World Darts Championship 2026 Draw: Littler Defends Title as Seeds and Women’s World Series Stars Face Big Opens at Alexandra Palace

Luke Littler begins his bid to defend the PDC World Darts Championship title as the 2026 draw lands at Alexandra Palace. The 128-player event features a mix of rising stars and proven contenders, with a record prize on offer this December.

Draw highlights and early matchups

Defending champion Littler opens against Darius Labanauskas in the first round at London's Alexandra Palace. The young English star seeks another commanding run after his breakthrough title, while the top seed Luke Humphries, who beat Littler in the 2024 final, faces Ted Evetts in a high-stakes opener.

Three-time women's world champion Beau Greaves is drawn against 22nd seed Daryl Gurney in the expanded 128-player field, which starts on 11 December. The Women’s World Series contingent also faces tough opens: Lisa Ashton meets Michael Smith, Fallon Sherrock faces Dave Chisnall, Noa-Lynn van Leuven plays Peter Wright, and Gemma Hayter challenges Josh Rock. Michael van Gerwen meets Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in a marquee clash.

Format, field, and prize money

The field grows to 128 players, up from 96 last year, with seeds entering in the first round for the first time since the format change. The winner's prize rises to £1 million from previous totals, while the runner-up collects £400,000 from a £5 million prize fund.

First-round matches run from 11-19 December, with second-round ties on 20-23 December. The third round begins on 27 December, and the fourth round on 29-30 December. The quarter-finals are on New Year’s Day, followed by the semi-finals on 2 January and the final on 3 January 2026.

What the draw means for the title race

With Littler defending his crown, and Humphries aiming to go deeper than 2024, the draw sets up a potential rematch in the final. The expanded field adds depth, giving women’s world champions and other top performers a bigger stage in a grueling schedule.

Key Takeaways

• Expanded field to 128 players elevates competition and opportunities for emerging talents.
• Top seeds enter in the first round, increasing pressure on early matchups.
• Littler defends his title against Labanauskas while Humphries eyes a stronger run after last year's final.
• Prominent women’s players like Greaves and Ashton face high-profile opponents early on.
• Prize money climbs to £1 million for the winner in a £5 million total fund.

Expert comment

An independent darts analyst notes that the larger field tests stamina and consistency, while Littler's recent title success boosts expectations for a sustained campaign.

Summary

The 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace will crown a new or defending champion as a wider field and upgraded prize pool raise the stakes. With Littler and Humphries both carrying title pedigree, the opening rounds promise drama and surprising upsets before the business end of the tournament in early January. Fans can expect a thrilled crowd and a marathon schedule that will test skill, nerve, and endurance.

Key insight: The expanded 128-player field and high-stakes format at Alexandra Palace amplify both the drama and the pressure on Littler as he defends the title. Source: BBC Sport

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