The schedule for the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship has been officially released, running from Friday, December 11 through Sunday, January 3. Organisers are offering a record-breaking 180,000 tickets, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport. In a notable shift for this edition, the competition will move to the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace for the first time.
The venue’s capacity of more than 5,200 seats dwarfs the previous limit of roughly 3,200, allowing a significantly larger live audience to experience the drama of world‑class darts in person. The defending champion, 19‑year‑old Luke Littler, entered the 2026 season with an impressive résumé: he has already captured the World Masters, the UK Open, the World Cup, the World Matchplay and the Premier League. After securing back‑to‑back titles in January—most recently defeating Gian van Veen in a one‑sided final—Littler is poised to chase a third consecutive crown. His statistical record underscores his dominance: out of 19 matches played, he has won 18, posted an average of over 100 points per throw in 15 contests, claimed 83 sets while dropping only 27, and hit a staggering 196 maximum 180s.
Ticket distribution for the championship will follow a novel, Wimbledon‑style ballot system, implemented in two distinct phases. First, members of the PDC’s official television service, PDCTV, receive a priority window that gives them an early chance to secure seats before the general public ballot opens. The PDC annual members ballot runs from 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, until 12:00 pm on Monday, September 7.
Following that, the open ballot for all other fans opens at noon on Tuesday, September 8, and closes at 11:59 pm on Monday, September 14. This two‑tiered approach is designed to reward loyal supporters while still offering the broader darts community a fair opportunity to attend. Fans can also follow the action through a variety of digital platforms.
The NOW streaming service provides live coverage of matches, plus a library of highlights and related video content. Sky Sports continues to be the primary broadcaster for live darts, and the network’s schedule shows that the first round will commence four days earlier than in the 2025 edition, featuring a field of 128 competitors. The early start gives viewers more opportunities to watch emerging talent and seasoned pros battle for a place in the later stages. As usual, the tournament will observe a brief Christmas hiatus.
No matches will be played from December 24 through December 27, allowing players and fans alike a short break before the competition resumes and ultimately concludes after the New Year’s celebrations. Although Alexandra Palace has been synonymous with the World Darts Championship since 2007, this year marks its first use of the Great Hall, a space that promises enhanced sightlines, improved acoustics, and a more immersive atmosphere for the thousands of spectators who will fill the arena.
Beyond the championship itself, the darts calendar remains packed with other marquee events. The upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix will see world‑number‑one Luke Littler defend his title, adding another layer of intrigue for fans tracking his quest for multiple major victories in a single season.
As always, Sky Sports will broadcast the Grand Prix, and viewers can also stream the competition via NOW, which aggregates top‑level sport in a single subscription. For those who prefer audio content, the "Love the Darts" podcast offers in‑depth analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes stories that enrich the viewing experience. Whether you are a seasoned follower of the PDC circuit or a newcomer eager to understand the nuances of professional darts, the combination of live television, streaming services, and supplemental media ensures that every aspect of the championship is accessible. In summary, the 2026 Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship promises a record‑setting ticket rollout, an expanded venue in the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace, and a robust schedule that begins in early December and culminates in early January.
With a young champion eager to secure a historic hat‑trick, a fresh ballot system designed to democratise ticket access, and multiple platforms delivering live and on‑demand coverage, the event is set to captivate both die‑hard enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.