The darts community is abuzz with excitement and debate following the announcement of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts line-up, which features a blend of unstoppable youth, seasoned champions, and one particularly eyebrow-raising inclusion that has pundits and fans alike scratching their heads. The eight-player field promises intense rivalries, potential upsets, and the kind of Thursday night drama that has made this roadshow one of the sport’s crown jewels, especially coming off a historic World Championship where Luke Littler defended his title in dominant fashion.
At the forefront is the unstoppable force that is Luke Littler, the 18-year-old back-to-back World Champion who has taken the darts world by storm. As the world number one, Littler automatically qualified and enters as the clear favorite, having swept nearly every major ranking title in 2025—including the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals. His pinpoint precision and ice-cool demeanor under pressure make him a nightmare for opponents, and he’s eager to reclaim the Premier League crown he won in 2024 after falling just short in the 2025 final.
Defending his Premier League title is world number two Luke Humphries, whose smooth, consistent style led him to an emphatic victory over Littler in last year’s play-off final. Humphries, with his mental fortitude and ability to peak in big moments, is determined to become a multiple-time champion and prove his 2025 triumph was no fluke. Joining these two English powerhouses in the automatic qualifiers are Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen. The legendary Dutchman van Gerwen, a record seven-time Premier League winner and world number four, brings his explosive scoring and clutch finishing, marking his 14th consecutive appearance as he looks to reassert his dominance after a strong resurgence in recent majors.
The real talking point, however, comes from the wildcard selections, where one name has sparked widespread surprise and discussion. Stephen Bunting, the charismatic Liverpudlian known for his infectious energy and booming walk-on anthem, has retained his spot despite a relatively subdued 2025 by his high standards—he finished bottom of the table last season and endured early exits in several events. Pundits have openly questioned the decision, with one prominent voice noting he’s “slightly surprised” at Bunting’s inclusion and describing him as “fortunate” to receive the nod. Yet, Bunting’s crowd-pleasing style, popularity, and proven ability to deliver on the big stage clearly weighed in his favor, giving him a chance to bounce back and silence the doubters.
The other wildcards inject fresh blood and proven pedigree. Gian van Veen, the 23-year-old Dutch sensation and new world number three, makes a highly anticipated debut after his runner-up finish at the World Championship, where he pushed Littler all the way in a thrilling final. His rapid rise signals a shift in the guard, and he’ll be out to prove he belongs among the elite in this grueling format.
Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock also earns his first Premier League call-up, rewarding a breakout 2025 that saw him reach semi-finals at the UK Open and World Matchplay, alongside consistent heavy scoring. Despite a disappointing early exit at Alexandra Palace, his fearless approach and potential for fireworks make him an exciting addition.
Rounding out the field are two Welsh warriors: Gerwyn Price, returning for his eighth appearance despite a shock second-round World Championship loss, buoyed by his semi-final run in last year’s Premier League and fiery competitive spirit; and Jonny Clayton, making a comeback after missing out recently, thanks to deep runs in multiple majors including semi-finals at the UK Open, World Matchplay, and World Grand Prix.
The selection process underscored the incredible depth in darts right now. The top four on the PDC Order of Merit—Littler, Humphries, van Veen, and van Gerwen—secured automatic spots based on their two-year performances. The wildcards, chosen by the PDC, prioritized a mix of form, star power, and entertainment value amid fierce competition from omitted players like Nathan Aspinall (a play-offs regular last year), Rob Cross, and Chris Dobey.
A PDC spokesperson highlighted the challenges: “The selection for this year’s tournament was particularly difficult given the incredible standard of darts we’ve seen over the last 12 months. Following on from a historic World Championship, we’re determined to build on this momentum in 2026, and we’re particularly looking forward to taking the BetMGM Premier League to Belgium for the first time. All eight players boast considerable pedigree on the sport’s biggest stages, and following record-breaking ticket sales for the 2026 season, this year’s event promises to be a memorable one.”
The action kicks off on February 5 in Newcastle, spanning 17 weeks of Thursday night thrillers across the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and a debut stop in Antwerp, Belgium. Each night features a mini knockout tournament—quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, all best-of-11 legs—with points accumulating (five for the nightly winner, three for the runner-up, two for semi-finalists) to form a league table. The top four advance to the play-offs on May 28 at London’s O2 Arena, where the champion claims a record £350,000 from a £1.25 million prize fund, plus £10,000 bonuses for weekly wins.
With sold-out arenas, skyrocketing viewership, and storylines galore—from Littler-Humphries rematches to van Veen’s debut clashes and debates over selections—this Premier League could deliver the most unpredictable and electrifying season yet. The shock inclusion has only added fuel to the fire, ensuring fans will be glued to their screens as these eight arrowsmiths battle for supremacy in darts’ ultimate weekly spectacle.
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