The 2026 Premier League Darts is set to ignite with an elite eight-player lineup battling for supremacy. Featuring a dynamic format of weekly events leading to a grand finale, this year sees reigning World Champion Luke Littler as the overwhelming favorite. While familiar faces like defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries and six-time winner Michael van Gerwen return, rising stars like Gian van Veen and Josh Rock make their highly anticipated debuts. Competition for places was fierce, leaving out strong contenders, but promising a season of unparalleled drama and top-tier darts action.
Premier League Darts 2026: Format and Fierce Competition
The Premier League Darts, a flagship event in the professional darts calendar since 2005, has undergone several transformations. Its current highly successful format, introduced four years ago, features eight of the world’s best players competing in weekly events across the UK and Europe. Each night culminates in a winner, with players earning points towards a league table. The ultimate prize is decided at the climactic Finals Night at London’s iconic O2 Arena.
Entry into this prestigious competition is a blend of merit and selection. The top four players from the PDC Order of Merit automatically secure their spots, ensuring the sport’s most consistent performers are always present. The remaining four places are awarded as highly coveted wildcard selections, chosen by the PDC to guarantee a thrilling mix of form, star power, and competitive flair.
Notable Absences: The Tough Choices
Despite the inclusion of defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries, the selection process always sparks debate. This year, several top talents narrowly missed out, highlighting the immense depth in professional darts. Notable omissions include:
- Danny Noppert, despite a strong 2025 season.
- Nathan Aspinall, a former Premier League finalist.
- World Championship semi-finalists Gary Anderson and Ryan Searle.
- Breakout sensation Justin Hood, who impressed at Alexandra Palace.
The decision to maintain an eight-player field is a deliberate one, aimed at preserving the unrivalled quality and intensity of the Premier League. While expanding to 10 or 12 players might seem appealing, the consensus among fans and experts is that a smaller, elite group ensures every match is a blockbuster. This commitment to excellence guarantees a high-stakes, unpredictable tournament every single week.
Meet the Elite Eight: Who Will Challenge for the Title?
With anticipation reaching fever pitch ahead of the February 5th start, let’s dive into the full 2026 Premier League Darts lineup, examining each player’s credentials and their prospects for lifting the coveted trophy.
Luke Littler
The reigning World Champion and undisputed phenom, Luke Littler enters the Premier League as the overwhelming favourite. His dominant 7-3 victory over Gian van Veen in the 2026 World Championship final, coupled with Grand Slam success, solidifies his status as the sport’s premier talent. Despite falling short in last year’s Premier League final against Humphries, Littler’s confidence is at an all-time high. His exceptional scoring and nerveless finishing make him the man to beat, with many believing it’s only a matter of time before he adds the Premier League title to his rapidly growing collection.
Luke Humphries
As the defending Premier League champion, ‘Cool Hand’ Luke Humphries will be eager to prove his early World Championship exit was merely a blip. Last year’s thrilling 11-8 victory at the O2, featuring an incredible 11-darter, showcased his championship pedigree. Humphries possesses a relentless scoring game and ice-cold composure, making him a formidable contender to defend his title. He represents strong value among those looking to challenge Littler’s dominance.
Gian van Veen
The Dutchman’s sensational run to the 2026 World Championship final not only earned him automatic qualification but also firmly announced his arrival at the sport’s top tier. Van Veen defeated veteran Gary Anderson in a thrilling semi-final before succumbing to Littler in his first major final, where emotions clearly played a part. His Premier League debut is highly anticipated, bringing immense scoring power and youthful exuberance. While the demanding weekly format might be a new challenge, Van Veen has shown he’s capable of beating anyone on his day, making him an intriguing dark horse.
Michael van Gerwen
A six-time Premier League champion, Michael van Gerwen remains one of the greatest to ever grace the oche. Despite an inconsistent year that saw him reach the World Cup quarter-finals, ‘Mighty Mike’ is a player who can never be written off. While he may no longer wield the absolute dominance of his peak years, his sheer class and experience mean a resurgence is always possible. He’s a dangerous opponent who, when in full flow, can still dismantle anyone, making him a potential wildcard for deep runs.
Gerwyn Price
The 2021 World Champion, Gerwyn Price, returns as a wildcard, determined to shake off a disappointing World Championship performance. Known for his intense, fiery presence on stage, ‘The Iceman’ finished fourth last year and thrives on the energy of the crowd – whether they’re cheering or jeering. When his rhythm is on point and he manages to channel the crowd, Price is an undeniable force. His experience and raw talent mean he’s always a threat to go all the way, making him an exciting, if sometimes unpredictable, addition to the lineup.
Josh Rock
Making his Premier League debut, Josh Rock earned his spot with a career-best quarter-final run at the 2026 World Championship. At just 24, the Northern Irishman is widely regarded as one of darts’ most exciting young talents, known for his explosive scoring. While consistency has been a challenge in the past, his aggressive, free-flowing style could truly flourish in the weekly format of the Premier League. Rock possesses immense potential, and this debut season offers him a prime platform to establish himself among the elite.
Jonny Clayton
The 2021 Premier League champion, Jonny Clayton, secures a wildcard after a solid, if not spectacular, year that included a World Championship quarter-final appearance. ‘The Ferret’ is renowned for his clinical finishing and ability to hit crucial doubles under pressure. While his consistency hasn’t always matched his peak form, Clayton’s experience in navigating this demanding competition is invaluable. He understands what it takes to win the Premier League, and if he can find his rhythm, he remains a dangerous outsider.
Stephen Bunting
Stephen Bunting makes a wildcard return, a selection that has generated some debate given a less-than-stellar 2025 Premier League and a last-16 World Championship exit. However, ‘The Bullet’ remains a fan favourite with undeniable crowd appeal. When his confidence is high, Bunting is a heavy scorer capable of pushing any opponent. To justify his inclusion, early victories will be crucial to build momentum and prove he belongs among this elite field.
The Road to the O2: A Season of Unpredictable Drama
While Luke Littler stands out as the clear favourite, the Premier League’s unique weekly format ensures that upsets are always on the cards. Luke Humphries offers a strong challenge as he defends his title, and Gian van Veen emerges as an intriguing dark horse with immense potential. The unforgiving structure of the Premier League guarantees 17 weeks of high-octane drama, where every point matters and no player’s spot at the O2 Finals Night is guaranteed. The journey begins in Newcastle next month, promising an unforgettable season of world-class darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
