[2] This also granted Bates qualification for the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, in which the PDC banned Bates from using his nickname "The Master",[3] garnering significant mainstream media attention.

[4][5] Bates began playing on the PDC Development Tour in 2021, but had little success in his first year, not getting further than the Last 64 in any tournament.

[8] Bates finished the season second on the 2023 Challenge Tour Order of merit after reaching five event finals in total and winning one of them against Wesley Plaisier for his maiden PDC title at Challenge Tour 19 in Milton Keynes on 13th August 2023.

In the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship Bates lost 3-2 in sets to Steve Lennon in the First round.

In his first season as a Tour card holder Bates was eligible to enter in the first round of the 2024 UK Open.