The Red Dragon Champion of Champions darts tournament is back for 2026, offering amateur players across the UK & Ireland a unique chance to go from local pubs to a major final in Cardiff. With a massive £32,500 prize fund and crucial support for PDC Q School entry, this event is a true pathway for aspiring darting stars to potentially turn professional.
Your Shot at Glory: The UK’s Premier Amateur Darts Tournament Returns
Red Dragon Darts has officially announced the return of its highly anticipated Champion of Champions tournament for 2026. Now in its 11th year, this flagship event, proudly sponsored by Worthington’s – Wales’ leading ale from Molson Coors – is set to once again transform the dreams of thousands of amateur dart players into a tangible reality.
The Champion of Champions is more than just a competition; it’s a meticulously designed platform to bridge the gap between local pub and club darts and the thrill of a major event experience. It’s exclusively open to non-PDC card holders only, ensuring that the focus remains firmly on nurturing grassroots talent and providing an accessible, competitive, and community-driven environment.
How to Compete: From Local Pubs to the Grand Finale
The journey to becoming the Red Dragon Champion of Champions begins at the local level. Here’s a breakdown of the tournament structure:
- Qualification Stage: A staggering 256 qualifying events will be hosted in pubs and venues across the UK & Ireland.
- Local Knockout: Amateur players will compete in a traditional knockout format within their local venue.
- Venue Winners Advance: Each qualifying venue will produce one winner, who then secures their spot at the prestigious Finals Day.
- Grand Finals Day: All venue winners will converge on August 22nd for a full-day knockout competition at The Depot, Cardiff. This is where the champions will be crowned!
Life-Changing Prizes and a Pathway to Professional Darts
The stakes are incredibly high, with significant rewards for those who excel:
- Total Prize Fund: Players will be competing for a share of a substantial £32,500 prize fund distributed across all stages of the tournament.
- PDC Q School Entry Support: The ultimate winner of the Red Dragon Champion of Champions will receive an additional and invaluable incentive: entry support for Darts Q School, including £500 to assist with travel and accommodation costs.
But what exactly is Darts Q School? It’s the annual qualifying tournament run by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). This is widely regarded as the main pathway into professional darts, offering players the chance to earn a coveted two-year PDC Tour Card, which grants access to the professional circuit. This support from Red Dragon is a game-changer for any amateur dreaming of turning pro.
A Testament to Grassroots Darts
Tom Brown, CEO of Nodor International (Red Dragon’s parent company), expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament’s return:
“Red Dragon’s Champion of Champions has always been about creating genuine pathway moments for amateur players, and its return in 2026 marks our biggest step yet with our partner Worthington’s. This competition is built from the grassroots up – a community-first tournament that gives local talent the chance to shine on a national stage. We’re incredibly proud that Champion of Champions remains Red Dragon’s flagship amateur platform, and we can’t wait to see thousands of players once again competing for their moment in the spotlight.”
Echoing this sentiment, Martin Anderson, Regional Director at Molson Coors Beverage Company, highlighted their continued commitment:
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Champion of Champions, an event we have been proud to support since its inception 11 years ago. At Molson Coors, we are passionate about supporting sport at a grassroots level, and this tournament offers a fantastic opportunity for amateur darts players across the UK to compete on a major stage. We look forward to seeing the next generation of talent step up to the oche for another year of top-tier competition.”
The Red Dragon Champion of Champions 2026 promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating the passion and skill that thrives within the heart of darts communities. Prepare your arrows; your moment in the spotlight awaits!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
