The schedule for the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship has been officially released, confirming that the competition will kick off on Friday, December 11, and run through to Sunday, January 3. Organisers have announced an unprecedented allocation of 180,000 tickets, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport and the desire to accommodate a larger fan base.
A significant development for this edition of the tournament is the relocation of the main event to the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace. This marks the first time the championship will be staged in this iconic venue, which boasts a seating capacity of more than 5,200 spectators—substantially higher than the previous limit of roughly 3,200. The expanded space is expected to enhance the atmosphere for both players and fans, offering a more immersive experience in a setting that has been synonymous with darts since it first hosted the World Championship back in 2007. The defending champion, 19‑year‑old Luke Littler, entered the 2026 season with an impressive résumé that already includes titles such as the World Masters, the UK Open, the World Cup, the World Matchplay, and the Premier League.
In January, Littler secured his second consecutive world title by defeating Gian van Veen in a dominant final. With that victory, he set his sights on achieving a remarkable three‑peat, aiming to become the first player in recent memory to claim three straight world crowns.
His statistical record underscores his dominance: out of 19 matches played, he has won 18, recorded 15 averages above 100, captured 196 maximum 180s, and amassed a set record of 83 sets won against just 27 lost. Ticket distribution for the championship will follow a novel, Wimbledon‑style ballot system, a first in the event's history. The process is divided into two distinct phases. First, members of the PDC TV (PDCTV) annual subscription enjoy a privileged priority window, granting them an early chance to secure tickets before the broader public ballot opens.
Following this, the PDC annual members ballot will run from 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, until 12:00 pm on Monday, September 7. After this period, the general public ballot opens at noon on Tuesday, September 8, and closes at 11:59 pm on Monday, September 14.
This tiered approach is designed to reward loyal supporters while still offering a fair opportunity for new fans to obtain seats. Broadcast coverage will continue to be a major draw, with Sky Sports slated to air the entire tournament live. The first round this year will commence four days earlier than in 2025, featuring a field of 128 competitors.
As usual, there will be a brief Christmas intermission from December 24 to December 27, after which the competition will resume and ultimately conclude in the early days of the new year. Fans who prefer streaming can tune in via NOW, which provides live darts action alongside a broader selection of sports content. In addition, the platform offers highlights, video recaps, and a dedicated darts podcast titled "Love the Darts," ensuring that enthusiasts can stay connected to the sport around the clock.
Looking ahead, the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix will see world number one Luke Littler defend his title, adding another chapter to his rapidly building legacy. All of the Grand Prix action will also be available on Sky Sports and streamed through NOW, giving viewers multiple avenues to follow the drama. In summary, the 2026 Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship promises a larger venue, a record‑breaking ticket pool, an innovative ballot system, and a packed schedule that stretches from mid‑December into early January.
With Luke Littler poised to chase a historic three‑peat and a host of other top‑ranked players vying for glory, the tournament is set to deliver high‑octane darts excitement for both long‑time followers and newcomers alike.