to sign up to participate in a traditional game of 501 darts. 

Team captains have until January 25 to sign up their teams, either online or via QR code in their local pub.

Following the leagues, teams with the highest number of points will advance to a Regional Knockout, which will take place between March 9-13, competing to be one of 16 teams that advance to the Grand Final. 

On Friday, April 10, the Grand Final will see the winning regional teams whisked away to Marston’s answer to Ally Pally, competing in a knockout tournament, to see if they can be crowned the ultimate champions. The winners will take home £10,000 and the coveted Cool Hand Cup trophy, as well as winning the chance to play against multiple major tournament winner, Luke Humphries. 

Luke Humphries, said: “The pub is a special place for me and my family, and I grew up playing darts at my local. Having the opportunity to meet players from up and down the country last year was fantastic, and I’m delighted to be working with Marston’s again to bring back the Cool Hand Cup. This year we’re on the lookout for the UK’s best team for me to take on and I’m already looking forward to the Grand Final. See you at the oche!” 

John Green, Director of Operations at Marstons, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing back the Cool Hand Cup with Luke again this year, this time with an even bigger cash prize. There’s not long left to sign up, so don’t miss out!”

To find your nearest participating pub and sign up to the Cool Hand Cup, visit: https://www.marstonspubs.co.uk/cool-hand-cup/