When Is the Darts World Championship and What Should I Expect

The World Darts Championship is one of the most anticipated sporting events on the calendar not just for darts fans but for anyone who enjoys a high-stakes, high-energy arena. From iconic walk-ons and packed crowds at Alexandra Palace to tense final sets that define careers, the championship has grown into a global spectacle.

If you’re considering attending the 2025/26 edition or simply want to understand what makes this tournament so popular, here’s a full breakdown including tournament dates, how to get darts world championship tickets, what to expect at the venue and which players are worth watching this season.

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What Is the World Darts Championship?

The PDC World Darts Championship is the biggest and most prestigious tournament in the professional darts circuit. Organised by the Professional Darts Corporation, it’s held every year at Alexandra Palace in London, attracting the best players from around the world.

Running from mid-December to early January, the event spans over two weeks and concludes with a grand New Year’s Day final. Players compete in a knockout format and each round intensifies until one player lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy.

What sets the World Darts Championship apart is its atmosphere. The crowd, dressed in costumes and chanting football-style songs, creates a party-like vibe that’s rare in individual sports yet beneath it all is serious competition and technical mastery.

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Key Dates for the 2025/26 Championship

The official World Darts Championship 2025/26 dates are expected to follow a similar pattern to previous years. While the PDC will confirm the full schedule by late summer 2025, fans can typically expect:

• Opening night: Around 15 December 2025
  
• Last 16: Between Christmas and New Year
  
• Semi-finals: 30 or 31 December
  
• Final: 1 January 2026
  

There are no matches scheduled on 24–25 December, allowing players and fans a break for the Christmas holidays.

It's worth noting that ticket availability tends to tighten quickly once the match dates are finalised, especially for sessions involving high-profile players or late-stage matches.

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Who Are the Top Players This Year?

The 2025/26 championship is expected to feature a familiar set of leading names alongside rising stars. Based on current rankings and form, these are the players fans are most excited to see:

• Michael van Gerwen – Former world champion, always a crowd favourite, known for explosive performances.
  
• Luke Humphries – Reigning champion (2025/26) with a smooth throw and consistent form throughout the season.
  
• Gerwyn Price – Former world number one with a commanding stage presence and aggressive style.
  
• Michael Smith – 2024 champion and one of the fastest throwers on the circuit.
  
• Nathan Aspinall – Known for his resilience and crowd connection.
  
• Fallon Sherrock – If selected, she continues to break barriers for women in the sport.
  

Qualifiers from global tours also add international flavour and it's not uncommon for lesser-known players to pull off major upsets early in the tournament.

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What’s It Like Attending at Alexandra Palace?

Attending a match at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) is a unique experience. The venue holds thousands of fans and transforms into a lively, energetic arena with a mix of sport and spectacle. Here’s what to expect:

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Match Atmosphere

• Crowd: Fancy dress is encouraged. Group chants, banter and witty signs are all part of the fun.
  
• Walk-ons: Players are introduced with theme songs, strobe lights and pyrotechnics, a tradition that’s become iconic in darts.
  
• View: Giant screens ensure good visibility, even if you’re seated towards the back.

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Food and Drink

The fan village inside the venue includes bars, fast food outlets, merchandise stands and photo opportunities. Drinks are typically served in reusable cups and queues are well-managed.

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Accessibility

Ally Pally is well-connected via public transport. Shuttle buses run from Wood Green Station and Alexandra Palace Station and there’s limited parking on-site (must be pre-booked).

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Ticket Options and Hospitality

Getting hold of darts world championship tickets is competitive, especially for weekend sessions and the final. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

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General Admission

• Standard seating with access to the fan village.
  
• Tickets are sold by session (afternoon or evening) rather than for entire days or weeks.
  
• Prices vary depending on the session, with early rounds more affordable than semi-finals or final.

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Premium and Hospitality Tickets

Offer better seating, priority entrance and access to lounge areas. Hospitality packages can include:

• Complimentary food and drinks
  
• Reserved VIP seating
  
• Official merchandise
  
• Exclusive bar access
  

These packages are ideal for businesses entertaining clients or fans looking to mark the experience as a special occasion.

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When and Where to Buy

• Tickets are usually released in phases through the PDC’s official ticketing partners.
  
• Core Events also provides access to official tickets and curated hospitality packages for individuals and corporate groups.

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Tips for First-Time Attendees

If this will be your first time at the World Darts Championship, a few tips can help you get the most out of your visit:

• Book early: Tickets for the most in-demand sessions sell out quickly after general release.
  
• Go in fancy dress: It’s optional but adds to the fun and there are often prizes for the best costumes.
  
• Plan your travel: Avoid driving where possible and use public transport or shuttle services.
  
• Arrive early: To soak up the atmosphere in the fan village before matches start.
  
• Stay locally: Hotels and B&Bs near the venue fill fast, especially around New Year’s Eve.

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Why the World Darts Championship Matters

Beyond the entertainment factor, the championship has helped bring darts into the mainstream. The level of skill and consistency required at the top level is underappreciated by casual observers but fans know that a 100+ average and 180s under pressure are no easy feat.

Each edition of the championship also contributes to the sport’s growth. With increasing TV audiences and international participation, darts is now firmly on the global sporting map.

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Official Packages with Core Events

For fans who want to make the most of the experience, Core Events offers bespoke packages to the World Darts Championship combining official tickets with premium hospitality, accommodation and logistics support. Whether you’re organising a group trip, planning a client event or just treating yourself, Core Events helps you:

• Secure priority access to top sessions
  
• Choose from a range of seating and lounge options
  
• Arrange travel and accommodation with minimal hassle

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Book Early for 2025 - 2026

The World Darts Championship continues to grow in scale, demand and quality every year. If you’re planning to attend the 2025/26 edition, now is the time to start planning. Tickets go fast and the best hospitality options are often snapped up months in advance. Contact Core Events to learn more about available darts world championship tickets and curated hospitality packages. Whether you’re travelling solo or booking for a group, we’ll help you get everything sorted for a seamless, unforgettable visit to Ally Pally.