The 2026 World Series of Darts Finals promises a thrilling spectacle, with defending champion Michael van Gerwen and rising star Luke Humphries looking strong, while Luke Littler remains a formidable force. However, expect some nail-biting encounters and potential upsets, with players like Ross Smith and Karel Sedlacek in peak form. We’ll see tight battles, clear favorites, and a few dark horses ready to shake up the competition right from the first throw.
Unmissable First-Round Clashes
Michael van Gerwen vs. Illagen
Defending champion **Michael van Gerwen** enters this event on the back of a powerful resurgence, highlighted by his victory over Luke Littler in a premier event final last year. This match largely hinges on MVG’s performance. **If he plays at his best, he’s almost unbeatable.** However, Illagen is a resilient opponent who could certainly seize an opportunity if Van Gerwen isn’t firing on all cylinders. MVG is the strong favourite, but Illagen’s fighting spirit shouldn’t be underestimated.
Kevin Doets vs. Ross Smith
Just months ago, Kevin Doets and Ross Smith delivered a World Matchplay classic, with Doets showcasing incredible form, including a 170 finish, despite losing. While that match was a thriller, **current form suggests a different outcome.** Doets appears to be struggling, with recent Euro Tour performances hinting at personal challenges affecting his game. In stark contrast, **Ross Smith is in the form of his life, having recently secured another title.** This momentum makes him the clear favourite in this matchup, suggesting it might not be as close as their previous encounter.
Josh Rock vs. Stephen Bunting
This clash between two Premier League stalwarts is incredibly hard to call. Both Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting have experienced inconsistent seasons; Rock has shown uncharacteristic sloppiness, while Bunting has a knack for losing tight games despite impressive scoring. **This match could be a spectacular showdown or a forgettable affair – it’s truly a coin toss.** If Rock finds his rhythm and his scoring power, he has the ability to overwhelm Bunting. However, **Bunting’s finishing will be the decisive factor.** He’s either clinical on combinations or struggles with crucial doubles, making this a genuinely unpredictable contest.
Ryan Searle vs. Rob Cross
Another potentially close encounter. While Ryan Searle hasn’t hit his post-World Championship peaks, he remains a dangerous player, especially when his scoring is on point and he’s hitting his favoured tops. However, **Rob Cross is currently enjoying a significant resurgence in form.** His ability to hit timely combination finishes is arguably among the best in the world right now, rivaling even Jonny Clayton and Luke Littler. Given Searle’s recent struggles with hitting crucial doubles, **Cross is perfectly positioned to capitalize on any mistakes and secure the victory.**
Luke Humphries vs. Jermaine Wattimena
This match pits two recent PDC Pro Tour winners against each other. While Luke Humphries is the natural favourite, **Jermaine Wattimena is in exceptional form, having notably defeated Luke Littler on his way to a title.** He’s more than capable of causing a major upset. However, Humphries is keen to add this World Series title to his impressive collection, as it’s one of the few missing from his resume. If both players find their scoring rhythm, this could be a thrilling contest. Yet, **Humphries’ consistency on crucial doubles gives him the edge** in high-pressure moments.
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Tingstrom
Dirk van Duijvenbode, affectionately known as ‘The Aubergenius,’ steps in as a late replacement, making this matchup significantly clearer. While Tingstrom gained recognition by defeating Stephen Bunting and challenging an off-form MVG at the Nordic Darts Masters, **his overall form is unlikely to trouble van Duijvenbode.** Dirk is fresh off a sensational semi-final run at the World Matchplay, demonstrating top-tier performance. **Van Duijvenbode is the overwhelming favourite** to advance comfortably.
Ben Robb vs. Karel Sedlacek
Ben Robb is a dominant force on the New Zealand darts circuit and a well-known name from the region. However, he has historically struggled to translate that success onto the sport’s biggest stages. In contrast, **Karel Sedlacek is enjoying the best form of his career, currently on the cusp of World Grand Prix qualification.** His consistent high-level play makes him the strong favourite to win this encounter.
Brody Klinge vs. Gerwyn Price
This match would have been a straightforward prediction just weeks ago. However, **Brody Klinge’s impressive run to the Australian Darts Masters final proved he can compete with and even overcome elite players.** While Gerwyn Price rightfully starts as the clear favourite, he cannot afford any complacency. **Price will need to be at his best from the very first leg** to avoid a shocking early exit against a confident Klinge.
Adam Leek vs. Jim Long
This match has the potential to be a tight contest. Adam Leek is a talented and engaging player, known for an upset win over Ross Smith at the New Zealand Darts Masters, although that match itself lacked top-tier quality. Both players have faced challenges on tour this year. However, **Jim Long’s greater consistency and experience give him a noticeable edge** in what could be a grind of a match.
James Wade vs. Damon Heta
James Wade has been somewhat out of the spotlight since his impressive maiden World Series event victory in Australia. Damon Heta, on the other hand, is showing signs of recovery after what was arguably the toughest period of his career. Heta’s current form, however, tends to come in flashes – short bursts of brilliance interspersed with quieter patches. **Against a consistently clinical player like James Wade, these fluctuations are unlikely to be enough.** Wade’s unwavering reliability makes him the favourite here.
Simon Whitlock vs. Nijman
While fans would love to see ‘The Wizard’ Simon Whitlock roll back the years, this matchup looks incredibly challenging for him. **Nijman has been one of the standout players of the year, consistently collecting titles** on both the Pro Tour and Euro Tour circuits. Whitlock still shows flashes of his old magic with occasional 180s and big finishes, but his leg-on-leg scoring power has significantly diminished. **Nijman’s dominant current form makes him the overwhelming favourite** in this contest.
Luke Littler vs. Danny Noppert
Luke Littler is, as often, the clear and obvious favourite. His recent whitewash victory over Danny Noppert in the Czech Darts Open semi-finals only strengthens this view. However, **Noppert demonstrated excellent form to reach that stage, notably coming back from 4-0 down against Luke Woodhouse.** While Littler will undoubtedly need to be on his game, his sheer talent and dominance mean he is widely expected to progress. **The narrative of this match largely revolves around Littler’s performance.**
Nathan Aspinall vs. Raymond Smith
This match presents a genuine opportunity for an upset. Raymond Smith showcased exceptional form in New Zealand, with his **combination finishing, especially on the bullseye, being particularly impressive.** If Nathan Aspinall struggles with his doubles, as he did in a recent European Tour semi-final, Smith will be given crucial chances. **Should Smith capitalize on these opportunities, he absolutely has the potential to win.** However, if Aspinall finds his scoring touch early, he is more than capable of overpowering Smith.
Jonny Clayton vs. Toylo
The primary challenge for Jonny Clayton in this matchup will be adapting to Toylo’s unique playing style. Toylo is known for his deliberate, slower pace, which can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm. If **Clayton can maintain his usual high-tempo game and focus, he should secure the win.** However, Toylo is more than just a slow player; he’s a quality competitor with solid finishing. There’s a real possibility that **Toylo’s methodical approach could grind down Clayton**, making this a trickier contest than it might first appear.
Rydz vs. Sakai
While Sakai is an entertaining player, evidenced by his World Championship win over Thibault Tricole, **it’s hard to see him winning if Callan Rydz performs anywhere near his best.** Rydz is known for his inconsistent performances, but when his scoring is on point, he can overwhelm opponents. **The only path to victory for Sakai is if the match becomes a scrappy affair** and Rydz struggles with his doubles. In such a scenario, Sakai would need to convert every opportunity presented to him. Otherwise, **Rydz is the clear favourite.**
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
