As the nights grow longer and the festive season nears, fans around the world prepare for the most anticipated event in darts—the PDC World Darts Championship
Set in London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, the competition kicks off in mid-December and is sure to bring exciting, high-stakes action right into the New Year. The energy of “Ally Pally” and the top-tier competition on display make this tournament a can’t-miss spectacle for darts fans.
This season has already been filled with thrilling moments, with major tournaments like the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship offering an early taste of what to expect on the biggest stage.
As each tournament wraps up, all eyes turn to the World Darts Championship, where the sport’s greatest players will compete for the title, pride, and look to upset darts world championship odds by winning the top prize in the sport.
In this article, we run through the key things to know ahead of this year’s Worlds, and why it could be the biggest edition the sport has seen in recent times.
Recap of last year’s Championship
Last year’s World Championship delivered a final for the ages, with record-breaking viewership and an electric crowd. It was an all-English showdown as Luke Humphries and Luke Littler faced off in a thrilling final.
Humphries had to overcome top-seeded talents, including a gritty semi-final against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, to reach the final and was in strong form, having picked up the European Championship.
Tied at 2-2 early on, Littler took a brief lead before Humphries mounted a powerful comeback, winning five legs in a row to claim the 7-4 victory. The result not only crowned Humphries as champion but also marked the tournament as one of the most memorable in recent history.
Key dates for 2025 finals
The 2025 World Darts Championship promises nearly three weeks of thrilling competition, packed with high-stakes matches as the world’s best players compete for the prestigious title. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates to mark on your calendar:
- December 15 – Tournament begins
- December 23-27 – Christmas break
- December 28 – Matches resume
- January 1 – Quarter-finals
- January 2 – Semi-finals
- January 3 – Grand final
Who are the favourites?
With Humphries as the defending champion, he’s certainly a player to watch this year. Other contenders include three-time World Champion Van Gerwen, who’s searching for a resurgence in form at Ally Pally, and Michael Smith, a previous champion with odds suggesting he could be in the mix.
Veterans like Gary Anderson, known for his experience on the big stage, also offer strong competition, as do a few notable outsiders like Belgium’s Mike De Decker, who has impressed this season. While last year’s runner-up, Littler, has a chance of redemption in north London.
Fan favourites
Darts isn’t only about who wins; it’s about the characters who make the game what it is. Players like Stephen Bunting, Peter Wright, Raymond van Barneveld, and Gerwyn Price are always crowd favourites, thanks to their skill, personalities, and connection with fans.
Even if they don’t take home the title, their presence on the Ally Pally stage brings excitement and entertainment, giving fans something to cheer for beyond the darts odds and prize money.
The unpredictability factor
The PDC is renowned for its unpredictability, especially in the early rounds when the games come thick and fast. With competitors facing each other on the grandest stage, surprising upsets and underdog victories are common, adding to the thrill of each session. The tournament’s format ensures that anyone on form can win on the day, making each match compelling and creating a unique sense of anticipation throughout the event.