In recent history matches are streamed live on YouTube & Facebook, attracting around four million views annually.

[2] The competition was first held in 1979 in Coatbridge, Scotland as a men's singles only event.

In 1989, the championships moved to the Guild Hall in Preston, England and Churchill Insurance took over the sponsorship.

While the competition was being held in Preston, Midland Bank and SAGA were also sponsors at various times.

In 1999, Potters Holidays took over the sponsorship and, as part of the agreement, the event moved to its current home at the company's resort in Hopton-on-Sea.