PDC World Darts Championship 2026: Record field, star-studded match and clear final profiles
London – The World Darts Championship opens its doors at Alexandra Palace on 11 December, and everything is set for one of the most spectacular editions in the tournament’s history. With a record-breaking field of 128 players and a prize pool of five million pounds, it marks a new chapter for the sport.
This year's championship brings together both the biggest stars in the darts circus and a wide range of new challengers from around the world. For the first time, all players, including the seeded ones, will be in action from the first round. This creates an unusually high level of excitement right from the opening days, where small mistakes can send big names straight out.
The favorites are pushing expectations into the air
Reigning world champion Luke Littler enters the tournament as the undisputed favorite. The young sensation has dominated the past year and is already being hailed as the new face of the sport. However, he faces stiff competition from Luke Humphries, who has established himself as one of the most solid and consistent players on tour.
Both are placed in separate sections of the draw, opening up a potential dream final. Humphries' experience in the longer formats could be decisive, but many point out that Littler's explosive form makes him difficult to stop once he finds his rhythm.
Behind the top duo lurk a number of outsiders, including Gerwyn Price, who is always dangerous in the major championships. Several younger names are also being touted as possible surprises, especially with an expanded field that offers more room for sensational breakthroughs.
Towards a possible superstar final
The tournament format gradually becomes more demanding as the rounds progress, often favoring the more experienced players. Yet it is the breadth of this year's field that commentators keep coming back to. Each round can be a trap for the biggest names, and past years have shown that the pressure of Ally Pally can create unexpected changes of scenery.
Nevertheless, the arrows point most clearly towards a possible final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, a duel that would symbolize both the generational change and the duel for the future of the sport.
A championship that changes the sport
With a historic prize pool, greater global participation and a new generation taking over, this year's World Championship is being hailed as a turning point for the sport of darts. Record crowds are expected, both in the hall and in front of the screens, and several experts believe that the 2026 edition could stand as one of the most defining championships in modern darts.
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship ends on January 3rd – but it is already clear that the journey there will be full of drama, nerves and duels that could go down as classics.
