The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship gears up to light up Alexandra Palace in London once again. This iconic event, a staple of the holiday season, promises high-stakes drama, pinpoint precision, and unforgettable moments from the sport’s brightest stars. At the center of it all is teenage sensation Luke Littler, the reigning champion who stunned the world last year by claiming his first title at just 17 years old. Now, as he steps up to defend his crown, the pressure is on, but so is the thrill of what could be another historic run.
Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke” for his explosive scoring power, etched his name into darts lore during the 2025 final. Facing off against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, he delivered a masterclass, securing a 7-3 victory in sets. Reflecting on that triumph shortly after, Littler shared his mindset: “Throughout the tournament I needed to get off to a quick start.” He admitted to rewatching his previous year’s final loss to Luke Humphries for motivation, adding, “I had the visions.” That win not only made him the youngest world champion ever—breaking records held by legends like Jelle Klaasen and van Gerwen himself—but also catapulted him to world number two on the PDC Order of Merit. Fast forward to now, and Littler has ascended even higher, claiming the top spot after a dominant performance at the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts, where he retained his title with a blistering display.
But Littler remains grounded amid the hype. Even after his world championship win, he insisted, “I will never admit to being the best in the world at darts.” It’s this humility, paired with his raw talent, that has endeared him to fans and fueled the “Littler effect”—a surge in youth participation, with new darts academies sprouting up across Great Britain. As he eyes back-to-back titles, Littler knows the road ahead is tough. “It was always going to be tough,” he reflected after his recent Grand Slam victory over Humphries, where he averaged over 100 and nailed 15 maximums. With rivals like Humphries, van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price hungry for redemption, Littler will need every ounce of his composure and that trademark poker face to navigate the field.
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and runs through to the grand finale on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Spanning 20 action-packed days, it features afternoon and evening sessions to accommodate the global audience tuning in via Sky Sports in the UK, or through partners like DAZN and Viaplay worldwide. The schedule is meticulously designed to build tension, starting with the first round from December 11 to 18, where underdogs can shine and favorites must stay sharp. Sessions typically begin at 1230 GMT for afternoons and 1900 GMT for evenings, though times are subject to slight adjustments.
Here’s a breakdown of the full schedule:
– **December 11-18**: First round matches, with four games per session, mixing seeded players with qualifiers.
– **December 19-20**: Continuation of first round in the afternoons and evenings.
– **December 20-23**: Second round heats up, still four matches per session.
– **December 27-28**: Third round, three matches per session.
– **December 29**: Afternoon features three third-round matches; evening includes one third-round and two fourth-round clashes.
– **December 30**: Fourth round, three matches per session.
– **January 1**: Quarter-finals, two matches each in afternoon and evening.
– **January 2**: Semi-finals in a single evening session starting at 1930 GMT.
– **January 3**: The final, kicking off at 2000 GMT, where the Sid Waddell Trophy awaits the victor.
This year’s format expands to a massive 128-player field, the largest ever, ensuring a diverse and competitive lineup. Qualification draws from the top 40 on the two-year PDC Order of Merit post-2025 Players Championship Finals, the next 40 from the one-year Pro Tour Order of Merit, and 48 international spots, including at least four women to promote inclusivity. Seeded players—the top 32 on the Order of Merit—enter directly in the first round, a tweak that adds early fireworks.
Among the notable qualifiers are veterans like Mervyn King and rising stars such as Jurjen van der Velde, David Davies, and Patrik Kovács, who clinched his spot via the 2025 Hungarian Super League final. From Asia, Lourence Ilagan leads a strong contingent, while Australia’s Tim Pusey and Joe Comito, fresh off the DPA ProTour final, bring Down Under flair. Young gun Brody Klinge, who dominated the last events of the year, is another to watch. Women like Beau Greaves, who famously upset Littler in the 2025 World Youth Championship semi-final, could make waves again. After that loss, Littler graciously posted on social media: “I had two 10-dart legs, missed double 12 for a nine and still couldn’t win. Fair play to Beau.”
The stakes are higher than ever with a record-breaking £5 million prize fund—a massive leap that underscores the sport’s growing popularity. The winner walks away with a staggering £1 million, double the previous amount, while the runner-up pockets £400,000. Semi-finalists earn £200,000 each, quarter-finalists £100,000, and even first-round losers get £15,000. This breakdown rewards depth and consistency:
– Winner: £1,000,000
– Runner-up: £400,000
– Semi-finalists: £200,000
– Quarter-finalists: £100,000
– Fourth round losers: £60,000
– Third round losers: £35,000
– Second round losers: £25,000
– First round losers: £15,000
Matches are played in sets of 501 legs, with players needing to finish on a double or bullseye. Early rounds are best of five sets (first to three), escalating to best of 13 (first to seven) in the final. Deciding sets can go to sudden death if tied at 5-5, ramping up the intensity.
As the tournament approaches, the atmosphere at Ally Pally will be electric, with fans donning fancy dress and chanting in unison. This edition marks a poignant milestone: the retirement of beloved master of ceremonies John McDonald and referee George Noble, who have been fixtures for years. Their farewell adds an emotional layer to the festivities.
For Littler, the defending champion, this is more than a title defense—it’s a chance to cement his legacy. He’s already conquered majors like the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and Premier League, but as he told reporters after his world title win, “I could end 2025 winning absolutely nothing.” Yet, with his form, that’s unlikely. Humphries, now chasing from behind, vowed after a recent loss: “We’re going to go to war at the World Championship—me and him in the final.” If that matchup materializes, it could be epic.
Darts enthusiasts are also encouraged to support prostate cancer awareness, building on past charity successes at the event. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the oche, this championship promises edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Will Littler retain his throne, or will a new king emerge? The arrows start flying soon—don’t miss it.
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