As the principal host of Sky Sports' darts coverage, Emma Paton has a front-row seat to one of sport's most vibrant spectacles: the incredible fancy dress parade at the World Darts Championship. From her studio vantage point at London's Alexandra Palace, she has seen it all, from the classic to the utterly bizarre.
Paton's Pick of the Fancy Dress Bunch
Speaking ahead of the 2024/25 tournament, Paton revealed she has a keen eye for the more inventive costumes that break from tradition. "I like the new ones," she explained. "We've all seen the traffic cones, Mario and Luigi, a group of nuns. So, anything that's a little bit more out there..."
Her personal favourites include the ambitious Mona Lisa outfits, which feature large painted frames, and a particularly memorable group ensemble. "I also remember there was a group of chips with one baked bean. I liked that," she recalled, highlighting the detailed creativity of the fans.
The Unique Atmosphere of Ally Pally
Paton perfectly captured the electric environment that defines the championship, describing it as "a mix between a stag-do and a major sporting event." The party starts long before the first dart is thrown, with fans in full costume arriving hours in advance. "Even driving up the hill to get there – and I'll turn up hours before we go on air – there will be people in fancy dress. I don't know where they've been or where they're going!" she said.
Her role offers what she calls "the best seat in the house," allowing her to watch the unforgettable scenes unfold. Not all memories are glamorous, however. One of her earliest recollections involved a fan dressed as a traffic cone. "They just threw up in their own shoe! That was one of the very early images I was left with. It didn't put me off. I just thought, 'Wow, this is different!'"
The 2025/26 Final Showdown
The tournament reaches its climax on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, with a historic final. Luke Littler, the defending champion, will face Gian van Veen, the new Dutch number one, for a record £1 million top prize. Littler secured his spot with a 6-1 win over Ryan Searle, while Van Veen thrillingly defeated Gary Anderson 6-3 in the semi-finals.
Coverage of the final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Events and Sky Sports Darts. The broadcast begins at 7.30pm, with the players expected to enter the iconic Alexandra Palace stage at approximately 8.15pm.
