Scott Waites was the defending men's champion, having won the title for the first time in the 2013 championship, but he was defeated 0–3 in the first round by eventual runner-up Alan Norris, who in turn lost to first seed Stephen Bunting in the final.

Players from around the globe competed to reach the BBC televised finals, which ran from 4–12 January 2014.

The remaining 16 players enter in the preliminary rounds – this includes recent world champions not in the top 24, a qualifier from each of the eight WDF regions, four players who came through the pre-qualifying knockout tournament, and the Winmau World Masters winner (if not already qualified).

Rob Walker returned to the Lakeside as reporter and Darts Extra presenter which is a role he has held since 2010.

Commentary is once again provided by Tony Green, Vassos Alexander and Jim Proudfoot, along with John Rawling for the first time.

BDO players Scott Mitchell, Tony O'Shea, Deta Hedman and Trina Gulliver also contributed to the commentary.