The 2026 ADC National Finals have exploded into action at Bradmoor Farm, Aylesbury, promising four days of intense amateur darts competition from October 15-18. With a staggering combined prize fund of £114,000 across 11 diverse tournaments, this event is a true celebration of darts at all levels. Kicking off the excitement, Bailey Hughes has already claimed the Level Up CORE National Final title, securing a £5,000 prize and setting the stage for a thrilling weekend where champions will be crowned in singles, pairs, and women’s events, culminating in Sunday’s massive £70,000 VAULT National Finals.
Thursday’s Opening Shots: Hughes Claims First Title
The highly anticipated 2026 ADC National Finals began on Thursday, October 15th, at Bradmoor Farm. The opening day saw the Level Up Circuit take centre stage, designed to provide competitive opportunities for players across various skill levels.
- Level Up CORE National Final: Bailey Hughes emerged as the first champion of the festival, defeating Charlie Broadhurst 5-3 in a compelling final. This victory secured Hughes the title and a significant £5,000 prize. This particular competition is tailored for players with an average below 55, highlighting the ADC’s commitment to nurturing talent at every stage.
- Level Up Money In, Money Out: Matt Caste also celebrated a win on Thursday, taking home the title in this knockout competition, further adding to the day’s excitement.
Friday’s Fierce Contests: More Level Up National Titles
Friday continues the focus on the Level Up Circuit, with two more national titles and substantial prize money up for grabs. These events are crucial for players aiming to convert their qualifying efforts into national glory.
- Level Up Emerging National Final: This event caters to players with an average between 55 and 64.99. Competitors will battle it out for a £5,000 national title.
- Level Up Rise National Final: Following the Emerging Final, players averaging between 65 and 77.5 will compete for another £5,000 national title.
These competitions underscore the Level Up programme’s dedication to offering fair and exciting opportunities for amateur players to shine.
Saturday’s Spectacular Showdown: Doubles, Classics, and Women’s Darts
Saturday marks a significant escalation in the scale and variety of the competition, featuring a packed schedule of singles, pairs, and dedicated women’s events.
Key Saturday Events:
- Red Dragon Doubles Cup: Kicking off the day, this pairs competition boasts a £4,000 prize fund, with the champions taking home an impressive £1,600. It’s a fantastic opportunity for partnerships to make their mark.
- UK & Ireland Classic: This highly anticipated singles event features a restricted field of only 32 qualified players. They will compete for a substantial £13,000 prize fund, with the champion securing £3,000. Expect intense battles in this prestigious tournament.
- VAULT Women’s National Finals (WADC): Women’s darts takes centre stage with its own major competition, offering a £3,000 prize fund and £800 for the champion. This highlights the growing prominence of women in the sport.
- Additional Knockouts: Saturday evening will also feature two more Money In, Money Out knockout competitions, open to both ADC and WADC UK & Ireland members.
Sunday’s Grand Finale: The £70,000 VAULT National Finals
The weekend culminates on Sunday with the most prestigious event of the entire festival: the VAULT National Finals. This is where the biggest prize awaits and legends are made.
The Ultimate Darts Challenge:
- Massive Prize Fund: The VAULT National Finals boasts an incredible £70,000 prize fund, with a life-changing £10,000 awarded to the champion. This tournament is undoubtedly the standout event of the four days.
- Road to Glory: Players have earned their spots through a rigorous qualifying structure, ensuring a field of top amateur talent. The competition will be played down to a winner on the day, with valuable ADC UK Regional and UK National ranking points also on offer.
- Legacy of Champions: The VAULT National Finals has a rich history of champions, including Neil Duff (2023), Thomas Banks (2024), and Chas Barstow (2025). All former champions hold lifetime invitations, adding an extra layer of prestige and challenge for the latest edition.
Alongside the VAULT showpiece, Sunday also features the Red Dragon WADC National Singles Finals. This women’s competition carries a £4,000 prize fund, with £1,000 going to the champion, providing a fitting and exciting conclusion to the weekend’s women’s singles action.
A Festival of Darts for All
From the early Level Up titles to the high-stakes VAULT National Finals, the ADC National Finals at Bradmoor Farm truly brings together a diverse range of players and competition formats under one roof. With Bailey Hughes already celebrating a win, the remaining days promise non-stop darts drama and the crowning of many more national champions, showcasing the incredible breadth and depth of the amateur darts circuit.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
