The 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters is set to ignite the competitive darts season, with all eyes on world number one Luke Littler. Fresh off his second consecutive World Championship title, Littler returns to Bahrain, a venue where he famously burst onto the global scene with a nine-darter and a dominant victory. While Gerwyn Price claimed last year’s title, the stage is now perfectly set for Littler, alongside defending champion Stephen Bunting and rising star Gian van Veen, to battle it out against a field of top PDC players and Asian challengers in a thrilling quest for the season’s first World Series trophy.
The Return of ‘The Nuke’ to His Proving Ground
The desert lights are once again shining brightly as the World Series of Darts caravan makes its way to the Middle East. The 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters explodes into action on Thursday night, and one name dominates the conversation: Luke Littler.
Having just secured his second consecutive Sid Waddell Trophy, solidifying his status as the undisputed world number one, Littler is back in competitive play. And it’s no coincidence that his return is in Bahrain – a place etched into his meteoric rise.
It was here, two years ago, that Littler truly announced himself on the global stage. He achieved a sensational nine-dart finish – hitting a perfect leg of darts – and comprehensively defeated legend Michael van Gerwen, ultimately lifting the iconic date palm trophy. Last year, Gerwyn Price halted Littler’s charge with an astonishing 115.31 average in a memorable final. However, history often repeats itself, especially when Littler is involved.
Littler, ever composed, stated, “I’ve been chilling out, throwing a few darts, and I’ll be ready for tomorrow.” His opening night match is against Singapore legend Paul Lim, a remarkable generational clash spanning 53 years, pitting youthful power against seasoned experience.
Reflecting on his past, Littler added, “When I came here two years ago, I was coming after the defeat to Luke [Humphries], and people were wondering if that run was a fluke, so that was a big moment for me. I couldn’t defend my title last year, but hopefully, I can start the new 2026 season with a win.”
Tournament Format and Key Matchups
Thursday’s opening round revives the familiar World Series format: eight top PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) heavyweights face off against eight Asian representatives. All competitors are vying for a coveted spot on Finals Day.
Who to Watch: The PDC Stars and Their Challengers
-
Stephen Bunting: The Defending Champion
Known as ‘The Bullet’, Bunting returns to defend his crown after a dominant 2025 World Series campaign that saw him top the rankings. The Liverpool left-hander opens his challenge against Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto. The winner could potentially face darts icon Michael van Gerwen or Asian Tour winner Alexis Toylo in the next round. -
Gian van Veen: The Rising Dutch Star
The new Dutch number one, Gian van Veen, was one of the breakout forces of last season, surging into the world’s top three after his impressive 2025 run. He begins his Bahrain campaign against Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung in a highly anticipated rematch. Van Veen explicitly stated, “I wanted to play Man Lok Leung because everyone remembers that game at the World Championship two years ago. It was my first game at Alexandra Palace, so I wanted revenge, and hopefully, I’ll be able to get it tomorrow.” -
Luke Humphries: The Reigning World Champion’s Rival
Luke Humphries, a formidable competitor, faces Bahrain’s Abdulla Saeed for the third straight year, setting up another familiar battle in the desert. -
Gerwyn Price: The ‘Iceman’ Returns
Last year’s champion, Gerwyn Price, makes his return to the Bahrain stage against Japan’s cult hero Motomu Sakai, a player known for his passionate performances. -
Danny Noppert: The Dutch Destroyer
Danny Noppert, another strong Dutch contender, takes on local favourite Basem Mahmood, who will undoubtedly have the home crowd’s support.
One night to survive, one prestigious trophy carved from tradition to claim, and the first World Series title of 2026 awaiting its champion under the bright lights of Bahrain. The stage is set for an unforgettable start to the darts season!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
