The darts world is buzzing! After Luke Littler’s thrilling second Premier League victory and other standout performances, fans are now turning their attention to the major tournaments ahead in late 2026. This article offers a sneak peek into the highly anticipated World Cup of Darts and the prestigious PDC World Championship, revealing which players and nations the bookmakers are backing. Expect to see familiar favorites like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries dominating the odds, alongside exciting dark horses such as Jonny Clayton and history-making Beau Greaves, all vying for glory and offering intriguing betting opportunities.
The Road Ahead: Summer Darts Heats Up
Following the intense spectacle of the Premier League, where Luke Littler secured his second title in a nail-biting 11-10 clash against Luke Humphries, and stars like Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton proved their mettle, the darts calendar typically experiences a brief lull. However, as we move into the latter half of 2026, the excitement is rapidly building! A host of major tournaments are on the horizon, promising high drama and incredible skill.
For fans eager to know what the rest of the year holds – and more importantly, for those looking for a winning bet – we dive into the predictions from leading bookmakers for the upcoming major events.
World Cup of Darts: A Battle of Nations
Offering a refreshing change from the individual player focus of the Premier League, the World Cup of Darts sees nations battle it out for supremacy. It’s a fantastic alternative for sports fans seeking team-based excitement.
Team England: The Double Luke Threat
Currently, England stands as the clear favourite, and it’s easy to see why. Their formidable team is comprised of world number one Luke Littler and world number two Luke Humphries. Despite a challenging run last year, this dynamic duo looks more than ready to reclaim national pride. Both BOYLE Sports and QuinnBet are offering odds of 1/2 for an English victory.
Other Strong Contenders
- Northern Ireland: Last year’s champions, Josh Rock and Darryl ‘Superchin’ Gurney, famously defeated Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price in the final. They are currently priced at 16/1 with BOYLE Sports and 15/1 with QuinnBet.
- The Netherlands: Never to be underestimated, the Dutch team, featuring a rejuvenated MVG (Michael van Gerwen) and the talented Gian van Veen, could be very dangerous. MVG recently showcased a dominant performance, and van Veen will be eager to add another title to his name. The Netherlands are at 13/2 with QuinnBet and 6/1 with BOYLE Sports.
PDC World Championship: The Ultimate Glory
Saving what many consider the pinnacle of darts for last, we turn our attention to the PDC World Championship Darts. This most prestigious tournament will once again take place at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally), running from mid-December 2026 until early January 2027.
The 2026/27 championship promises to be special, as the event will move into the venue’s Great Hall, accommodating approximately 5,000 more spectators. This larger setting will create an even more electrifying atmosphere, though some might miss the traditional “Ally Pally Wasp” sightings that have become a quirky Christmas staple!
Who Will Lift the Sid Waddell Trophy?
Naturally, much of the smart money is on Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, who will be aiming to defend his title for an incredible third consecutive year. While much can change before winter, the 19-year-old sensation is the current favourite, with odds of 4/5 from both BOYLE Sports and QuinnBet.
Luke Humphries is also a strong contender, with many bookmakers anticipating yet another “Luke vs. Luke” final. He’s currently available at 6/1 with both QuinnBet and BOYLE Sports.
Gian van Veen is another player to watch, listed at 10/1 with both QuinnBet and BOYLE Sports, showing he’s firmly in the mix.
Potential Surprises and Dark Horses
- Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen (MVG): Bookmakers are also tipping these established champions to perform well, given their consistent track records.
- Jonny ‘The Ferret’ Clayton: Based on his recent stellar form, consistently averaging well over a ton and showing marked improvement in his doubles, Clayton could be a rewarding bet. With attractive odds of 40/1 from both BOYLE Sports and QuinnBet, he represents a significant outsider with the potential for a big payoff – perhaps even a rare nine-darter!
- Beau Greaves: The History Maker: For a truly exciting long shot, keep an eye on Doncaster’s own Beau Greaves. Beau made history in April by becoming the first woman ever to win a PDC senior title, defeating several former champions along the way. Until March, she was unbeaten in an astonishing 114 matches, showcasing her remarkable talent and impact on women’s darts. Both BoyleSports and QuinnBet are offering “Beau and Arrow” at enticing odds of 50/1. Her journey is nothing short of inspirational, and a deep run at the World Championship would be monumental.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
