PDC World Darts Championship 2026: Live Schedule, Results, and Betting Odds

The noise at Alexandra Palace is deafening right now. We have reached the business end of the World Darts Championship 2026, and the race for the Sid Waddell Trophy has never been tighter. With a record-breaking prize fund and an expanded field of 128 players, this year’s tournament has already delivered shocks, nine-darter attempts, and the kind of drama only the “Ally Pally” can produce.

Whether you are tracking your bets, checking the live schedule, or planning your trip to North London, you need accurate, up-to-the-minute data. This hub is your definitive guide to the 2026 championship. We cover today’s match results, the latest Luke Littler odds, and the tactical insights you won’t find on a standard scoreboard.

Let’s get straight to the Oche.

Today’s Live Results & Match Schedule (Dec 27 – Jan 3)

We are currently deep in the Third Round. The Christmas break is over, the turkey sandwiches are gone, and the players are back on stage. The intensity ramps up significantly here; the format extends, and stamina becomes just as important as average.

Saturday, Dec 27: Round 3 Afternoon & Evening Sessions

Today has already seen significant movement in the bracket. The afternoon session threw up a few surprises that have shaken up the betting markets.

Latest Results (Updated Dec 27):

[View full verified match stats on PDC.tv]

Polish star Krzysztof Ratajski survived a massive scare against Wesley Plaisier. Plaisier, who has been a dark horse throughout 2025, pushed “The Polish Eagle” to a deciding set but couldn’t find the treble 20 when it mattered most. For bettors, this result highlights how volatile the “Match Winner” markets can be in these extended sets.

The Upcoming Bracket: Round of 16 and Beyond

As we look toward the New Year’s Day quarter-finals, the draw is shaping up for some heavyweight clashes. The winner of tonight’s Price vs. Van Duijvenbode match will likely face a serious test in the Round of 16.

Keep an eye on the bottom half of the draw. With the earlier exit of some seeded players, the path to the final on January 3rd has opened up for consistent scorers like Luke Humphries.

PDC World Darts Championship 2026 Odds: Is Luke Littler Still Favourite?

The question on everyone’s lips (and search history) is about “The Nuke.” After his historic run in previous years, Luke Littler entered the World Darts Championship 2026 as the clear man to beat. But how do the bookies see it as we head into the later rounds?

Current Betting Favourites (Sid Waddell Trophy)

The markets are reacting live to every set. According to the latest odds from major UK exchanges, Littler remains the frontrunner, but the gap is closing.

• Luke Littler: 4/6 (Favourite)

• Luke Humphries: 9/2

• Gian van Veen: 15/2

• Michael van Gerwen: 10/1

[Check latest live odds on Oddschecker]

Littler’s price of 4/6 reflects his dominance on the Pro Tour this season. However, at these odds, there is little value for the casual punter backing him to win outright. The smart money might be looking at “Each Way” bets on players like Gian van Veen, whose scoring power has been relentless this week.

Value Bets: Most 180s and Nine-Dart Finish Markets

If you are looking for better value than the outright winner market, look at the stats.

Pro-Insight: The 180 Machine

Gian van Veen is currently outpacing the field in 180s per leg. While Littler hits big checkouts, Van Veen’s grouping on the treble 20 is mechanical. Backing him for “Most Tournament 180s” offers better value than backing him to lift the trophy.

Also, keep an eye on the “Nine-Dart Finish” market. The stage lighting and heat at Alexandra Palace usually help the ballistics of the darts in the post-Christmas rounds. We have already seen two near-misses on double 12 this week.

How to Watch World Darts Championship Live in the UK

You don’t want to miss a single arrow. In the UK, Sky Sports holds the exclusive rights, and their coverage is comprehensive.

Sky Sports Darts & Main Event Schedule

The dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel (usually channel 408) runs 24/7 coverage during the tournament. This includes classic match replays in the mornings and live coverage beginning at:

• Afternoon Sessions: 12:30 PM

• Evening Sessions: 7:00 PM

Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster are leading the commentary team this year, providing excellent tactical breakdowns of why players choose specific checkout routes.

Streaming the Darts: NOW TV vs. Sky Go

If you are not near a TV, you have two solid options:

1. Sky Go: Free for existing Sky customers.

2. NOW TV: You can buy a Sports Membership (Daily or Monthly) to stream the event.

Pro-Tip for Mobile Viewers:

If you watch via the Sky Sports App, check for the “Multi-view” option. It allows you to see the board and the player simultaneously on split-screen, which is brilliant for spotting the mechanics of a player’s throw during high-pressure checkouts.

Essential Guide for Ally Pally Attendees (Experience Section)

I have spent enough time in the West Hall to know that the TV cameras don’t capture the full chaos of the venue. If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket for the 2026 sessions, here is how to survive the night.

Navigating the West Hall

This is one of the last years we will see the darts in the West Hall before the proposed move to the larger Great Hall in 2027. Enjoy the intimacy while it lasts. The slope of the floor means views from the back of the tiered seating are actually excellent. You can see the flight of the dart much better than you can from the rear tables.

Fancy Dress Rules and Atmosphere Tips

The “Ally Pally” is famous for fancy dress, but security has tightened for 2026.

• Do: Be creative. The cameras love a group theme.

• Don’t: Bring anything that looks like a weapon or blocks views. Large inflatable bananas are often confiscated at the door if they are too big.

My Experience: If you are sitting at the long tables (trestle seating), be prepared for beer showers. When a 180 is hit, drinks fly. If you want to stay dry, aim for the tiered stands at the side. Also, the queue for the bar is longest between sets—try to time your run during a boring leg of 501 (if such a thing exists).

Tactical Analysis: The Players to Watch in the Quarter-Finals

Beyond the noise and the beer, the standard of play in the World Darts Championship 2026 is the highest we have ever seen.

The Luke Littler Effect: Can “The Nuke” Retain the Title?

Littler has changed the game. His speed is his greatest weapon. He throws with such rhythm that opponents don’t have time to think. However, we have seen veteran players like Mensur Suljovic try to slow the game down to disrupt him.

Watch Littler’s reaction if he misses a double early in a set. In 2025, he shrugged it off. This year, the pressure of being the defending champion adds a new layer of psychological weight. If he falls behind early in the Quarter-Finals, the “invincible” aura could crack.

Dark Horses: Why Wesley Plaisier and Ricardo Pietreczko Matter

While Ratajski knocked Plaisier out today, the performance showed the depth of the field. Now, keep an eye on Ricardo Pietreczko (“Pikachu”). His clinical finishing on Double 16 makes him dangerous in a long format. He doesn’t score as heavily as Humphries, but his checkout percentage is currently top 5 in the tournament. In a set-play format, checkout percentage is often more valuable than a high three-dart average.

Conclusion

The World Darts Championship 2026 is delivering on every promise. We have seen record averages, razor-thin finishes, and the continued rise of Luke Littler. With the final set for January 3rd, the next few days will define careers.

Whether you are backing “The Nuke” to retain his crown or looking for a high-odds outsider, the action at Alexandra Palace is unmissable. Keep checking back here for daily updates as we cut the field down from 128 to one champion.

Bookmark this page now for live result updates every morning as we head toward the final.

FAQs

Who is the favourite to win the 2026 World Darts Championship?

Luke Littler is currently the bookmakers’ favourite to win, priced around 4/6, followed closely by Luke Humphries.

What is the prize money for the World Darts Championship 2026?

The total prize fund is a record-breaking £2.5 million, with the winner taking home £500,000 (standard allocation), though special bonuses for nine-darters can increase total earnings.

How many players are in the World Darts Championship 2026?

The tournament features an expanded field of 128 players, comprising the top 32 from the PDC Order of Merit, top 32 from the ProTour, and international qualifiers.

Where is the World Darts Championship held?

The event is held at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) in London, specifically in the West Hall.

When is the World Darts Championship 2026 final?

The final will take place on the evening of January 3, 2026.

Can I watch the darts live for free in the UK?

Live coverage is exclusive to Sky Sports. However, highlights are often shown on Sky Sports News and their YouTube channel for free.

How do I get tickets for Ally Pally 2026?

Tickets for the 2026 event sold out in July 2025. Your best option now is the official fan-to-fan resale platform provided by the PDC/SeeTickets to avoid scams.

Who won the 2025 World Darts Championship?

Luke Littler won the 2025 Championship, securing his first world title.

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Hello, I'm Mohammed Saad is the founder of UKblogspot.co.uk. I'm a digital marketer and content writer with 2 years of experience, focused on creating helpful, well-researched content on diverse topics for a UK audience.

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