Dartmas is almost here — the 2025/26 World Darts Championship Preview
The biggest night in darts is upon us. On 11 December 2025, the 2025/26 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship — long hailed as the sport’s ultimate showpiece — begins at Alexandra Palace in London. Running until 3 January 2026, this year’s edition promises to be the grandest yet.
This season, the field has been expanded dramatically: 128 players will compete — from top-ranked stars to international qualifiers — all vying for the iconic Sid Waddell Trophy and a massive £1 million winner’s prize from a total £5 million prize fund.
From the glittering lights of Ally Pally’s packed auditorium to the roaring crowds and the pressure-cooker atmosphere, this tournament remains a festive-season pilgrimage for darts fans worldwide.
What you need to know: Format, schedule, and stakes
- Dates: 11 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
- Field: 128 players — a mix of the top 40 PDC Order of Merit players, top Pro Tour qualifiers, and 48 international qualifiers.
- New format twist: For the first time, all players start in Round One. The 32 seeded players — plus those ranked 33–64 — are drawn alongside the 64 qualifiers.
- Prize money: A record £5 million total fund, with £1 million going to the champion — more than ever before.
- Schedule flow: Round One spans 11–19 December; Round Two 20–23 December; after a quick Christmas break, Rounds Three and Four resume 27–30 December, followed by quarter-finals, semis, and the final from 1–3 January.
Expect drama, upsets, and fireworks — from debutants to the sport’s biggest names — all contesting for darts’ ultimate crown.
Who’s tipped to win? — Top contenders
As always, speculation and predictions are flying. Recent odds and expert analysis highlight a handful of players who appear primed for glory.
Top contenders:
- Luke Littler — this teenage sensation opens the tournament against Darius Labanauskas and enters as the favourite (2/1) for the title. After a meteoric 2025 season — full of big wins and clutch performances — he will be aiming to become only the fourth player ever to defend the World Championship successfully.
- Luke Humphries — the reigning world champion and seeded No. 2; considered second-favourite (11/4) by many bookmakers. He will be eager to deliver another strong run.
- Michael van Gerwen — one of the all-time greats. With multiple world titles behind him, he remains a dangerous contender and is tipped close behind at 11/1 odds.
- Gary Anderson — a veteran with championship pedigree, especially when the pressure is on. His experience could pay off again; many tip him at 10/1.
What makes this year special
- Unprecedented scale: 128 players, bigger prize fund, and global representation — this is the biggest PDC World Championship ever.
- A new chapter for Ally Pally: With a long-term agreement in place, the venue remains home of the Worlds through at least 2031 — cementing the festive-season tradition.
- More opportunities for upsets and breakthroughs: The broader draw and first-round entry for everyone could create surprises — fans can expect a few storylines well beyond the usual suspects.
- Bragging rights — and big money: The £1 million first prize raises the stakes tremendously, and lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy will mean glory on a scale few other sports events deliver.
What to watch — early matches & storylines
- Opening night features the first match for Littler vs Labanauskas — a high-stakes start for the favourite.
- Watch for veterans with big names but inconsistent recent form — they could be vulnerable early.
- International qualifiers and debutants: Could we see a surprise run deep into the tournament? The new format makes it more plausible than ever.
- Under the festive lights and crowd pressure at Ally Pally, who handles the nerves best? The Christmas-to-New-Year schedule always tests stamina and focus.
PDC World Championship of Darts Tickets
You can still be there live in your fancy dress to see the action unfold before your (maybe blurry) eyes! There are World Darts Championships Tickets available on resale. You will find tickets available to every day or night of the final from the beginning on the 11th December right up until the grand finale on January 3rd 2026.
Final thoughts
For darts fans — and anyone curious about the drama, skill, and raw emotion of top-level sport — the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship is a must-watch event. With record-breaking scale, high stakes, beloved legends and hungry newcomers all competing, it’s shaping up to be one for the ages.
Will the young gun keep his crown, or will a seasoned champion reclaim glory? Or perhaps a surprise outsider will seize their moment under the Ally Pally lights. Either way — Dartmas starts now.