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 will run through to Sunday, January 3. Organisers are offering a record-breaking 180,000 tickets for fans who want to witness the drama live. A significant shift for this edition of the tournament is the venue change: for the first time the event will be staged in the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace.
This historic arena can seat more than 5,200 spectators, a substantial increase from the previous capacity of roughly 3,200 that the tournament was limited to in earlier years. The larger setting is expected to create a more electric atmosphere and allow a greater number of supporters to experience the sport up close. One of the headline stories heading into the championship is the remarkable form of 19‑year‑old Luke Littler. After clinching a decisive victory over Gian van Veen in January, Littler captured his second consecutive world title.
The young prodigy, who already boasts a resume that includes wins at the World Masters, the UK Open, the World Cup, the World Matchplay and the Premier League in 2026, is now poised to chase a historic hat‑trick of world championships. His statistical record speaks for itself: out of 19 matches played, he has won 18, recorded 15 averages above 100, secured 83 sets while dropping only 27, and hit an impressive 196 maximum 180s. Ticket distribution for the 2027 championship will also see a fresh approach. For the first time in the competition’s history, tickets will be allocated via a two‑stage ballot system modeled after the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Members of the PDCTV community will enjoy a privileged early‑access window, giving them a better chance of obtaining tickets before the general public ballot opens. The first ballot, reserved for PDC annual members, opens at noon on Tuesday, September 1, and remains active until Monday, September 7. Following that, the general ballot will run from noon on Tuesday, September 8, closing at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 14.
This staggered process is designed to balance fairness with the high demand for seats in the newly expanded venue. Fans can also look forward to extensive coverage beyond the live matches. The NOW streaming platform will provide live darts action alongside a suite of other sports, while Sky Sports will broadcast the tournament in its entirety. In addition, a range of highlight reels and video content will be made available for those who want to catch up on key moments after the games.
The first round of the championship will commence four days earlier than in the 2025 edition, featuring a field of 128 competitors. These opening matches will be shown live on Sky Sports, giving viewers a chance to see emerging talents and seasoned veterans battle for a place in the later stages. As usual, the tournament will observe a brief Christmas intermission from December 24 to December 27, after which play will resume and continue through the New Year, culminating in the grand final on Sunday, January 3.
Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as "Ally Pally," has a long‑standing relationship with the World Darts Championship, having hosted the event since 2007. The move to its Great Hall marks a new chapter, offering a larger stage while preserving the venue’s historic charm.
Looking ahead, the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix will also be a focal point for darts enthusiasts. World No. 1 Luke Littler will defend his title in that tournament as well, and fans can follow every throw on Sky Sports or stream the action through NOW.
The sport’s growing popularity is evident in the expanding ticket pool, the innovative ballot system, and the broader media coverage, all of which promise an exciting and accessible championship for both die‑hard followers and newcomers alike.