The stage is set for the biggest World Darts Championship in history, with a record-breaking 128 players descending on London's Alexandra Palace to battle for the iconic Sid Waddell Trophy and a share of a massive £5 million prize fund.
Reigning champion and world number one Luke Littler will headline the event as the top seed, aiming to defend the title he sensationally won last year. He will face stiff competition from a field packed with elite talent, including former champion Luke Humphries.
Tournament Schedule and Format
The prestigious tournament kicks off on Thursday, December 11, and will captivate fans for over three weeks, culminating in the world final on Friday, January 3. As is tradition, the action will pause for a brief Christmas intermission, halting from Christmas Eve and resuming on Friday, December 27.
The draw for the first round is a highly anticipated event, scheduled to take place on Monday, November 24. The top 32 players in the world, based on the PDC Order of Merit, receive a significant advantage as they are seeded directly into the second round, bypassing the initial stage of the competition.
Record Prize Money and Qualification Routes
This year's championship boasts an unprecedented financial reward. The player who lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy on January 3 will pocket a life-changing £1 million, while the runner-up will earn a substantial £400,000.
The 128-player field is meticulously assembled through three distinct qualification paths. A total of 40 players qualified via the main PDC Order of Merit, which ranks players based on prize money earned over two years. While the top 32 are seeded, players ranked 33rd to 40th also qualify automatically but must start their campaign in the first round.
A further 40 competitors earned their spots through the ProTour Order of Merit, which recognises consistent performance in non-televised events throughout the season. All of these players will begin in the first round.
The final 48 places are filled by international qualifiers from across the globe, ensuring wide representation. This group includes standout women's players like Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock, adding to the tournament's diverse and exciting lineup.
What to Expect at Ally Pally
With the draw imminent, all eyes will be on the first-round matchups. The expanded field promises more drama, more giant-killings, and an even greater spectacle for the thousands of fans packed into Alexandra Palace and the millions watching worldwide. Luke Littler's title defence begins here, but with a record number of players hungry for their share of the £5 million purse, the path to glory will be tougher than ever.
