The **Winmau World Masters 2026** is set to deliver an electrifying start to the new darts season, kicking off this weekend at the impressive Arena MK in Milton Keynes. This revamped major tournament brings together the sport’s elite players in a high-stakes battle for glory, with a £100,000 first prize on the line and plenty of drama expected from the opening rounds through to the final.
Fresh off his triumphant retention of the PDC World Darts Championship title, teenage sensation **Luke Littler**—the back-to-back world champion—enters the fray as the top seed and a strong favorite to claim his first Winmau World Masters crown. The 18-year-old phenom, known for his composure under pressure and explosive scoring, opens his campaign against Mike De Decker in what promises to be a mouthwatering first-round clash. Littler has been in scintillating form, having recently added the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters title to his growing resume, and fans are eager to see if he can carry that momentum into this event.
Defending champion **Luke Humphries** will look to retain his title, facing a tough opener against Dave Chisnall. Other big names in the mix include five-time Masters winner **Michael van Gerwen**, who takes on Damon Heta, alongside rising stars like **Gian van Veen**, **Jonny Clayton**, **Gerwyn Price**, **Gary Anderson**, and more. The tournament features a 32-player field, with the top 24 from the PDC Order of Merit seeded directly into the main draw, while eight qualifiers earned their spots through preliminary rounds on Wednesday, January 28.
The action unfolds over four thrilling days, blending afternoon and evening sessions packed with best-of-11 legs matches in the early rounds, building to best-of-21 in the later stages for added intensity.
**Full Schedule (all times GMT/UK local):**
– **Wednesday, January 28**: Preliminary Rounds (from 12:00 PM) – Non-televised qualifiers to complete the field.
– **Thursday, January 29**: First Round (evening session from 7:00 PM) – Eight matches, including key ties like Chris Dobey v Jermaine Wattimena, Gerwyn Price v James Hurrell, and Michael van Gerwen v Damon Heta.
– **Friday, January 30**: First Round (evening session from 7:00 PM) – Another eight matches, featuring Luke Littler v Mike De Decker and Luke Humphries v Dave Chisnall.
– **Saturday, January 31**: Second Round (afternoon from 1:00 PM; evening from 7:00 PM) – The field narrows as winners advance.
– **Sunday, February 1**: Quarter-Finals (afternoon from 1:00 PM), followed by Semi-Finals and Final (evening from 7:00 PM) – The climax, with the champion crowned late Sunday night.
In the **UK**, coverage is handled by **ITV4** for the main televised stages (Thursday to Sunday), with sessions typically running from 7:00 PM to around 11:00 PM on Thursday and Friday evenings. Afternoon sessions on the weekend (from 1:00 PM) and the full Sunday finale are also featured. For live streaming, fans can enjoy completely **free** access via the **ITVX** app or website—no subscription required—making it easy to catch every dart live or on catch-up. Preliminary rounds on Wednesday were available via **PDCTV**.
For viewers in the **USA**, the primary option is **PDCTV** (the PDC’s official streaming platform), which provides live coverage of the event (outside restricted territories like the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Some PDC events appear on **Peacock**, but availability can vary—check the platform for the latest. A subscription to PDCTV offers comprehensive access to this and other majors.
In **Australia**, **PDCTV** is the go-to for live streaming, though select PDC tournaments have historically appeared on platforms like **Stan Sport**—viewers should confirm current rights for this event. Winmau TV has occasionally provided global free streams for related events, but for the 2026 Winmau World Masters, PDCTV serves as the main international hub outside the UK.
Whether you’re tuning in to cheer on Littler’s quest for another major, watch Humphries defend his crown, or simply soak up the electric atmosphere at Arena MK, this weekend promises non-stop action. With top talent, big crowds, and the first silverware of 2026 up for grabs, the Winmau World Masters is must-watch darts—grab your setup, settle in, and enjoy the spectacle!
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