After three intense weeks of the Premier League of Darts 2026, the anticipated dominance of the two Lukes – reigning champion Luke Humphries and 2024 winner Luke Littler – has been challenged. Neither currently holds a play-off position, as seasoned champions like Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Jonny Clayton have already claimed nightly victories. This early shift suggests a far more open and unpredictable tournament, moving beyond the initial ‘Luke Show’ narrative.
The Surprising Start: Lukes Lag Behind
After three thrilling weeks of the Premier League of Darts 2026, the pre-tournament hype around the two dominant “Lukes” – reigning champion Luke Humphries and 2024 winner Luke Littler – has taken an unexpected turn. Neither of them currently sits in a coveted play-off spot.
Instead, other giants of the game have stepped up:
- Michael van Gerwen, the seven-time Premier League champion, has reached back-to-back finals, including a victory on the opening night in Newcastle.
- Gerwyn Price celebrated success in Antwerp.
- Jonny Clayton claimed glory in Glasgow.
This early leaderboard suggests that the 2026 Premier League is shaping up to be far more competitive and unpredictable than initially expected, moving beyond the narrative of a “Luke show.”
Humphries’ Narrow Miss, Littler’s Setback
Luke “Cool Hand” Humphries, the reigning champion, suffered a narrow defeat in Glasgow. He was beaten by Gian van Veen, a player who has consistently demonstrated exceptional form, proving his brilliance extends far beyond his 2026 World Darts Championship performance.
Meanwhile, Luke “The Nuke” Littler‘s journey in Glasgow was also cut short. He received a direct pass to the semi-finals due to Michael van Gerwen’s withdrawal on medical grounds. However, this advantage didn’t translate into success, as Littler was decisively knocked out by Jonny Clayton with a 6-1 scoreline.
While both Lukes are undoubtedly world-class players and likely unfazed by their slow starts, their early struggles serve as a clear reminder to fans and pundits alike: this Premier League season is wide open.
The Format: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
The Premier League of Darts is a demanding competition, structured in two distinct phases:
- League Phase (16 Weeks): Players compete in weekly tournaments across different cities, earning points based on their performance. Each week features quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, with the nightly winner receiving five points, the runner-up three, and semi-finalists two.
- Finals Night (Week 17 at The O2): After 16 weeks, the top four players in the league table advance to the grand finale. Here, they battle it out in a single-elimination format to be crowned the Premier League Champion.
With many weeks still to play, there’s ample opportunity for players to climb the table and secure a play-off spot.
Van Gerwen and Clayton: Forces to be Reckoned With
Despite a medical withdrawal in Glasgow, Michael van Gerwen has shown flashes of his legendary form. While his dominant run of topping the table for four consecutive years between 2016-2019 might be a thing of the past, his current performance, including an early nightly win, proves he remains a formidable contender. If he can secure a top-four spot, his ability to win on a single finals night, as he demonstrated in Newcastle, makes him a serious threat.
Another standout performer is Jonny “The Ferret” Clayton. Despite being considered an outsider at the start of the season, his early nightly win in Glasgow has reinforced his reputation as a Premier League specialist. Clayton has an impressive record, having finished in the top four in every Premier League season he has participated in, even clinching the title in 2021. His consistent performance makes him a player everyone needs to watch.
An Open Race Ahead
With unexpected turns and strong performances from various players, the 2026 Premier League of Darts has truly captured the imagination of fans. The initial weeks have certainly restored the hope for a more open and exciting tournament, promising many more thrilling darts to come.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
