World Darts Championship 2026 – Results, Schedule & Prize Money
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, officially the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, took place from 11 December 2025 to 3 January 2026 at Alexandra Palace in London. With a record 128-player field, a £5 million prize fund, and a dominant victory by Luke Littler, the tournament cemented its place as one of the most-watched events in the darts calendar.
For fans and bettors alike, knowing the schedule, results, prize money, and how to watch is essential. This guide brings together all the confirmed facts, the notable outcomes, and the details that remain subject to official confirmation.
What is the World Darts Championship 2026 Schedule?
11 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
Alexandra Palace, London
Luke Littler
£5,000,000
- The tournament spanned 24 days, with the final held on Saturday 3 January 2026.
- It was the 19th edition to be staged at Alexandra Palace, and the final one in the West Hall before the event moves to the Great Hall.
- Round One began on 11 December, followed by Rounds Two and Three later in December.
- The quarter‑finals were played on 30 December, the semi‑finals on 1 January, and the final on 3 January.
- All matches followed a sets format, with the final being best of 13 sets.
- Luke Littler’s 7–1 victory over Gian van Veen made him the first player to retain the title since 2023.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Paddy Power World Darts Championship 2026 |
| Start Date | 11 December 2025 |
| Final Date | 3 January 2026 |
| Venue | Alexandra Palace, London, England |
| Organiser | Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) |
| Number of Players | 128 (expanded from 96) |
| Total Prize Money | £5,000,000 |
| Winner’s Share | £1,000,000 |
| Winner | Luke Littler |
| Runner-up | Gian van Veen |
| Final Score | 7–1 (sets) |
| Broadcaster (UK) | Sky Sports |
How to Watch World Darts Championship 2026
In the United Kingdom, all sessions were broadcast live on Sky Sports. International viewers could stream matches via the official PDC TV service or through local broadcasters, as listed on the PDC website.
Which TV Channel Is Showing the Championship?
Sky Sports held exclusive UK television rights for the event. According to the broadcaster’s 2026 schedule, the World Darts Championship was a key part of its winter line-up. Fans outside the UK could tune in via PDC TV and a network of regional partners.
Is There a Live Stream?
PDC TV offered live streaming for subscribers globally, with coverage of all matches from the first round through to the final. The service also provided on-demand replays and highlights.
For a full list of broadcasters by country, the PDC’s official page is the best reference.
When Do World Darts Championship 2026 Tickets Go on Sale?
The exact public onsale date for the 2026 championship has not been officially announced by the PDC. Based on historical patterns, tickets for the Alexandra Palace event typically go on sale in September or October of the preceding year. Hospitality packages are often released earlier through authorised sellers such as VIP Matchdays.
How to Get Tickets
Authorised ticket channels include the official PDC website and Alexandra Palace’s event page. Fans should monitor these sources for the confirmed sale date. Due to high demand—especially after Luke Littler’s breakthrough—tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
Hospitality Packages
Premium hospitality packages for future editions, including the 2026/27 event, were listed by third‑party sellers but are distinct from standard general admission tickets. The PDC has not confirmed any official hospitality partner for the 2026 championship.
Who Won the World Darts Championship 2026?
Luke Littler defeated Gian van Veen 7–1 in the final on 3 January 2026. The scoreline reflects one of the most dominant performances in the championship’s history. Littler’s victory marked his second consecutive world title, following his initial win in 2025.
The final was streamed live on Sky Sports and reported in detail by ESPN. The full round‑by‑round results are available on ESPN’s live results page.
Full Results and Standings
The champion’s path included wins over a series of top‑seeded players. The official PDC website published the complete bracket, while ESPN provided a detailed round‑by‑round breakdown. The tournament also featured a strong performance from runner‑up Gian van Veen, who reached the final for the first time.
World Darts Championship 2026: Venue, Format, and Prize Money
Where Is the World Darts Championship 2026 Held?
Alexandra Palace in London hosted the event for the 19th time. The 2026 championship was the final edition to be held in the West Hall; future tournaments will move to the Great Hall. The venue remains the iconic “Ally Pally” known for its electric atmosphere.
What Is the Format?
The tournament featured a knockout bracket with 128 players, an expansion from the previous 96. Early rounds were played as best of three sets, progressing to best of five sets in the later rounds, and culminating in a best of 13 sets final. This structure is standard for the PDC World Championship.
Prize Money
The total prize fund was £5,000,000, with the winner receiving £1,000,000. The runner‑up earned £400,000, and the prize pool was distributed down to the first round. This represented a significant increase over previous years, reflecting the PDC’s growing revenue.
What Are the Key Dates for the World Darts Championship 2026?
- Mid‑2025: International qualifying tournaments take place worldwide.
- Autumn 2025: Tickets expected to go on sale (official date TBC).
- November 2025: The official draw is conducted.
- 11 December 2025: First round begins at Alexandra Palace.
- Late December 2025: Rounds Three and Four are completed.
- 30 December 2025: Quarter‑finals.
- 1 January 2026: Semi‑finals.
- 3 January 2026: Final.
- January 2026: Champion crowned; new PDC season begins.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Uncertain About the 2026 Championship?
| Confirmed | To Be Confirmed / Speculative |
|---|---|
| Event dates: 11 Dec 2025 – 3 Jan 2026 | Exact ticket release date – likely Sep/Oct 2025 based on past years |
| Venue: Alexandra Palace (West Hall – final time) | Full participant list – qualifying still ongoing |
| Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK) and PDC TV (international) | Specific match start times – released closer to event |
| Format: 128 players, knockout, sets | Prize money breakdown per round – expected to increase |
| Winner: Luke Littler (7–1 vs Gian van Veen) | Future venue changes beyond 2026–27 |
What Is the Background and Significance of the 2026 World Darts Championship?
Luke Littler’s continued dominance has transformed the sport’s profile. The 2026 championship attracted record television audiences and sold‑out crowds at Alexandra Palace. The expansion to 128 players reflects the PDC’s global strategy, with qualifiers from more countries than ever before.
The move of the venue from the West Hall to the Great Hall from 2027 onwards signals a new chapter for the event, promising increased capacity and a fresh stage for the world’s best players.
Which Sources Provide Official Information on the World Darts Championship 2026?
“The 2025/26 Paddy Power World Championship International Qualifying structure confirmed.”
– PDC.tv, official tournament page
“Results, schedule, venue, format, schedule and prize money.”
– ESPN, comprehensive event guide
“December 11 2025 – January 3 2026: World Darts Championship [Winner: Luke Littler].”
– Sky Sports, darts schedule 2026
The official PDC website remains the most authoritative source. For up‑to‑the‑minute results and in‑depth analysis, ESPN and Sky Sports provided thorough coverage throughout the tournament.
What Are the Essential Facts About the World Darts Championship 2026?
The 2026 World Darts Championship was a landmark event: a 128‑player field, a £5 million prize fund, and Luke Littler’s triumphant title defence. For those looking back at the results or planning for future editions, the official PDC channels and Alexandra Palace’s event page are the best starting points. For related sporting events, you might also be interested in the Zhao Xintong World Snooker Championship – Bio, Career & Net Worth and Ryder Cup Tee Times – Full Sunday Singles Schedule & Time Zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the 2026 World Darts Championship be held at Alexandra Palace?
Yes, it was held at Alexandra Palace in London, as confirmed by the PDC.
How can I watch the World Darts Championship 2026 live?
In the UK, it was broadcast on Sky Sports. International viewers could watch via PDC TV or local broadcasters.
What is the prize money for winning the World Darts Championship 2026?
The winner received £1,000,000 from a total prize fund of £5,000,000.
Who is favourite to win the 2026 World Darts Championship?
Defending champion Luke Littler was the early favourite, followed by Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price.
What is the format of the World Darts Championship?
128 players compete in a knockout format. Early rounds are first to 3 sets, with later rounds increasing to first to 5 and 6, and the final first to 7 sets.
When will the 2027 World Darts Championship take place?
The 2027 edition will likely run from December 2026 to early January 2027, though official dates are not yet released.
How many players competed in the 2026 championship?
The field was expanded to 128 players, up from 96 in previous years.
What was the final score of the 2026 championship?
Luke Littler defeated Gian van Veen 7–1 in sets.
Where can I find official results?
The PDC official website and ESPN provide complete round‑by‑round results.
Are tickets still available for the 2026 championship?
The event has concluded, but tickets for future editions will be announced on the PDC website.
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