The Winmau World Masters 2026 quarterfinals saw an incredible display of darts as the world’s top players asserted their dominance. Luke Littler and Luke Humphries delivered flawless performances, not dropping a single set, while Gian van Veen battled past James Wade. All three showcased exceptional skill with three-figure averages. Gerwyn Price also secured his spot in the semi-finals, setting the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the tournament.
Winmau World Masters Quarter-Finals: Afternoon Session Recap
Price Breaks Five-Year Semi-Final Drought
Gerwyn Price made history by reaching the Winmau World Masters semi-finals for only the second time in his career, a feat he last achieved five years ago. On Sunday afternoon, ‘The Iceman’ defeated Chris Dobey 4-2 in a hard-fought match. Price’s significantly better checkout percentage proved to be the decisive factor. Both players started strong, exchanging breaks, but Price eventually took control.
- Price secured his first lead with a crucial 90 checkout.
- A stunning 116 checkout (a 12-darter) by Price was arguably the turning point.
- Dobey struggled to convert his chances, particularly on high finishes and crucial doubles.
- Price closed out the match in 14 darts, sealing his semi-final spot.
Littler’s Flawless Power Play
Luke Littler continued his sensational form, dismantling Josh Rock with a dominant 4-0 victory. ‘The Nuke’ showcased his ambitions for another major title, achieving an astounding 105.92 average. This marks Littler’s first-ever appearance in the Winmau World Masters semi-finals.
- Littler quickly took the first set with legs in 17 and 14 darts.
- Despite Rock winning one leg in the second set, Littler quickly regained control with a 121 checkout for a 12-darter to win the set.
- Littler accelerated, taking the next two sets in rapid succession (14, 15, 11, and 13 darts respectively).
- His clinical finishing ensured Rock had no answer, solidifying Littler’s place among the tournament favourites.
Van Veen Outlasts Wade in Tense Battle
Gian van Veen emerged victorious from a captivating encounter against James Wade, securing a 4-2 win. Interestingly, Wade actually posted a slightly higher average (103.68 to van Veen’s 102.66), but ‘The Machine’ ultimately faltered on crucial doubles late in the match.
- The first four sets were evenly split, with both players exchanging 11- and 15-dart legs.
- Van Veen started the fifth set with another 11-darter, eventually breaking Wade’s throw in 14 darts to take the lead.
- Wade’s struggle on the doubles became apparent, missing two D18s on 61, then three more crucial doubles later on.
- Van Veen capitalized, checking out 48 to seal the match and advance.
Humphries’ Clinical Masterclass
Defending champion Luke Humphries delivered another masterclass, punishing Danny Noppert’s struggles on the doubles with a resounding 4-0 victory. Like Littler, Humphries did not drop a single set, demonstrating why he is the reigning champion.
- Humphries wasted no time, taking the first set comfortably in 14 and 12 darts.
- Noppert’s early double attempts in the second set were all missed, allowing Humphries to break.
- Despite a 106 checkout from Noppert to force a decider in the second set, Humphries calmly secured it with a 67 checkout.
- Noppert’s double woes continued into the third and fourth sets, repeatedly missing chances at 36 and 50.
- Humphries was ruthless, capitalizing on every error to complete a dominant win and secure his semi-final berth.
Looking Ahead: The Finals Session
The Winmau World Masters 2026 will culminate in an exciting evening session, featuring both semi-finals and the grand final. Darts fans can anticipate thrilling contests as the remaining players battle for the prestigious title.
Semi-Final Match-Ups (Sunday, February 1, 2026 – 8:00 PM CET)
- Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price
- Luke Humphries vs. Gian van Veen
The winners will then proceed to the Grand Final after a short break.
Tournament Structure
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 7 Sets
- Semi-Finals: Best of 9 Sets
- Final: Best of 11 Sets
- Each Set: Best of 3 Legs
Prize Money Breakdown
The Winmau World Masters boasts a significant prize fund, with earnings contributing to the PDC Order of Merit since 2025.
- Winner: £100,000
- Runner-Up: £50,000
- Semi-Finalists: £30,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £17,500
- Last 16: £10,000
- First Round: £5,000
- Preliminary Round Last 16: £2,500
- Preliminary Round Last 32: £1,000
- Preliminary Round Last 64: £750
- Total Prize Fund: £500,000
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
