The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship bursts into life today at Alexandra Palace in London, where the electric atmosphere already hums with anticipation. As Thursday evening's opening session approaches, fans from every corner of the globe tune in for what promises to be a thrilling three-week saga of precision throws, roaring crowds, and career-defining battles. This comprehensive guide dives into the essentials, from the packed schedule and top contenders to the mouthwatering prize pot and must-watch clashes, ensuring you catch every twist in the tournament that crowns darts' ultimate champion.
Tournament Overview and Key Dates
Alexandra Palace once again transforms into the beating heart of professional darts, welcoming a record-breaking field of 128 players for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. This year's draw includes five women from the Women's Series, a milestone that underscores the sport's expanding reach and commitment to diversity on the oche. The event spans from today, December 11, 2025, through to January 3, 2026, blending intense competition with a festive pause over Christmas.
The schedule kicks off strong with tonight's evening session featuring four first-round matches, headlined by defending champion Luke Littler facing Darius Labanauskas. Daily action continues through December 23 with afternoon and evening sessions, each packing in four contests to build momentum. A well-deserved three-day Christmas break follows from December 24 to 26, allowing players and supporters a moment to recharge amid the holiday cheer.
The tournament roars back on December 27, ramping up with two sessions per day as rounds progress and matches extend in length. January 1 delivers the penultimate day of preliminary action with dual sessions, setting the stage for the knockout frenzy. Semi-finals ignite on Friday, January 2, in an evening showdown, while the grand final crowns the champion on Saturday, January 3, under the lights.
Broadcasts beam live across Sky Sports in the UK, with PDC.tv streaming internationally and BBC offering daily round-ups plus live text updates. It's the perfect setup for anyone glued to their screen or packing the Ally Pally stands.
Luke Littler holds the World Championship trophy aloft, a landmark moment for the teenage sensation who rewrote darts history in 2025.
Match Format Explained
The PDC sticks to its tried-and-true set-play structure for this championship, delivering fair, high-stakes encounters that reward consistency and clutch performances. Early rounds keep things brisk, with first and second-round ties decided by the best of five sets, where each set races to three legs for quick, engaging battles. As the field thins, third and fourth rounds extend to the best of seven sets, testing endurance without dragging on too long.
Quarter-finals demand the best of nine sets, where mental fortitude often separates the elite from the pack. Semi-finals push further to the best of 11, and the final explodes into the best of 13 sets, ensuring a grueling decider worthy of the world title. In tied deciding sets, players must claim a two-leg lead, adding that extra layer of drama when scores hang in the balance. This format has defined PDC majors for years, and it suits the Alexandra Palace stage like a perfectly weighted dart.
Top Favourites to Watch
Luke Littler enters as world number one and defending champion, carrying the weight of expectation with the poise of someone far beyond his 18 years. The Warrington wonder capped a stellar 2025 by storming to victory in the final against Michael van Gerwen, becoming the youngest world champion ever and adding six major titles to his collection that year alone. His opening bout tonight against Darius Labanauskas feels like a formality, but Littler knows the Palace pressure all too well. As he shared with BBC Sport recently, "I'm on top of the world and my performances prove it, I am playing the best darts in the world and that's why I'm number one." It's that quiet confidence that makes him the clear frontrunner, especially after a season where he redefined teenage dominance in the sport.
Hot on his heels sits Luke Humphries, the world number two and Littler's predecessor as both champion and top-ranked player. Their head-to-head finals in 2025 have forged a rivalry that's pure box office, with Humphries drawing on his experience to plot an immediate comeback. Facing Ted Evetts early on, Humphries could cruise into deeper waters if he channels that steely resolve.
Michael van Gerwen rounds out the top trio as world number three, a three-time king of the Palace from 2014, 2017, and 2019. Still hungry after last year's final heartbreak, the Dutch powerhouse opens against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, eyeing redemption with every throw. His raw power and tactical nous keep him in every conversation, no matter the draw.
Rising Stars and Trailblazers
Beyond the elite trio, a pack of hungry challengers lurks ready to pounce, including top-12 finishers Josh Rock and Gian van Veen, who've hit peak form in recent months. Veterans like Gerwyn Price, Damon Heta, and Peter Wright add unpredictability, their big-match pedigrees sparking potential upsets at any turn.
This year shines a brighter light on the women breaking through, with Beau Greaves, Fallon Sherrock, Lisa Ashton, Noa-Lynn van Leuven, and Gemma Hayter all in the mix. Sherrock, the trailblazer who first cracked the men's ranks, carries fresh momentum after a positive health update heading into the Worlds—she's vowed to push harder than ever, even as she graciously shares the spotlight with rising stars like Greaves. Greaves, in particular, draws eyes as the next big force, her precision throws hinting at barrier-shattering runs. Their presence elevates the draw, proving darts' global stage welcomes talent from all angles.
Record-Breaking Prize Money
The stakes soar higher than ever with a £5 million total prize pool, the fattest in tournament history and a testament to darts' booming popularity. The winner pockets a life-changing £1,000,000, while the runner-up claims £400,000 for their valiant effort. Semi-finalists each take home £200,000, quarter-finalists secure £100,000, and those reaching the fourth round earn £60,000.
Third-round exits still pay £35,000, second-round £25,000, and even first-round losers walk away with £15,000—ensuring every player feels the reward. Extras spice things up, like the £60,000 nine-darter bonus for that magical 501 checkout, plus £60,000 lucky fan and charity prizes funneled to Prostate Cancer UK. It's money that fuels dreams and keeps the sport charging forward.
A glimpse at the £5 million prize fund for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, with £1 million awaiting the tournament winner.
Standout Matches to Circle
Tonight's opener steals the show with Littler defending his crown against Labanauskas, a clash blending youth's fire with seasoned grit. Fallon Sherrock's duel with Dave Chisnall carries historic weight, as the women's pioneer hunts her deepest run yet in the men's draw. Van Gerwen's rematch vibe intensifies against Tatsunami, where the veteran chases early momentum to bury last year's ghosts.
Humphries versus Evetts rounds out the early fireworks, pitting ranking clout against underdog spark. As the rounds unfold, expect a torrent of 180s, wire-to-wire finishes, and those crowd-roaring moments that make Ally Pally legendary. The draw's quirks guarantee chaos, keeping even casual fans on the edge of their seats.
Champions Past and the Legacy Ahead
Darts' rich tapestry at Alexandra Palace traces back to icons like Phil Taylor, the 14-time champion who retired in 2018 after etching his name in eternity. More recent rulers include Littler in 2025, Humphries in 2024, Michael Smith in 2023, Peter Wright in 2022, and Gerwyn Price in 2021. Only six players boast multiple PDC-era titles—Taylor, Gary Anderson, van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis, Humphries, and now Littler—highlighting the rarity of sustained greatness.
This championship builds on that heritage, with Littler's potential repeat echoing the greats while newcomers like the women qualifiers script fresh chapters. It's a blend of nostalgia and innovation that keeps the event timeless yet ever-evolving.
Where and How to Catch the Action
UK viewers lock in via Sky Sports for full live coverage, complemented by BBC Sport's daily highlights, round-ups, and the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary starting at 19:30 GMT. Internationally, PDC.tv delivers seamless streaming to keep the global darting community connected. For on-the-go thrills, the BBC Sport app and website serve real-time scores, stats, and insider snippets, while social channels buzz with behind-the-scenes vibes.
Whether you're courtside or streaming from afar, these options make every leg feel immediate and immersive.
Wrapping Up the Festive Showdown
As the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship unfolds from today's explosive start to the January 3 finale, it captures everything that makes darts addictive—raw skill, electric rivalries, and inclusive progress. With Littler gunning for back-to-back glory, Humphries and van Gerwen plotting uprisings, and trailblazers like Sherrock and Greaves inspiring a new era, this tournament pulses with possibility. Dive in now, soak up the drama, and witness history in the making at Alexandra Palace. It's not just a championship; it's the holiday highlight no dart enthusiast will forget.
Every throw counts at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, where precision and nerves of steel can make the difference between victory and defeat.
What Darts Die-Hards Are Buzzing About
Who is the favorite to win the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship?
Luke Littler stands as the overwhelming favorite, backed by his world number one status and a dominant 2025 that included six major victories, culminating in his title defense against van Gerwen. Experts point to his unflappable demeanor under Palace lights and recent form, like topping the Premier League and UK Open, as key edges. Yet, Humphries' rivalry and van Gerwen's experience add intrigue—bookies have Littler at short odds, but upsets lurk in a 128-player field where momentum shifts fast. Bettors should watch early-round vibes for clues on deeper runs.
What is the prize money for the winner of the 2026 Darts World Championship?
The champion scoops £1,000,000 from the record £5 million pool, a sum that reflects darts' skyrocketing appeal and sponsor investment. This payout dwarfs earlier years, motivating even qualifiers while funding career boosts like travel and coaching. Beyond the top prize, the structure rewards progression—runners-up get £400,000—and includes bonuses like £60,000 for a nine-darter, which could tip totals higher. It's a boon for the sport's growth, drawing top talent and exciting fans with the high financial drama alongside the throws.
How can I watch the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship live?
Sky Sports owns exclusive UK rights with wall-to-wall live sessions, while PDC.tv streams every match globally for subscribers, complete with multi-angle views and expert analysis. BBC Sport chips in free daily recaps, live text, and Radio 5 Live audio from 19:30 GMT, ideal for catching up without full commitment. Apps like BBC Sport deliver push notifications for scores and highlights, ensuring you never miss a 180 or comeback. For the full Palace roar, pair streams with social feeds from PDC's official channels—it's the ultimate way to feel the tournament's pulse anywhere.
