The PDC World Darts Championship commences this Thursday at Alexandra Palace, featuring a record 128 players competing for the first time, a substantial increase from the previous 96, reports BritPanorama.
The prize fund has seen a remarkable enhancement, with the eventual champion set to receive £1 million, double the amount offered last year. This increase is attributed to a lucrative new television deal with Sky, reportedly valued at £125 million over five years.
Anticipation builds for three weeks of intense darts, extending throughout the festive season until the championship final on January 3. Defending champion Luke Littler will kick off his title defence on opening night, facing Lithuanian veteran Darius Labanauskas.
At just 18 years old, Littler has recently ascended to world number one, achieving this milestone only last month. His impressive year includes victories in the Grand Slam of Darts, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and UK Open. He enters the tournament as the favourite to retain his title, with bookmakers noting his strong performance in recent finals.
Should Littler falter, the most prominent contender appears to be Luke Humphries, the 2024 world champion, who has triumphed over Littler in their last three encounters at ranking events. Additionally, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock enters the championship fresh off leading his nation to victory in the World Cup of Darts.
This year’s tournament features an unprecedented five female players, with Beau Greaves competing against World Cup winner Daryl Gurney on December 19. The schedule will see first and second round matches continue until December 23, with play resuming after Christmas on the 27th for the third round.
Sky Sports will provide exclusive coverage, having broadcast PDC darts for more than three decades. The total prize fund for the event is set at £5 million, with even first-round participants guaranteed £15,000 for their efforts. Exceptional performances will be rewarded, with a £60,000 bonus for any player achieving a nine-dart finish.
The Alexandra Palace, a storied venue, continues to host what has become a highlight in the sporting calendar, showcasing the drama and excitement of competition at the highest level. As this year’s championship unveils, the dynamics of play promise a compelling showcase of talent and determination, echoing the rich tapestry of darts culture in the UK.
