In a stunning upset that captivated the sporting world, Dave Chisnall has been crowned the 2025 PDC World Darts Champion. The 44-year-old from St Helens secured his maiden world title in a dramatic final at London's iconic Alexandra Palace, defeating the reigning champion Luke Humphries.
A Historic Night at Ally Pally
The final, played on Saturday 20th December 2025, will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in the tournament's history. Chisnall, known affectionately as "Chizzy", entered the match as a significant underdog against the world number one, Luke Humphries. However, he produced a performance of sheer brilliance and nerve to triumph with a 7-5 set victory.
This victory marks the pinnacle of Chisnall's long and respected career. Having reached the semi-finals on four previous occasions but never the final, he finally broke through the glass ceiling in spectacular fashion. The win was sealed with a stunning 132 checkout in the decisive leg, sending the capacity Ally Pally crowd into a frenzy.
The Final That Defied Expectations
The match was a classic encounter of contrasting styles and fortunes. Luke Humphries, aiming for a second consecutive world title, started strongly. He took the opening set and maintained a high standard throughout, averaging over 100. Yet, he found himself consistently matched by an inspired Chisnall.
Chisnall's key to victory was his explosive scoring power, particularly on his favoured treble 20. He hit maximum 180s at crucial moments to wrestle back momentum whenever Humphries threatened to pull away. The match swung back and forth, with neither player able to establish a commanding lead until the latter stages.
After 12 gruelling sets, it was Chisnall who held his nerve. With the score poised at 6-5 in sets, he produced a magnificent finish under immense pressure to claim the Sid Waddell Trophy and the £500,000 winner's cheque.
What This Means for the World of Darts
Dave Chisnall's victory is a testament to perseverance and self-belief. For years, he has been considered one of the most talented players never to win a major TV title. That narrative has now been spectacularly rewritten. His win shakes up the established order at the top of the sport and proves that the PDC World Darts Championship remains the most unpredictable and thrilling event in the calendar.
The reaction from the darts community has been overwhelmingly positive, with rivals and pundits alike praising Chisnall's achievement. For Luke Humphries, it was a heartbreaking end to his title defence, but his status as one of the world's elite remains unquestioned. The 2025 championship will ultimately be remembered as the night Dave Chisnall realised his dream and cemented his legacy in darts history.
The tournament, which began in mid-December, featured 96 players competing for the sport's ultimate prize. Chisnall's path to glory included victories over several top seeds, building momentum with each round until his crowning moment against the champion. His success promises to inspire a new generation of players and adds another unforgettable chapter to the rich story of the Alexandra Palace stage.
