- The 2025/26 Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship runs from December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026, at Alexandra Palace in London.
- Expanded to 128 players with a record £5 million prize fund (£1 million to the winner).
- Defending champion Luke Littler (won 2025 title aged 17) seeks back-to-back success.
- Features single-elimination format, best-of-13 sets final, known for festive atmosphere and viral moments.
Tournament Format and Key Details
The PDC World Darts Championship stands as darts’ flagship event, attracting global attention at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace. The 2025/26 edition marks the 33rd PDC-organized tournament and 19th at Ally Pally.
An expanded 128-player field competes in single-elimination. Top 32 seeds enter round two; others battle round one. Progression: best-of-5 sets (early), increasing to best-of-13 in the final.
Prize money hits £5 million—record £1 million for the champion. Paddy Power sponsors through 2031.
Sessions span afternoons/evenings, building to January 3 final.
Famous Atmosphere and Cultural Impact
Alexandra Palace’s “Ally Pally” earns fame for electric party vibe. Costumed fans, 180 chants, walk-on anthems create carnival scenes.
Viral clips—nine-darters, celebrations, upsets—dominate TikTok and streams. Young stars like Luke Littler broaden appeal beyond traditional audiences
Some view it niche, but viewership growth and diverse crowds prove expanding reach.
| PDC World Darts Championship 2025/26 Highlights |
|---|
| Dates: December 11, 2025 – January 3, 2026 |
| Venue: Alexandra Palace, London |
| Players: 128 (expanded field) |
| Prize Fund: £5 million (£1m winner) |
| Format: Single-elimination, sets increasing |
| Defending Champion: Luke Littler |
The PDC World Darts Championship captivates annually with high-stakes drama and unique energy. Held at Alexandra Palace since 2008, the 2025/26 tournament—running December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026—features innovations.
Expanded to 128 players, it includes more qualifiers and women (five via Women’s Series). Record £5 million fund reflects growth, £1 million winner’s prize historic.
Luke Littler defends his 2025 title (youngest champion at 17, beating Michael van Gerwen). His rise symbolizes youth influx.
Format builds tension: early best-of-5 sets, final best-of-13. Nine-darter bonuses (£180,000 shared) add excitement.
Ally Pally’s atmosphere—fancy dress, chants, singalongs—fuels viral content. 180 roars and walk-ons trend globally.
Young talents like Littler attract non-traditional fans, boosting accessibility via streams and highlights.
Critics note niche status, but record crowds/viewership counter. Party vibe enhances spectacle without detracting competition.
This edition promises shocks, classics, new heroes. Littler’s defense headlines, but upsets loom.
Darts’ premier event blends skill, showmanship, tradition—unmissable winter highlight
