The 2026 World Series of Darts Finals will take place in Amsterdam, showcasing a star‑studded lineup that includes Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and the Dutch hopeful Gian van Veen. The tournament’s timetable, match‑ups and early results are outlined below, along with some background on the key players and the circumstances that have shaped this year’s draw. ### Defending Champion’s Early Exit Michael van Gerwen entered the event as the reigning champion, having lifted the trophy the previous year. However, his campaign was cut short when he was defeated in the opening round by Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney.
Gurney’s presence in the field was itself a late‑stage development: visa complications forced the withdrawal of two Philippine representatives, Lourence Ilagan and Alexis Toylo, prompting the organizers to call up two reserve players. Gurney, together with Dutch competitor Maik Kuivenhoven, topped the reserve list and were slotted into the main draw. ### Littler’s Quest for a Historic Sweep Luke Littler, the 2024 champion, arrives in Amsterdam with a clear objective – to become the first player to win every major title on the circuit within a single calendar year.
Littler fell short in the 2025 final, losing 11‑7 to van Gerwen, but he remains determined to complete the clean‑sweep he has been chasing all season. His first‑round opponent is fellow Englishman Danny Noppert, a match that promises high‑quality darts and a potential early statement from the defending champion. ### Full Schedule Overview #### Thursday, 17 September – Round One (Morning Session) - Viktor Tingström vs Dirk van Duijvenbode (4‑6) - Rob Cross vs Ryan Searle (2‑6) - Karel Sedláček vs Ben Robb (6‑4) - Kevin Doets vs Ross Smith (3‑6) - Stephen Bunting vs Josh Rock (5‑6) - Luke Humphries vs Jermaine Wattimena (6‑4) - Michael van Gerwen vs Daryl Gurney (5‑6) - Gian van Veen vs Chris Dobey (6‑2) #### Friday, 18 September – Round One (Evening Session, 18:00) - Adam Leek vs Jim Long - Motomu Sakai vs Callan Rydz - Wessel Nijman vs Simon Whitlock - Nathan Aspinall vs Raymond Smith - James Wade vs Damon Heta - Gerwyn Price vs Brody Klinge - Luke Littler vs Danny Noppert - Jonny Clayton vs Maik Kuivenhoven #### Saturday, 19 September – Round Two - **Afternoon Session (12:00)** - Daryl Gurney vs Ross Smith - Josh Rock vs Ryan Searle - Luke Humphries vs Dirk van Duijvenbode - Gian van Veen vs Karel Sedláček - *Exact order of play to be confirmed* - **Evening Session (18:00)** - Gerwyn Price / Brody Klinge vs Adam Leek / Jim Long - James Wade / Damon Heta vs Wessel Nijman / Simon Whitlock - Luke Littler / Danny Noppert vs Nathan Aspinall / Raymond Smith - Jonny Clayton / Maik Kuivenhoven vs Motomu Sakai / Callan Rydz - *Exact order of play to be confirmed* #### Sunday, 20 September – Quarter‑Finals & Semi‑Finals - **Afternoon Session (12:00)** – Four quarter‑final matches featuring the winners from Saturday’s second round. - **Evening Session (18:00)** – Two semi‑finals will determine the finalists, followed by the championship match later that evening.
### Broadcast and Streaming Details Sky Sports continues to be the primary broadcaster for darts throughout the season, covering not only the World Series of Darts Finals but also the upcoming World Grand Prix (28 September – 4 October), the Grand Slam of Darts (14 – 22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December – 3 January). Fans can also stream live coverage via the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free option for viewers who prefer online access. ### Additional Context and What to Watch For - **Visa Issues and Their Ripple Effect**: The late withdrawal of the Philippine players highlighted the logistical challenges that can affect international tournaments.
Their spots were filled by the highest‑ranked reserves, which altered the competitive landscape and gave players like Gurney a chance to re‑enter the draw. - **Form of the Contenders**: Luke Littler’s recent form has been impressive; he has already secured several titles this year, and his aggressive scoring style makes him a favorite to advance deep into the tournament. Gerwyn Price, a former world champion, remains a threat with his powerful scoring and experience in high‑pressure matches.
Meanwhile, Dutchman Gian van Veen, a rising talent, will look to make a statement on home soil. - **Potential Upsets**: Michael van Gerwen’s early loss serves as a reminder that no match is a foregone conclusion. Daryl Gurney’s victory over the defending champion could signal a resurgence for the Northern Irish player, especially if he can maintain his momentum through the later rounds. - **Viewing Recommendations**: For the best video experience, organizers advise using the Chrome browser, which supports the most accessible and stable streaming player.
Overall, the Amsterdam finale promises a blend of seasoned veterans, hungry newcomers and dramatic storylines. Whether you are tracking Littler’s historic sweep, hoping for a comeback from van Gerwen, or simply enjoy high‑caliber darts, the schedule offers plenty of excitement over the four‑day event.
Stay tuned to Sky Sports or NOW for live coverage, and prepare for a showcase of precision, nerve and the occasional surprise as the world’s top darts professionals compete for the coveted title.