PDC World Championship Preview, Match Times, and Betting Odds
- Greg Kajewski
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship starts tomorrow, December 11, 2025, at Alexandra Palace in London and runs until January 3, 2026. With 128 players competing for a record $6.5 million prize pool, including $1.3 million for the winner, this is the biggest event in darts history. Key details:
Defending Champion: Luke Littler, world number one, leads the pack after dominating 2025.
Top Rivals: Luke Humphries (2024 champion), Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, and Gerwyn Price.
Format: Single elimination with matches increasing in length each round, culminating in a best-of-13-set final.
Schedule: Matches run daily, except for holiday breaks on December 24-26 and December 31.
The tournament promises thrilling matchups, including Littler vs. Darius Labanauskas in the opening round and potential quarterfinal clashes like Littler vs. Price. BettorEdge offers a peer-to-peer betting platform for fans, allowing flexible wagers on winners, individual matches, and stats like 180s or 9-dart finishes.
Don't miss the action starting tomorrow at 2:00 PM ET.
PREDICTING THE PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026!
How the Tournament Works
The PDC World Championship follows a set-play format that adds a layer of complexity beyond standard tournaments. Matches are divided into sets, with each set made up of individual legs. In every leg, players start with a score of 501 and must reduce it to exactly zero, finishing on a double (the outer ring of any numbered segment) or the bullseye. If a player overshoots or fails to finish on a double, their score resets to the start of that turn.
To win a set, a player must take three legs in a best-of-five format. In deciding sets, a two-leg lead is required, and if the score reaches 5‑5, the match goes into sudden-death.
Match Length by Round
As players progress through the tournament, the match length increases, putting their skill and endurance to the test. Here’s how it works:
Rounds 1–2: Best of 5 sets (first to 3)
Rounds 3–4: Best of 7 sets (first to 4)
Quarterfinals: Best of 9 sets (first to 5)
Semifinals: Best of 11 sets (first to 6)
Final: Best of 13 sets (first to 7)
These longer matches in the later stages demand not just precision but also the ability to maintain focus under pressure.
Seeding and Draw Structure
The top 32 players on the PDC Order of Merit are seeded directly into the draw. Starting in 2026, a major change eliminates the bye system, meaning all 128 players - seeds included - begin their journey in the first round. The draw is split, with players ranked 33–64 filling the left half and those ranked 65–128 in the right half.
This setup ensures that top seeds like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries face theoretically easier opponents in the early rounds, only clashing in the later stages if they both advance. On the other hand, lower-ranked players face tougher competition right from the start. This clear bracket structure sets the stage for a thrilling and tightly packed schedule of matches.
Match Schedule and Times
The PDC World Championship runs from Thursday, December 11, 2025, through Saturday, January 3, 2026, with no matches scheduled on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year's Eve. For U.S. audiences, the afternoon sessions start at 7:30 AM ET, while the evening sessions kick off at 2:00 PM ET. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and NOW.
The first round spans nine action-packed days, from December 11 to 19, featuring 64 matches as all 128 players begin their campaigns without any byes. Round Two picks up from December 20 to 23, pausing for the holidays and resuming on December 27. Below are some of the must-watch matchups from the opening round.
First Round Matches to Watch
The championship begins with a bang on Thursday, December 11 at 2:00 PM ET, headlined by a key matchup between Luke Littler and Darius Labanauskas. That same evening, Michael Smith faces Lisa Ashton, promising an exciting start to the tournament.
On Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 PM ET, Luke Humphries will take on Ted Evetts, while earlier that day at 7:30 AM ET, Gary Anderson goes up against Adam Hunt. Sunday's sessions bring more excitement, including a match featuring Stephen Bunting.
Other notable first-round clashes include:
Dave Chisnall vs. Fallon Sherrock on Thursday, December 18 at 2:00 PM ET
Josh Rock vs. Gemma Hayter on Friday, December 19 at 7:30 AM ET
Daryl Gurney vs. Beau Greaves on Friday, December 19 at 2:00 PM ET
Additionally, Michael van Gerwen faces Mitsuhiko Tatsunami on December 18, while Gerwyn Price squares off against Adam Gawlas on December 16. The opening round is packed with drama, setting the stage for even more intense battles in the later rounds.
Quarterfinals Through Finals Schedule
The tournament heats up in its final stages, starting with the quarterfinals on Thursday, January 1, 2026. These best-of-nine-set matches are split into two sessions: the first begins at 7:30 AM ET, and the second follows at 2:00 PM ET. If the seeds hold, fans could see these thrilling matchups:
Luke Littler vs. Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries vs. Gian van Veen
Michael van Gerwen vs. Danny Noppert
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Michael Smith
The semifinals take place on Friday, January 2 at 2:30 PM ET, with players battling in best-of-11-set matches. The grand finale is set for Saturday, January 3 at 3:00 PM ET, featuring a best-of-13-set showdown. If everything goes as expected, the final could deliver a rematch between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, competing for the ultimate prize of $1.3 million. The stakes couldn't be higher!
Betting on BettorEdge
BettorEdge is changing the game for darts fans by offering a peer-to-peer betting marketplace for the PDC World Championship. Instead of placing bets against a traditional sportsbook, you connect directly with other bettors. This means no sportsbook markups, better pricing, transparent odds, and full control over your wagers. Plus, the platform's social features let you follow community trends and get real-time insights from other darts enthusiasts. It’s a fresh way to dive into darts betting.
Tournament Winner Markets
On BettorEdge, you can bet on tournament winners like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries with yes/no betting options. You’re in control - set your own price or accept offers from other users. For example, if you think Littler’s odds are too low because of his draw, you can offer a better price to attract other bettors. Or, if you believe Humphries is being underestimated, you can back him at odds you feel are more accurate. This flexibility allows you to capitalize on changing tournament dynamics and shifting public sentiment.
Beyond outright winner bets, BettorEdge also supports wagers on individual matches and unique performance stats, giving you even more ways to engage.
Individual Match Betting
With BettorEdge, you can bet on any match throughout the tournament, from the opening rounds to the finals on January 3. The fast-paced nature of darts makes it ideal for in-play trading. For instance, a heavy favorite starting at 1.01 odds could drift to 3.0 if they fall behind, giving you a chance to back them at a better price or trade out for profit as the match unfolds.
You’ll also find markets like Set Score, Total 180s, Most 180s, 9 Dart Finish, and 170 Checkout. And because it’s a peer-to-peer platform, you’re not stuck with preset options. If you want to create a custom bet on an underrated player like Chris Dobey, Damon Heta, or Stephen Bunting, you can put it out to the marketplace and see who’s willing to take the other side.
Final Thoughts
The PDC World Championship remains the ultimate stage for professional darts, and this year's event, running from December 11 to January 3, promises thrilling action. With a $1.3 million top prize, the stakes are higher than ever - a far cry from Dennis Priestley's $20,800 winnings back in 1994.
This year, Luke Littler makes history as the youngest-ever world number one, dethroning defending champion Luke Humphries in November 2025. Alongside Littler, seasoned players like Michael van Gerwen and rising talents such as Josh Rock and Gian van Veen add to the excitement. These competitors not only fuel intense rivalries but also drive the enthusiasm of fans and bettors alike on platforms like BettorEdge.
BettorEdge offers fans a unique way to engage with the championship through its peer-to-peer marketplace. By connecting directly with other darts enthusiasts, users enjoy transparent pricing, no sportsbook fees, and complete control over their bets. Whether you're placing your faith in Littler or crafting custom wagers on underdogs like Chris Dobey or Stephen Bunting, BettorEdge puts the power in your hands.
The single-elimination format and set play structure make this tournament a perfect arena for strategic betting. With 128 players, 24 days of competition, and millions on the line, the drama at Alexandra Palace is unmatched. BettorEdge's social features, real-time insights from the community, and flexible betting options - whether on outright winners or individual matches - ensure you're ready to make the most of every moment.
FAQs
What are the major changes to the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship format?
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship is shaking things up with some exciting updates to its format. First off, the tournament is growing - 128 players will now compete, compared to the previous 96. All players will begin their journey in the first round, leveling the playing field from the start.
To add more structure, the top 32 players from the PDC Order of Merit will be seeded. This means they’ll face unseeded players in the opening round, creating an interesting dynamic for fans and players alike.
The matches will stick to a set-based format throughout, with the intensity ramping up as the tournament progresses. Early rounds will be played as best-of-five sets, while the final will push competitors to their limits with a best-of-13 sets showdown.
In a move to broaden the competition’s reach, at least four women will now feature in the main draw. This change opens the door for more global talent to shine on darts' biggest stage.
How does BettorEdge's peer-to-peer betting work for the PDC World Championship?
BettorEdge's peer-to-peer betting platform gives users the chance to bet directly against each other on various aspects of the PDC World Championship, such as match outcomes, player performances, or specific in-game events. For instance, you could place a wager on yes/no outcomes involving players like Luke Littler or Luke Humphries.
Unlike traditional bookmakers, this platform lets you set your own odds and stakes, creating a more open and user-driven betting experience. This setup offers more control and flexibility, making it easier to tailor bets to your preferences during the tournament.
What are some tips for betting on matches during the PDC World Championship?
To sharpen your betting approach during the PDC World Championship, start by examining player form and their recent performances, especially at Alexandra Palace. Some players excel in this iconic venue, and their past results can offer valuable clues about their chances for success. It's also worth digging into head-to-head records between competitors, while keeping an eye on factors like consistency and scoring averages.
Another key tactic is to explore live betting opportunities during matches. Momentum shifts can create interesting chances, such as betting on set margins or total 180s. For instance, if a player gets off to a strong start but begins to falter, the odds could swing in favor of their opponent. Pairing these observations with match-specific stats can give you a clearer edge when placing bets throughout the tournament.
