The dates for the upcoming Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship have been officially released, confirming that the competition will run from Friday, December 11, through to Sunday, January 3. Organisers have also announced an unprecedented allocation of 180,000 tickets, the largest ticket pool ever offered for the event.
A landmark change for this edition of the tournament is the relocation of the main stage to the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace. This historic venue, which has been synonymous with the World Darts Championship since 2007, will host the matches in its Great Hall for the first time. The new setting dramatically expands the capacity, allowing more than 5,200 fans to sit under the lights, a substantial increase from the previous limit of roughly 3,200 spectators.
The larger arena promises a more electric atmosphere and gives many more supporters the chance to experience world‑class darts live. One of the headline stories heading into the championship is the continued dominance of 19‑year‑old Luke Littler. Littler captured the title in January after a decisive victory over Gian van Veen, and he is now poised to chase a third consecutive world crown.
The young prodigy has already amassed an impressive résumé, having taken home titles such as the World Masters, the UK Open, the World Cup, the World Matchplay, and the Premier League in the 2026 season. His recent statistics underline his form: 19 matches played, 18 wins, 15 averages over 100, 83 sets won against 27 lost, and a staggering 196 maximum 180s recorded.
Ticket distribution for the championship will follow a new, Wimbledon‑style ballot system, marking the first time this method has been used in the tournament’s history. The process will unfold in two distinct phases. First, members of the PDCTV annual subscription will enjoy a privileged window that gives them an early chance to secure seats before the general public ballot opens. After this exclusive period, the PDC annual members ballot will commence at 12:00 p.m.
on Tuesday, September 1, and will remain open until Monday, September 7. Following the members’ ballot, the general public ballot will open at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, and will close at 11:59 p.m.
on Monday, September 14. This two‑stage approach is designed to balance fairness with the high demand for tickets, ensuring that both dedicated fans and casual spectators have a realistic opportunity to attend. For those unable to obtain a ticket, the championship will be widely available through broadcast and streaming services.
Sky Sports will carry live coverage of every round, beginning with a first round that starts four days earlier than in the 2025 edition. The opening round will feature 128 competitors, all vying for a place in the later stages of the tournament.
In addition to traditional TV coverage, fans can stream the action and related darts content via the NOW platform, which also offers a range of other sports and entertainment programming. The championship schedule includes a customary Christmas break, with no matches scheduled from December 24 to December 27. Play will resume after the holiday period, culminating in a climactic final on Sunday, January 3, just after the New Year celebrations.
This timing ensures that the tournament maintains its festive appeal while also delivering a dramatic conclusion to the darts calendar. Beyond the world championship, the darts season continues with other marquee events such as the BoyleSports World Grand Prix.
World number one Luke Littler will defend his Grand Prix title, providing fans with another opportunity to witness his skill on a major stage. All Grand Prix matches will also be broadcast on Sky Sports and streamed via NOW, allowing a global audience to follow the competition. For enthusiasts who enjoy deeper analysis and behind‑the‑scenes commentary, the Love the Darts podcast offers interviews, match breakdowns, and insider stories from the world of professional darts.
The podcast is a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the sport and stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments. In summary, the 2026‑27 Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship promises to be a landmark event: expanded seating in the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace, a record‑breaking ticket pool, a new ballot system, and an early start to the first round. With Luke Littler aiming for a historic hat‑trick and a packed schedule that spans the festive season, fans can expect high‑quality darts action, memorable moments, and plenty of drama both on and off the oche.