Get ready for four days of electrifying darts action in Amsterdam! From September 17-20, the World Series of Darts Finals 2026 will see 32 top players battle for a £100,000 top prize. Dutch superstar Michael van Gerwen, the reigning champion, is on a mission to secure an unprecedented seventh title on home soil. Meanwhile, world number one Luke Littler, last year’s runner-up, returns hungry for a major title sweep. Expect intense competition and unforgettable moments as the darting elite descend upon AFAS Live.
The Road to a Record Seventh Crown for Van Gerwen
The legendary Michael van Gerwen is undoubtedly the man to watch. Having appeared in every edition of this event, ‘Mighty Mike’ delivered one of the most emotional victories of his career just twelve months ago, triumphing in a thrilling final against Luke Littler.
“I had goosebumps – it was amazing to hold a trophy again,” Van Gerwen recalled. “Winning in front of my home crowd meant the world to me. I was playing some fantastic darts, and that gives you energy, that gives you joy.”
Despite competing in only three of the six World Series events this year, Van Gerwen’s dominance in Bahrain and Copenhagen has earned him the top seed position. He kicks off his campaign on Thursday evening against Daryl Gurney, who steps in as a late replacement.
Tournament at a Glance: What You Need to Know
- Dates: September 17-20
- Venue: AFAS Live, Amsterdam
- Players: 32 of the world’s best darters
- Prize: A staggering £100,000 for the champion
- Format: Six sessions over four days. The opening round spans Thursday and Friday. The Last 16 takes place on Saturday (best-of-19 legs), followed by the Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Grand Final all on Sunday.
Thursday’s Opening Battles: High Stakes from Day One
The tournament ignites with a series of blockbuster clashes on Thursday. Keep an eye on these key matchups:
- Michael van Gerwen (NED) vs. Daryl Gurney (NIR): Van Gerwen’s quest for seven begins.
- Luke Humphries (ENG) vs. Jermaine Wattimena (NED): The reigning World Champion faces a strong home favourite. Humphries recently retained his US Darts Masters title, showing formidable form.
- Gian van Veen (NED) vs. Chris Dobey (ENG): Dutch number one takes on a former Masters champion.
- Stephen Bunting (ENG) vs. Josh Rock (NIR): A high-profile encounter between two fan favourites.
- Other Dutch hopefuls include Kevin Doets and Dirk van Duijvenbode, battling Ross Smith and Viktor Tingstrom respectively.
Friday’s Showdown: Littler’s Title Defence and More
Friday evening brings more thrilling action, highlighted by the entry of the world number one:
- Luke Littler (ENG) vs. Danny Noppert (NED): ‘The Nuke’ begins his pursuit of a clean sweep of major televised titles for 2026. Littler, who whitewashed Noppert en route to Czech Darts Open glory recently, is focused on this challenge after losing to Van Gerwen in last year’s final. “I can’t be looking forward any more than what’s next, which is Amsterdam,” the world champion stated, keeping his sights firmly on the present.
Three other former champions also join the fray on Friday:
- James Wade (ENG) vs. Damon Heta (AUS): Wade, fresh from his Flanders Darts Trophy win, faces the Australian number one in a rematch of their Antwerp semi-final. “I’m James Wade. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad,” the 2018 winner mused, acknowledging his unpredictable form but celebrating recent success.
- Gerwyn Price (WAL) vs. Brody Klinge (AUS): The two-time champion takes on the Australian Darts Masters runner-up.
- Jonny Clayton (WAL) vs. Maik Kuivenhoven (NED): ‘The Ferret’ meets a late replacement.
- Also competing: 2023 runner-up Nathan Aspinall faces Raymond Smith, and Wessel Nijman begins his challenge against Simon Whitlock.
Don’t Miss a Dart: How to Watch
For fans eager not to miss a moment of the action, the tournament will be broadcast live:
- UK: ITV4
- Worldwide Partners: Including Viaplay and DAZN
- PDCTV: Available globally (excluding UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland)
The Stage is Set for Drama
With Michael van Gerwen aiming for a historic seventh title in front of his passionate home crowd, and Luke Littler relentlessly chasing further glory, the 2026 World Series of Darts Finals promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Prepare for four days of high-octane darts, incredible skill, and nail-biting finishes in Amsterdam!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
