The 2026 World Series of Darts ignites with the highly anticipated Bahrain Darts Masters, bringing together the sport’s biggest names for an electrifying showdown. Reigning world champion Luke Littler faces a fascinating clash of generations against 71-year-old veteran Paul Lim, while Gian Van Veen seeks redemption against Man Lok Leung in a highly anticipated rematch. Darts giants Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries also join the fray, promising a thrilling start to the season and setting the stage for unforgettable darts action.
The Desert Oche Awaits: Bahrain Darts Masters Kicks Off 2026 World Series
The Bahrain Darts Masters marks the prestigious opening event of the 2026 World Series of Darts. This global series sees the sport’s elite players travel to different international locations, competing against each other and local qualifiers in exciting, fast-paced tournaments. It’s an opportunity for fans worldwide to witness top-tier darts and for players to claim early bragging rights in the new season.
Star-Studded Lineup: Who’s Competing?
The tournament boasts a formidable roster of darts’ biggest stars, ensuring high-stakes drama from the very first dart. Among the confirmed participants are:
- Luke Littler: The reigning World Champion and a sensation in the darts world.
- Michael van Gerwen: A multi-time World Champion and one of the sport’s all-time greats.
- Luke Humphries: Known for his consistency and ability to challenge any opponent.
- Gian Van Veen: A rising star looking to make his mark.
- Nathan Aspinall: The charismatic and talented “Asp”.
- Stephen Bunting: The defending champion, aiming to retain his title.
- Gerwyn Price: The former World Champion, always a formidable presence.
- Danny Noppert: A consistent performer on the PDC tour.
First Round Face-Offs: Battles You Can’t Miss
The draw has delivered some truly captivating first-round encounters, setting the stage for immediate excitement:
- Luke Littler vs. Paul Lim: This is arguably the headline match, pitting the sport’s most exciting young talent against a legendary 71-year-old veteran from Singapore. It’s a true clash of generations, embodying youth, skill, and boundless energy against decades of experience and darting wisdom.
- Gian Van Veen vs. Man Lok Leung: A highly anticipated rematch! Leung famously knocked Van Veen out of the 2023 World Championship in a stunning comeback, recovering from three sets down to win 3-2. Van Veen will undoubtedly be seeking revenge and a strong start to his World Series campaign.
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Alexis Toylo: The Dutch maestro takes on PDC Asian Tour winner Alexis Toylo, who will be eager to test his mettle against one of the sport’s titans.
- Gerwyn Price vs. Motomu Sakai: The “Iceman” faces Japanese player Motomu Sakai, who recently made his World Championship debut, bringing fresh energy to the oche.
- Luke Humphries vs. Abdulla Saeed: Humphries begins his campaign against Bahrain’s own Abdulla Saeed, who will have the home crowd’s full support.
- Stephen Bunting vs. Ryusei Azemoto: The defending champion Bunting takes on two-time World Championship qualifier Ryusei Azemoto.
- Danny Noppert vs. Basem Mahmood: Noppert faces local qualifier Basem Mahmood.
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Lourence Ilagan: The “Asp” goes head-to-head with the experienced Filipino darts player Lourence Ilagan.
Full First Round Draw:
- Gerwyn Price v Motomu Sakai
- Gian van Veen v Man Lok Leung
- Danny Noppert v Basem Mahmood
- Nathan Aspinall v Lourence Ilagan
- Luke Humphries v Abdulla Saeed
- Luke Littler v Paul Lim
- Michael van Gerwen v Alexis Toylo
- Stephen Bunting v Ryusei Azemoto
Road to the Final: Quarter-Finals Preview
The tension will only intensify as the tournament progresses. The quarter-final matches, played as the best of 11 legs, are scheduled for Friday, January 16th. Potential matchups based on the first-round winners include:
- Winner of Littler/Lim vs. Winner of Price/Sakai
- Winner of Van Gerwen/Toylo vs. Winner of Bunting/Azemoto
- Winner of Humphries/Saeed vs. Winner of Aspinall/Ilagan
- Winner of Van Veen/Leung vs. Winner of Noppert/Mahmood
These potential clashes promise thrilling darting action as players battle for a spot in the semi-finals and ultimately, the coveted Bahrain Darts Masters title.
Source: Based on an article from Sky Sports – Sports News, Transfers, Scores | Watch Live Sport.
