Martin Adams was the defending men's champion, having won the title for the second time in the previous year's final against Dave Chisnall.

Adams became the first to successfully defend his BDO title since Raymond van Barneveld in 1999, as he beat Dean Winstanley, who is one of only a handful of players to reach the final at their first attempt.

Trina Gulliver successfully defended her Women's world title having beaten Rhian Edwards in a repeat of the 2010 final.

Colin Murray reprised his role as host, after taking over from Ray Stubbs in 2010, Bobby George was again the main pundit, hosting with Colin Murray for live and afternoon coverage sometimes joining Rob Walker for the highlight shows, Bobby George has been the BBC main darts pundit since the early 2000s.

The commentary team was headed by David Croft, who has been commentating for the BBC since 2003 and Vassos Alexander, making his Lakeside debut covering for the ill Tony Green.