Darts Superstars Collide: Premier League 2026 Kicks Off with Epic Battles!
Get ready for an electrifying season of darts! The BetMGM Premier League Darts 2026 is set to ignite on Thursday, February 5th, in Newcastle, bringing together eight of the sport’s biggest names for 17 nights of intense competition. Reigning champion Luke Humphries will begin his title defence against fierce rival Gerwyn Price, while a highly anticipated rematch of the World Championship final sees Luke Littler face Gian van Veen. This thrilling tournament culminates in London on May 28th, where only the top four players will battle for ultimate glory.
The Premier League Darts: Format and Stakes
The BetMGM Premier League brings together the world’s darting elite for a spectacular tour across the UK and Europe. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
- Eight Top Players: The tournament features eight of the biggest names in darts, all vying for the coveted title.
- 17 Nights of Action: The competition spans 17 thrilling nights, with 16 league nights leading up to the grand Finals Night.
- Nightly Tournaments: Each of the 16 league nights is a mini-tournament itself, consisting of quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. All matches are played over the best of 11 legs.
- Points System: Players earn points based on their performance each night:
- 5 points for the nightly winner
- 3 points for the runner-up
- 2 points for semi-finalists
- Road to Finals Night: These points accumulate to form a league table. Only the top four players will qualify for Finals Night at The O2 in London.
- Bonus Prize: There’s a £10,000 bonus for every nightly winner, adding extra incentive to each event!
Meet the Elite Eight Contenders
This year’s lineup is packed with talent, featuring reigning champions and rising stars:
- Luke Humphries: The reigning Premier League champion and a formidable force.
- Luke Littler: The sensation who reached the World Championship final, known for his explosive talent.
- Michael van Gerwen: A seven-time Premier League winner and one of the sport’s all-time greats.
- Gerwyn Price: The 2023 Premier League runner-up, a powerful and passionate competitor.
- Gian van Veen: Another rising star who impressed in the World Championship final.
- Stephen Bunting: A former Masters champion, always a dangerous opponent.
- Jonny Clayton: The 2021 champion, known for his consistent performance.
- Josh Rock: A thrilling debutant making his first appearance in the Premier League.
Opening Night Drama: Newcastle Kicks Off the Season
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season roars to life in Newcastle with an unmissable opening night:
Thursday, February 5th – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Key Quarter-Final Matchups:
- Luke Humphries vs. Gerwyn Price: A clash of champions and a repeat of last season’s final.
- Luke Littler vs. Gian van Veen: A highly anticipated rematch of the recent World Championship final.
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Stephen Bunting: A test for the seven-time champion.
- Josh Rock vs. Jonny Clayton: The debutant faces a former champion.
Season Highlights: A Tour of European Darts Hotspots
The Premier League Darts roadshow travels across the UK and Europe, delivering top-tier darts action every Thursday night. Here are some of the standout fixtures and locations to look forward to:
- Night Two (Thursday, February 12th) – AFAS Dome, Antwerp, Belgium: A landmark first visit to Belgium! The world’s top two, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, renew their rivalry in a repeat of the 2025 Premier League final.
- Night Three (Thursday, February 19th) – OVO Hydro, Glasgow: Another epic encounter as Luke Littler faces Michael van Gerwen, a rematch of the 2024/25 World Championship final.
- Night Four (Thursday, February 26th) – SSE Arena, Belfast: Northern Ireland’s own Josh Rock takes on fellow newcomer Gian van Veen in a blockbuster tie.
- Night Five (Thursday, March 5th) – Utilita Arena, Cardiff: Expect fireworks as Michael van Gerwen battles Luke Humphries and Luke Littler takes on Josh Rock.
- Night Seven (Thursday, March 19th) – 3Arena, Dublin: Dutch stars Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen go head-to-head.
- Night Eight (Thursday, March 26th) – Uber Arena, Berlin: Fixtures for this night, and Night 16, will be determined by the league standings, adding an extra layer of strategic drama.
- Night Eleven (Thursday, April 16th) – Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands: The annual trip to the darts-mad Netherlands sees Dutch number one Gian van Veen meet defending champion Luke Humphries, while Michael van Gerwen returns to home soil against Jonny Clayton.
The Grand Finale: Finals Night in London
The culmination of 16 weeks of intense competition, Finals Night is where legends are made:
Thursday, May 28th – The O2, London
Only the top four players in the league table will progress to London. They will battle it out in a thrilling semi-final and final showdown to crown the ultimate BetMGM Premier League Darts champion for 2026.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
