The schedule for the highly anticipated World Darts Championship has been officially announced, with the tournament set to commence on December 11, 2025, and concluding with the final on January 3, 2026, at 20:00 GMT. This year’s competition will see Luke Littler, the reigning champion, attempt to defend his title at the iconic Alexandra Palace.
This edition of the World Darts Championship will feature a record-breaking 128-player field competing for the esteemed Sid Waddell Trophy and a substantial total prize fund of £5 million. The top 40 players from the PDC Order of Merit, following the conclusion of November’s Players Championship Finals, will qualify automatically, including Littler, who is poised to showcase his skills once again.
Among the notable competitors, Luke Humphries, currently ranked World No. 1, and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, who was the runner-up to Littler in last year’s final, are expected to draw significant attention as they battle for the title.
Expanded Opportunities for Players
The expansion of the tournament reflects a commitment to inclusivity, allowing players from the PDC’s global affiliate tours and secondary tours to compete on this prestigious platform. This year’s championship will guarantee a minimum of four female players in the 128-player lineup, alongside representatives from the Winmau Development Tour and Challenge Tour.
The tournament promises to deliver 36 sessions of exhilarating darts over the course of 20 days, providing fans with a thrilling array of matches from the opening round through to the final showdown.
Upcoming Events in the Darts Calendar
In addition to the World Darts Championship, the darts calendar is set to feature the Betfred World Matchplay, scheduled from July 19-27, 2026, at the Winter Gardens. This event will see Humphries defend the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy, with Littler and van Gerwen also in contention for the £800,000 prize pool.
The fourth staging of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay will take place on July 27, 2026, featuring eight talented players competing in a single session. Notably, Beau Greaves will return, having won the past two events.
Fans can catch all the action, including the World Cup of Darts, World Matchplay, and Grand Slam of Darts, exclusively on Sky Sports. The excitement surrounding the World Darts Championship and the broader darts calendar underscores the sport’s growing popularity and the increasing opportunities for players at all levels.
