The PDC World Darts Championship is the most prestigious professional darts tournament in the world, held annually at Alexandra Palace in London. The 2026 edition saw Luke Littler retain his title by defeating Gian van Veen 7–1 in the final on January 3, 2026, securing a record-breaking £1,000,000 top prize. This tournament, often referred to as “The Ally Pally,” is famous for its high-octane atmosphere, fancy dress, and the Sid Waddell Trophy. Alongside the PDC event, the WDF World Darts Championship continues as the spiritual successor to the original BDO championship, held at the historic Lakeside Country Club.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the tournament’s history, the evolution of the PDC and WDF split, the 2026 results, and practical tips for attending the world’s biggest darts party. We cover everything from the “9-dart finish” to the rigorous qualification paths and the record-breaking prize funds that have transformed darts into a global sporting phenomenon.
Tournament Overview and 2026 Results
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship took place from December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026, featuring an expanded field of 128 players. For the first time in history, the total prize fund reached £5,000,000, with the winner’s share doubling to £1,000,000. Luke Littler entered as the defending champion and world number one, ultimately winning his second consecutive world title in dominant fashion.
The event was the final edition to be held in the West Hall of Alexandra Palace; starting in late 2026, the tournament will move to the larger Great Hall. This transition aims to accommodate the unprecedented demand for tickets, as the sport’s popularity continues to skyrocket across Europe and Asia.
History of the World Championship
The World Darts Championship has roots dating back to the late 1970s, originally established by the British Darts Organisation (BDO). The first champion, Leighton Rees, won the title in 1978 in Nottingham before the event moved to its long-term home at the Lakeside Country Club in 1986.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1993, known as “The Split,” when 16 top players broke away from the BDO to form the World Darts Council, now known as the PDC. This led to two separate world championships being held concurrently for nearly three decades until the BDO went into liquidation in 2020, paving the way for the World Darts Federation (WDF) to take over the amateur and semi-professional circuit.
PDC vs. WDF: Key Differences
The PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) is widely considered the “Major League” of darts, attracting the world’s top-ranked professionals and offering multi-million pound prize purses. It is televised globally on Sky Sports and features a high-energy, arena-style production that prioritizes entertainment and world-class averages.
In contrast, the WDF (World Darts Federation) serves as the global governing body and maintains the traditional “Lakeside” heritage. While it lacks the massive financial backing of the PDC, the WDF World Championship remains a prestigious title for amateur and aspiring professional players, often serving as a stepping stone for those looking to earn a PDC Tour Card.
The PDC Qualification Path
The PDC field is determined by the Order of Merit, which ranks players based on prize money won over a two-year period. Additional spots are awarded to top performers on the ProTour and winners of various international qualifiers from regions like Oceania, Asia, and North America.
The WDF Ranking System
WDF players earn points through a tiered system of regional opens and major ranking tournaments. The WDF World Championship at Lakeside features separate categories for Men, Women, and Youth, ensuring a diverse representation of global talent.
Format and Scoring Rules
Matches in the World Darts Championship are played using a set-play format, which differs from the “leg-play” used in many other tournaments. Each set is a “best of five” legs, and the number of sets required to win a match increases as the tournament progresses, culminating in a “best of 13” sets final (first to seven).
Every leg begins with both players at 501 points, and they must reduce their score to exactly zero by hitting a double or the bullseye to finish. A “9-dart finish” is the perfect leg of darts and is the ultimate achievement in the sport, often triggering massive bonuses for the player and donations to charity.
Iconic Champions and Records
Phil “The Power” Taylor is the most successful player in the history of the sport, holding a record 16 World Championship titles (two BDO and 14 PDC). Taylor’s dominance during the 1990s and 2000s helped propel the PDC into the mainstream, setting the standard for professional averages and mental toughness.
Other legendary multiple-time winners include Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Adrian Lewis. In the modern era, Luke Littler has become the youngest-ever world champion, breaking numerous records for television viewership and social media engagement while revitalizing the sport for a younger generation.
The Alexandra Palace Experience
Attending the PDC World Darts Championship is often described as the “biggest Christmas party in London.” Fans travel from across the globe to the iconic “Ally Pally,” many wearing elaborate fancy dress costumes ranging from superheroes to giant traffic cones.
The atmosphere is fueled by a mix of high-stakes sports drama and a festival-like environment, complete with chanting, table-service drinks, and live music. Tickets are notoriously difficult to obtain, often selling out within minutes of being released to PDCTV members.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are planning to attend the World Darts Championship or follow the action from home, here is the essential logistical information:
- Dates: Typically mid-December to early January (Dec 11 – Jan 3).
- Venue: Alexandra Palace, London (N22 7AY).
- Transport: The nearest stations are Alexandra Palace (National Rail) and Wood Green (Piccadilly Line).
- Tickets: Prices range from £40 for early-round tiered seating to £150+ for hospitality packages.
- Where to Watch: Sky Sports (UK), DAZN (Germany/USA), and various local broadcasters worldwide.
- Pro-Tip: Register for a PDCTV Annual Membership early in the year to get priority access to ticket windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 World Darts Championship?
Luke Littler won the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Gian van Veen 7–1 in the final on January 3, 2026. This was his second consecutive world title.
What is a 9-dart finish?
A 9-dart finish is the minimum number of darts required to win a leg of 501. It involves hitting 60 (Treble 20) seven times, followed by a Treble 19 and a Double 12, or other similar high-scoring combinations.
How do you get tickets for the World Darts Championship?
Tickets are sold through SeeTickets, with priority windows for PDCTV Annual Members. Due to extreme demand, it is recommended to join the official fan-to-fan resale market if you miss the initial sale.
What is the prize money for the World Darts Championship?
As of 2026, the total prize fund is £5,000,000. The winner receives £1,000,000, while even first-round losers earn £15,000.
Is there a dress code for spectators?
There is no formal dress code, and fancy dress is highly encouraged. However, the PDC prohibits costumes that are offensive, political, or cover the face (masks must be removed when entering).
Who has won the most World Darts Championship titles?
Phil Taylor holds the all-time record with 16 world titles. In the PDC era specifically, he has 14 titles, followed by Michael van Gerwen with three.
What is the difference between PDC and WDF?
The PDC is the professional circuit with the highest prize money and top-ranked players. The WDF is the governing body for amateur/semi-professional darts and hosts the historic Lakeside World Championship.
How many players compete in the World Championship?
The PDC World Darts Championship field was expanded to 128 players for the 2026 tournament, up from the previous 96.
Can women compete in the World Darts Championship?
Yes, women can qualify through dedicated pathways like the PDC Women’s Series. Players like Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves have famously competed in the main PDC World Championship field.
When does the World Darts Championship move to the Great Hall?
The tournament is scheduled to move from the West Hall to the larger Great Hall at Alexandra Palace for the 2026/27 championship (starting December 2026).
What is the Sid Waddell Trophy?
The Sid Waddell Trophy is the prize awarded to the winner of the PDC World Darts Championship. It is named after the legendary “Voice of Darts” commentator who passed away in 2012.
Final Thoughts
The World Darts Championship has successfully transitioned from a localized British pastime into a powerhouse of global sports entertainment. The 2026 tournament, marked by Luke Littler’s second consecutive title and a record-shattering £1,000,000 top prize, serves as a testament to the sport’s meteoric growth. With the PDC officially moving the event to the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace for the 2026/27 edition, the championship is scaling up to meet unprecedented fan demand, ensuring its status as “the Glastonbury of sport” remains intact until at least 2031.
As professional darts continues to expand into new territories like Saudi Arabia and Asia, the divide between the elite PDC circuit and the heritage-focused WDF creates a vibrant ecosystem for players of all levels. Whether it is the high-stakes drama of a 9-dart finish or the colorful spectacle of the “Ally Pally” crowd, the World Darts Championship continues to hit the bullseye, blending world-class athleticism with a unique cultural celebration that no other sport can replicate.
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