The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship schedule begins on December 11, 2025, and concludes with the final on January 3, 2026, at Alexandra Palace in London. This prestigious tournament features a record-breaking 128-player field, with matches split into daily afternoon sessions starting at 12:30 PM GMT and evening sessions beginning at 7:00 PM GMT. Fans watching the “Ally Pally” spectacle can expect over three weeks of elite competition, excluding traditional breaks on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. The event reached a historic milestone this year with a total prize fund of £5 million, including a £1 million windfall for the champion, Luke Littler, who successfully defended his title in a dominant 7-1 final victory.
This mega-guide provides the definitive breakdown of the World Championship Darts schedule, examining every round from the opening night to the trophy presentation. You will find detailed information on match formats, seedings, practical travel tips for visiting London, and a comprehensive FAQ section to answer every query about the world’s most popular darts event.
Tournament Dates and Venue
The 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship was held from December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026. This edition marked the 19th consecutive year the tournament was staged at the iconic Alexandra Palace in Wood Green, London.
While historically held in the West Hall, the PDC announced that subsequent editions will transition to the Great Hall to accommodate increasing fan demand. The 2026 event utilized the West Hall for the final time, maintaining its intimate but electric atmosphere for 3,200 fans per session.
Opening Rounds Schedule
The first round of the championship commenced on Thursday, December 11, featuring a revamped structure where all 128 players, including the top 32 seeds, entered at the same stage. This change from previous years meant that marquee names were in action from the very first night of the competition.
During the first ten days of the tournament, the schedule focused on clearing the massive 128-player bracket. Afternoon sessions typically featured four matches, while evening sessions often included high-profile debuts and the start of the second-round matchups for those who progressed quickly.
Christmas and New Year Breaks
Following the conclusion of the second round on December 23, the tournament observed its traditional three-day hiatus for the Christmas period. This break allows players and staff a brief window of rest before the intensity of the “post-Christmas” rounds begins on December 27.
A second shorter break occurred on New Year’s Eve, December 31, ensuring that the final stages of the tournament—the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final—took place in the opening days of January. This scheduling aligns the crowning of the new World Champion with the first weekend of the new year.
Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals
The business end of the tournament began on January 1, 2026, with the Quarter-Final matches split across two high-octane sessions. These matches followed the best-of-nine sets format, requiring players to maintain high-level scoring and finishing over a longer duration than the early rounds.
The Semi-Finals took place on the evening of January 2, 2026, featuring the final four competitors. In the 2026 edition, Luke Littler and Gian van Veen secured their spots in the final after overcoming Ryan Searle and Gary Anderson, respectively, in the best-of-11 sets format.
The World Championship Final
The pinnacle of the darts calendar, the World Darts Championship Final, was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The match started at 8:00 PM GMT and followed a grueling best-of-13 sets format, testing the ultimate endurance and nerve of the two finalists.
Luke Littler made history during this session by securing his second consecutive world title with a 7-1 victory. This final was not only significant for the trophy but also for being the first to award a seven-figure prize, with Littler taking home £1,000,000.
Match Format and Set Rules
Matches at the PDC World Darts Championship are played in a set-play format, which differs from the “matchplay” or “legs” format used in other majors. Each set is the best of five legs (first to three), and a player must win a specific number of sets to win the match.
The number of sets required increases as the tournament progresses:
- First & Second Rounds: Best of 5 sets (First to 3)
- Third & Fourth Rounds: Best of 7 sets (First to 4)
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 9 sets (First to 5)
- Semi-Finals: Best of 11 sets (First to 6)
- Final: Best of 13 sets (First to 7)
The Tie-Break Rule
In all rounds from the first to the final, a tie-break rule applies if a match reaches a deciding set. If the leg score in the final set reaches 2-2, the players must continue until one leads by two clear legs. If the score reaches 5-5 in the deciding set, a sudden-death leg is played to determine the winner.
Expanded 128-Player Field
The 2026 championship was the first to feature an expanded field of 128 players, up from the previous 96. This expansion was designed to provide more opportunities for international qualifiers and high-performing players from the PDC ProTour and Challenge Tour.
The field consisted of the top 40 players from the PDC Order of Merit, the top 40 from the ProTour Order of Merit, and 48 international qualifiers. This diverse group included players from emerging darts nations like Kenya and Switzerland, both of whom saw their representatives win matches for the first time in 2026.
Seedings and Order of Merit
The top 32 players on the PDC Order of Merit were seeded for the tournament, though the 2026 rule change meant they no longer received a bye into the second round. Luke Littler entered as the number one seed, followed by Luke Humphries as the number two.
Seedings are determined by the amount of prize money won over a rolling two-year period. Because the World Championship offers the largest prize fund in the sport, a player’s performance at Alexandra Palace often dictates their ranking for the subsequent two years.
Record Prize Money Breakdown
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship featured a total prize pool of £5,000,000, a significant increase from previous years. This historic fund ensures that even players who exit in the first round receive a substantial payday.
| Position | Prize Money |
| Winner | £1,000,000 |
| Runner-up | £400,000 |
| Semi-finalists | £200,000 |
| Quarter-finalists | £100,000 |
| Fourth Round (Last 16) | £60,000 |
| Third Round (Last 32) | £35,000 |
| Second Round (Last 64) | £25,000 |
| First Round (Last 128) | £15,000 |
Nine-Dart Finish Bonuses
Nine-dart finishes—the “perfect leg” in darts—are highly celebrated at the World Championship. For the 2026 event, sponsor Paddy Power pledged a £60,000 bonus for any player who achieved the feat on the big stage.
Additionally, the sponsor committed to donating an equivalent amount to Prostate Cancer UK and a random fan in attendance for every nine-darter hit. During the 2026 event, Gian van Veen and Nathan Aspinall were among the players who came closest to perfection, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats throughout the tournament.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending the World Darts Championship is a bucket-list experience for many sports fans. Due to the event’s immense popularity, planning several months in advance is essential for securing tickets and accommodation.
- Opening Hours/Dates: Afternoon sessions typically run from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Evening sessions run from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Prices/Costs: Tickets range from £40 for tiered seating to £75+ for floor tables. Expect higher prices for the Quarter-Finals through to the Final.
- How to Get There: Alexandra Palace is located in North London. The nearest stations are Alexandra Palace (National Rail) and Wood Green (Piccadilly Line). Shuttle buses often run from the stations to the venue.
- What to Expect: A high-energy, “party” atmosphere. Fancy dress is encouraged, and the noise levels are significantly higher than at a typical sporting event.
- Tips for Visitors: Book your hotel as soon as your tickets are confirmed. Dress comfortably, as the venue can become quite warm despite the winter weather outside.
Television and Streaming Coverage
For those unable to attend in person, the World Darts Championship is broadcast globally. In the UK, Sky Sports provides exclusive live coverage of every session via their dedicated “Sky Sports Darts” channel.
Viewers in other regions can often access the tournament through DAZN or the PDC’s own streaming service, PDCTV. The 2026 tournament saw record-breaking viewership numbers, particularly during the final, which was broadcast in over 150 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the World Darts Championship start?
The tournament typically begins in the second week of December. For the 2025/26 season, the opening night was Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Where is the World Darts Championship held?
The event is held at Alexandra Palace in London, England. It has been hosted at this venue since 2008.
How many players compete in the World Darts Championship?
Starting in 2026, the field expanded to 128 players. This includes the top professionals from the PDC Order of Merit and international qualifiers from across the globe.
How much does the winner of the World Darts Championship get?
The 2026 winner received a record-breaking £1,000,000. The runner-up received £400,000.
Can I buy tickets for the World Darts Championship?
Tickets usually go on sale in July or August of the preceding year. They typically sell out within minutes, so joining the PDC’s fan club for priority access is highly recommended.
What time do the darts sessions start?
Afternoon sessions generally start at 12:30 PM GMT, and evening sessions begin at 7:00 PM GMT.
Are there any days without darts during the championship?
Yes, there are no matches on December 24, 25, 26, or December 31.
Who won the 2026 World Darts Championship?
Luke Littler won the 2026 title, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final to retain his crown.
Is fancy dress allowed at the darts?
Yes, fancy dress is a major part of the World Championship tradition. However, the PDC has specific rules prohibiting masks that cover the face or costumes that are offensive or political.
What is the format of the final match?
The final is played as the best of 13 sets. This means the first player to win 7 sets is crowned the World Champion.
How do players qualify for the World Championship?
Qualification is based on the PDC Order of Merit (top 40), the ProTour Order of Merit (top 40), and various regional qualifying tournaments held worldwide (48 places).
Is there a women’s championship?
While there is a separate PDC Women’s World Matchplay, the World Darts Championship is an open event. Women qualify through the PDC Women’s Series, with stars like Beau Greaves frequently competing in the main draw.
Final Thoughts
The 2025/26 World Championship Darts schedule will be remembered as the moment the sport’s landscape shifted irrevocably. By expanding the field to 128 players and doubling the prize fund to an unprecedented £5 million, the PDC has cemented the World Championship’s status as the premier global event in the sport. The tournament not only celebrated historic milestones—such as Luke Littler becoming the first-ever £1 million champion and the youngest player to defend the title—but also welcomed a new wave of international talent, including the first-ever match wins for players from India, Kenya, and Switzerland.
As the Sid Waddell Trophy rests once again in the hands of “The Nuke,” the schedule for future editions is already under high demand. The transition toward larger halls at Alexandra Palace and the continued rise of young stars like Gian van Veen suggest that the “Ally Pally” experience will only grow in scale and intensity. For fans who followed every double and treble from mid-December to the early January final, the 2026 edition provided a masterclass in professional darts, setting a high bar for the seasons to come.
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