The schedule for the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship has been officially released, running from Friday, December 11, through to Sunday, January 3. Organisers are offering a historic 180,000 tickets, the largest allocation ever for a single darts event, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport and the ambition to accommodate a broader audience. A landmark change for the 2026 edition is the relocation of the competition to the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace.
This will be the first time the championship is staged in this iconic venue, which can seat more than 5,200 fans – a substantial increase from the previous capacity of roughly 3,200. The larger arena not only promises a more electric atmosphere but also allows more supporters to experience the drama of world‑class darts live. The defending champion, 19‑year‑old Luke Littler, entered the 2025 final with a dominant performance, defeating Gian van Veen in a one‑sided match.
Littler, already a multiple‑title holder having captured the World Masters, UK Open, World Cup, World Matchplay and Premier League in 2026, is now poised to chase a third consecutive world title. His statistical record underscores his dominance: out of 19 matches played, he has won 18, posted an average exceeding 100 points in 15 of those games, and amassed a total of 196 maximum 180s.
He has claimed 83 sets while dropping only 27, a testament to his consistency and composure under pressure. Ticket distribution for this year’s championship will follow a novel, Wimbledon‑style ballot system, implemented for the first time in the tournament’s history. The process is divided into two distinct phases.
First, members of PDCTV – the official PDC television service – enjoy a privileged priority window, giving them an early chance to secure tickets before the public ballot begins. This exclusive window acknowledges the loyalty of long‑standing fans and members.
The second phase opens to all PDC annual members. Their ballot period runs from 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, until 12:00 pm on Monday, September 7. Following this, the general public ballot commences at noon on Tuesday, September 8, and remains open until 11:59 pm on Monday, September 14. This staggered approach is designed to balance fairness with demand, ensuring that both dedicated members and casual fans have a realistic opportunity to attend.
For those unable to obtain a ticket, the championship will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options available through NOW. Sky Sports will carry every round, starting with a first round that begins four days earlier than in the previous year, featuring a field of 128 competitors.
The early start gives fans more darts action and adds extra excitement to the opening weekend of the tournament. The competition will observe the traditional Christmas pause, with no matches scheduled from December 24 through December 27.
Play will resume after the holiday break, culminating in the grand finale on New Year’s Day, ensuring the championship finishes on a high note after the festive season. Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as "Ally Pally," has been synonymous with the World Darts Championship since 2007. Over the years, the venue has witnessed countless memorable moments, from nail‑biting finishes to record‑breaking performances.
The move to the Great Hall marks a new chapter, offering a larger stage while preserving the historic ambiance that players and fans cherish. Looking ahead to the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, the world’s top-ranked player, Luke Littler, will defend his title. His participation adds another layer of intrigue to the darts calendar, and fans can follow his quest for another trophy via Sky Sports or the NOW streaming platform, which provides live coverage of darts alongside a range of other premier sports.
In addition to live broadcasts, fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest highlights, match analysis, and exclusive video content through the PDC’s official channels. The "Love the Darts" podcast offers in‑depth discussions, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the sport.
Overall, the 2026 Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship promises to be a landmark event, combining an expanded venue, a record‑breaking ticket pool, a fairer ballot system, and a packed schedule that stretches from early December through the first days of January. Whether you secure a seat in the Great Hall or watch from home, the tournament guarantees high‑quality darts, dramatic narratives, and the chance to witness history in the making as Luke Littler and his rivals vie for the sport’s most coveted prize.