Get ready for an electrifying week in professional darts from January 19th to 25th! This period highlights the sport’s incredible global reach, with major tournaments unfolding across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Fans can look forward to the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters featuring top international talent, the launch of the crucial PDC Asian Tour in Dubai, and the competitive East Europe European Tour Qualifiers in Slovakia. Additionally, the World Darts Federation (WDF) brings action from Romania and Canada, ensuring a packed schedule for every darts enthusiast.
Saudi Arabia Darts Masters: High Stakes in the Middle East
Following a thrilling Bahrain Darts Masters, won by Michael van Gerwen, the darting elite have moved to the Kingdom for the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. This World Series event takes place on Monday, January 19th, and Tuesday, January 20th, showcasing the sport’s expansion into new territories.
The tournament features a familiar format, pitting eight of the world’s top players against eight regional stars. Notably, this edition includes no players from Saudi Arabia itself, but welcomes talents like Nitin Kumar and Tomoya Goto, who join the roster of players from the Bahrain event, all vying for the coveted title.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, organizers have introduced a spectacular incentive: a massive £100,000 prize for any player who achieves a nine-dart finish. And for those truly aiming for perfection, an additional reward awaits for a bullseye hit immediately after that perfect leg.
PDC Asian Tour Kicks Off in Dubai
The focus shifts to the United Arab Emirates from Saturday, January 24th, to Sunday, January 25th, as the PDC Asian Tour 2026 begins in Dubai. These are the first four of a total of 28 tournaments on the Asian circuit, setting the stage for a competitive year.
The stakes are high: the top five players on the final Asian Tour Order of Merit will earn a coveted spot at the World Championship. Expect strong performances from the eight ‘local’ players invited to the World Series events, who are often dominant forces on this tour.
Keep an eye on familiar names like Alexis Toylo, Motomu Sakai, and Lourence Ilagan, who consistently impressed last year and will be eager to repeat their success. Legendary player Paul Lim also aims to make his mark, hoping to extend his record as the oldest player to compete at the World Championship.
East Europe European Tour Qualifiers: Battle for European Spots
Simultaneously, on Saturday, January 24th, and Sunday, January 25th, the battle for European Tour berths ignites in Slovakia. These qualifiers determine who will compete in the first four European Tour events of the year.
With Adam Gawlas and Benjamin Pratnemer having secured their ‘Tour Cards’ (which grant them automatic entry into many major PDC events), the field seems even more open for aspiring talents. Boris Krcmar, known as ‘The Biggest,’ is widely considered the heavy favorite to dominate these qualifiers.
However, he’ll face stiff competition from fellow countrymen like Romeo Grbavac and Tomislav Rosandic, as well as strong Polish contenders such as Krzysztof Kciuk and Radek Szaganski. Players from the Czech Republic and Hungary are also expected to travel in significant numbers, all aiming to secure their place on the prestigious European Tour.
WDF Action: Romania and Canada
Beyond the PDC circuit, the World Darts Federation (WDF) is also busy this weekend, offering opportunities for players across different categories.
- In Romania, from January 23rd to 25th, a triple-header of tournaments takes place: the Romanian Open, Romanian Classic, and Bucharest Open. Friday’s event falls into the ‘Bronze’ category, while Saturday and Sunday feature ‘Silver’ category tournaments, offering valuable ranking points.
- Meanwhile, in Canada, the Snoflake Open also runs from January 23rd to 25th. This ‘Bronze’ category tournament provides a significant platform for North American players.
This comprehensive overview ensures you won’t miss a single darting moment as the global season continues to unfold!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
