Get ready for an unparalleled spectacle as the 33rd PDC World Darts Championship takes over Alexandra Palace in London from December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026. This year marks a significant milestone, expanding to a record-breaking 128 players, promising more thrilling matches and unexpected upsets than ever before. With an astonishing £5 million prize pool, including £1 million for the champion, the stakes have never been higher. Defending champion Luke Littler, alongside 2024 winner Luke Humphries and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, are among the top contenders vying for the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy. Prepare for an unmissable darts extravaganza!
When and Where the Darts Drama Unfolds
The iconic Alexandra Palace in London will once again be the hallowed ground for the PDC World Darts Championship. This prestigious event, a fixture since 2008, runs from Thursday, December 11, 2025, through to Saturday, January 3, 2026, promising festive season thrills for darts fans worldwide.
The Battle for Glory: Who’s Lifting the Trophy?
Darts enthusiasts will recall the incredible run of young Luke Littler, who claimed the trophy in 2025 after a stunning performance. This came just a year after his memorable debut in 2024, where he narrowly missed out on the title against Luke Humphries. Both players are now aiming to join the elite group of darts legends who have won multiple world titles. Past champions include formidable names like Michael Smith, Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price, and the legendary Michael van Gerwen, all of whom have left their mark on this grand stage.
Unpacking the Game: Understanding the Format
Unlike many other darts competitions that use a ‘first to a certain number of legs’ format, the World Darts Championship employs a set play system, which adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement.
- Each set consists of a best-of-five legs, meaning a player must win three legs to secure a set.
- In deciding sets, particularly when players are level, a player must win by two clear legs to claim the set and, ultimately, the match.
Round-by-Round Set Format:
- First and Second Round: Best of five sets
- Third and Fourth Round: Best of seven sets
- Quarter-final Games: Best of nine sets
- Semi-Final Games: Best of eleven sets
- Final: Best of thirteen sets
A Game-Changer: The Expanded Field
The 2026 World Darts Championship is making history with its most significant expansion yet. For the very first time, the player field has grown from 96 to a massive 128 participants. This addition of 32 extra players means more matches, more opportunities for emerging talent, and an even higher level of excitement and unpredictability for fans.
The Lucrative Prizes: A Record-Breaking Purse
Beyond the glory of the title, players are competing for an unprecedented prize pool. The total prize money for the 2026 championship stands at a staggering £5 million, making it the richest event in darts history.
Prize Money Breakdown:
- Winner: £1,000,000
- Runner-Up: £400,000
- Semi-Final Losers: £200,000 each
- Quarter-Final Losers: £100,000 each
- Fourth Round Losers: £60,000 each
- Third Round Losers: £35,000 each
- Second Round Losers: £25,000 each
- First Round Losers: £15,000 each
Adding to the excitement, players who achieve the rare feat of a nine-darter (scoring 501 in the minimum nine darts) will receive a special £60,000 bonus. While it’s a monumental achievement, it doesn’t always guarantee victory, as seen in the 2025 championship where Cristian Kist and Damon Heta both hit nine-darters but were ultimately defeated in their respective matches.
Contenders and Dark Horses: Who to Watch
The field is packed with talent, but a few names stand out as strong favorites and exciting prospects.
Top Favorites:
- Luke Littler: The reigning champion, Littler enters the tournament in phenomenal form, having dominated 2025 by winning six major finals, including the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam, and Players Championship Finals. He’s the man to beat.
- Luke Humphries: The 2024 World Champion and former world number one, Humphries is always a formidable opponent. Despite not winning a PDC Major since the Premier League in May, his experience and pedigree make him a significant threat.
- Michael van Gerwen: A three-time world champion, Van Gerwen will be eager to avenge his defeat in last year’s final and reclaim the sport’s top prize. His explosive scoring and relentless determination make him a constant contender.
Other Exciting Players:
- Gian van Veen and Josh Rock: These rising stars are highly anticipated to make a strong impact and potentially cause upsets.
- Beau Greaves: A standout performer in the Women’s Series, Greaves will be looking to showcase her exceptional talent on the biggest stage.
- Gerwyn Price: The former world champion is in excellent form, having reached the semi-finals at Minehead before a narrow loss to Littler. Fans expect nothing less than spectacular performances from ‘The Iceman’.
Your Guide to the Tournament Schedule
The action kicks off on Thursday, December 11, with an opening night featuring four thrilling matches. From then on, fans can enjoy daily afternoon and evening sessions, each packed with four matches. There will be a brief Christmas break from December 24 to 26.
As the tournament progresses into the later rounds, where matches become longer, the number of games per session will reduce. The final day of two sessions is January 1, 2026. The crucial semi-finals are scheduled for January 2, leading up to the grand final on Saturday, January 3. Darts fans can look forward to an exciting opening round match, with defending champion Luke Littler set to face Darius Labanauskas.
How to Follow the Action
For those eager to catch every dart, the entire World Darts Championship will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Additionally, fans can stay updated through the BBC Sport app and website, which will provide live text coverage as the tournament unfolds. On the opening night, BBC Radio 5 Live will host a dedicated show featuring exclusive interviews with top players like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen.
The Verdict: An Unmissable Event
With the 2026 World Darts Championship just around the corner, anticipation is at an all-time high. The expanded field, record prize money, and a roster of world-class talent, including the electrifying rivalry between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, promise an unforgettable event. Whether Littler can defend his title against such fierce competition remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this championship is set to deliver drama, excitement, and darts history in the making.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
