The 1990 Embassy World Darts Championship was held at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey from 5–13 January 1990. It saw Phil Taylor win the first of sixteen world titles, beating his mentor Eric Bristow 6-1 in sets. Taylor beat Russell Stewart, Dennis Hickling, Ronnie Sharp and Cliff Lazarenko en route to the final. Defending champion Jocky Wilson fell at the quarter-final stage, losing to Mike Gregory. The event also saw America's Paul Lim hit the first nine-dart finish at the World Championship in his second round match with Ireland's Jack McKenna, receiving £52,000 for his efforts.

The prize fund was £100,000.

There was also a 9 Dart Checkout prize of £52,000, along with a High Checkout prize of £1,000.