The draw for the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship has been announced, setting the stage for an exciting tournament at Alexandra Palace. The event opens on December 11 and concludes on January 3, featuring top-tier talent from around the world.
Notable First-Round Matches
Defending champion Luke Littler, currently the world’s number one, faces Darius Labanauskas from Lithuania in the initial round. Littler is a formidable contender, looking to defend his title—a feat last accomplished a decade ago.
Other notable matchups include:
- Beau Greaves vs. Daryl Gurney
- Fallon Sherrock vs. Dave Chisnall
- Luke Humphries vs. Ted Evetts
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Mitsuhiko Tatsunami
- Gerwyn Price vs. Adam Gawlas
- Gary Anderson vs. Adam Hunt
Key Players and Their Goals
Littler expressed confidence in handling nerves during the championship, emphasizing his experience compared to last year. He mentioned, “If there are nerves, then I know how to cope with them.” His main objective is to repeat his success as the tournament champion.
Additionally, the competition features a substantial prize pool of £5 million, with £1 million awarded to the overall winner. This figure represents the highest payout in darts history. However, Littler maintains his focus on making history rather than the financial reward.
2025/26 Championship Schedule
The championship kicks off with four first-round matches on December 11, spanning multiple sessions until December 23. It then pauses for Christmas before resuming on December 27.
The schedule for the tournament is as follows:
| Date | Matches |
|---|---|
| December 11 | 4 x Round One at 7pm |
| December 12 | 4 x Round One at 12:30pm & 7pm |
| December 13 | 4 x Round One at 12:30pm & 7pm |
| December 14–23 | 4 x Round One/Round Two as scheduled |
| December 27–30 | Rounds Three and Four |
| January 1 | Quarter-Finals at 12:30pm & 7pm |
| January 2 | Semi-Finals at 7:30pm |
| January 3 | Final at 8pm |
Fans can look forward to live coverage on Sky Sports Darts, as the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship promises to deliver thrilling performances and memorable moments.
