Get ready for a darts spectacle as the 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters kicks off, promising an unforgettable clash of generations! The tournament’s most anticipated match sees 19-year-old sensation Luke Littler, the reigning champion and two-time World Champion, face off against 71-year-old darting icon Paul Lim. This incredible 53-year age gap highlights the unique appeal of darts, as 16 top players battle for the first World Series title of the season. Expect thrilling encounters, including defending champion Stephen Bunting, world number two Luke Humphries, and three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen, all vying for the prestigious date palm trophy.
The world of darts is buzzing with excitement as the 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters prepares to electrify fans on January 15-16 at the magnificent Exhibition World Bahrain. This prestigious event marks the fourth staging of the tournament and the crucial first World Series title of the season, where 16 elite players will compete for the coveted date palm trophy.
The Ultimate Generation Clash: Littler vs. Lim
All eyes will be on Thursday night’s opening round, which features a truly historic matchup: Luke “The Nuke” Littler, the sport’s teenage prodigy, against the legendary Paul Lim. This isn’t just any game; it’s a monumental encounter where 19-year-old Littler faces 71-year-old Lim, representing an astonishing 53-year age difference. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of darts, where skill and passion transcend age.
- Luke Littler: At just 19, he arrives as the reigning 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters champion and a newly crowned two-time World Champion. As the tournament’s top seed, Littler is undeniably one of the sport’s biggest draws, known for his explosive scoring and cool demeanor.
- Paul Lim: A darting icon whose career spans decades, Lim brings a wealth of experience and a loyal fan base. His presence ensures this match will be etched into darts history, proving that age is just a number when it comes to competing at the highest level.
Other Key Matchups to Watch
Beyond the headline clash, the Bahrain Darts Masters boasts a star-studded lineup with several intriguing first-round encounters. Eight representatives from the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) will take on eight formidable Asian stars:
- Defending Champion Stephen Bunting begins his title defence against Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto, a two-time World Championship qualifier known for his consistent international performances.
- World Number Two Luke Humphries will face Bahrain’s own Abdulla Saeed for the third consecutive year, setting the stage for a familiar rivalry.
- Rising star Gian van Veen renews his rivalry with Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung. Their memorable clash at the 2024 World Championship on the Alexandra Palace stage is still fresh in many fans’ minds.
- Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen kicks off his 2026 campaign against Alexis Toylo, the reigning PDC Asian Tour winner. The Dutchman will be looking for a strong start to the new season.
- Two-time Bahrain runner-up Gerwyn Price takes on Japan’s Motomu Sakai, who became a cult hero during his impressive World Championship debut last month.
- Nathan Aspinall faces Asian Champion Lourence Ilagan in a repeat of their recent Ally Pally meeting, which Aspinall won 3-1. This promises another exciting showdown.
- Dutch number three Danny Noppert opens against host nation representative Basem Mahmood, with the winner potentially facing either Van Veen or Leung in the quarter-finals.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The tournament unfolds over two action-packed days, with players competing in a knockout format:
Thursday, January 15 (19:00 AST / 16:00 GMT)
- Round One: All matches are played as the Best of 11 legs.
Friday, January 16 (19:00 AST / 16:00 GMT)
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 11 legs.
- Semi-Finals: Best of 13 legs.
- Final: The ultimate showdown, played as the Best of 15 legs.
How to Watch
Fans worldwide can catch all the thrilling darts action. The 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters will be broadcast live globally through PDCTV. Viewers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can tune in via DAZN. For fans in the UK, live coverage will be available on ITV4 and ITVX, starting at 16:00 GMT on both days of the tournament.
A Curtain-Raiser to Remember
With the magnetic star power of Luke Littler, the enduring legacy of Paul Lim, and a field brimming with world champions and emerging talents, the Bahrain Darts Masters is set to deliver a compelling curtain-raiser to the World Series of Darts. This event perfectly encapsulates darts’ unique ability to bridge generations and continents, promising an unforgettable start to the 2026 season.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
