World Darts Championship 2026: Dates, Format, Viewing, and Top Challengers to Littler
The 2026 World Darts Championship is set to be a thrilling event for darts enthusiasts around the world. This prestigious tournament will take place from December 11, 2026, to January 3, 2027, at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London.
Key Dates for the World Darts Championship 2026
The tournament will feature daily matches, except on December 24, 25, 26, and 31. The competition kicks off on December 11 with matches scheduled throughout the day. Here’s a detailed schedule:
- December 11: First Round Matches (4x) at 7:00 PM
- December 12: First Round Matches (8x) at 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM
- December 13-18: First Round Matches (8x) each day
- December 20-23: Second Round Matches
- December 27-29: Third Round Matches
- December 30: Fourth Round Matches
- January 1: Quarter-Finals
- January 2: Semi-Finals
- January 3: Final at 8:00 PM
Championship Format
The 2026 Championship will adopt a new format where all players enter at the first-round stage. Previous seasons featured a seeding format with byes given to top players. The tournament uses a sets format; here’s how it works:
| Round | First to (sets) |
|---|---|
| First and Second Rounds | 3 |
| Third and Fourth Rounds | 4 |
| Quarter-Finals | 5 |
| Semi-Finals | 6 |
| Final | 7 |
Viewing Options for Fans
Fans can catch the action live on the Sky Sports Darts channel, with coverage beginning at 7 PM on December 11. Afternoon sessions are scheduled at 12:30 PM, and the action will continue through January 3, giving viewers extensive coverage of the tournament.
Defending Champion and Competitors
Luke Littler, the reigning champion, enters the tournament as the top seed. After his impressive win against Michael van Gerwen in 2025, he has been in excellent form, aiming to secure back-to-back titles. Potential challengers include:
- Luke Humphries – Former world No. 1
- Michael van Gerwen – Three-time champion
- Gian van Veen – Recent winner of the European Championship
- Beau Greaves – Emerging talent from the women’s category
Prize Money Breakdown
The total prize fund for the World Darts Championship 2026 is set at £5 million. Breakdown of prize money is as follows:
- Winner: £1,000,000
- Runner-Up: £400,000
- Semi-Finalists: £200,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £100,000
- Round Four Losers: £60,000
- Round Three Losers: £35,000
- Round Two Losers: £25,000
- Round One Losers: £15,000
Expectations Ahead of the Championship
With a record number of participants and an exciting format, the 2026 World Darts Championship is poised to deliver unforgettable moments. As competitors vie for the title, fans worldwide will be eager to witness who will emerge victorious at Alexandra Palace.
