Darts World Championship Schedule – 2025 Fixtures Dates TV Guide
The PDC World Darts Championship stands as the premier event in professional darts, drawing players and fans from across the globe to Alexandra Palace in London each winter. The 2025 edition ran from December 15, 2024, through January 3, 2025, delivering three weeks of high-stakes action that concluded with Luke Humphries defending his title against the sport’s rising stars.
For spectators planning attendance or those following from home, understanding the tournament schedule—session times, stage progression, and broadcasting details—proves essential. This guide compiles the complete fixtures, format specifications, and viewing options for the 2025 championship.
When Does the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship Start and End?
The championship opened on December 15, 2024, with round one matches beginning at Alexandra Palace. The tournament concluded on January 3, 2025, with the final contested at Ally Pally. The 2025 edition featured 96 players, with the top 32 seeds entering the competition in round two.
Key Facts and Figures
- Luke Humphries entered as the defending champion, having defeated Luke Littler 7-4 in the 2024 final
- The draw for the tournament took place on November 25, 2024, conducted by Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster
- Two to three sessions ran daily during most stages of the competition
- The championship uses the 501 format with legs decided by a best-of format
- Afternoon and evening sessions operated early in the tournament, with evening-only slots in later stages
- Christmas break paused play from December 24 through December 26
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Defending Champion | Luke Humphries (2024) |
| Total Players | 96 (64 in round one, 32 seeds start in round two) |
| Opening Date | December 15, 2024 |
| Final Date | January 3, 2025 |
| First Prize | £500,000 |
| Format | 501 doubles out, best of sets |
Full 2025 World Darts Championship Schedule and Fixtures
The tournament followed a structured progression from early rounds through to the final, with session times varying by stage. Afternoon sessions typically began around midday, while evening sessions started at 7pm at Alexandra Palace.
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
- Round One: December 15–21, 2024 (64 players competing)
- Round Two: December 20–23 (remaining 32 seeds joined)
- Christmas Break: December 24–26 (no play scheduled)
- Round Three: December 27–28
- Round Four: December 29–30
- Quarter-Finals: January 1, 2025 (best of 9 sets)
- Semi-Finals: January 2, 2025 (best of 11 sets)
- Final: January 3, 2025 (best of 13 sets)
Example evening session: Sunday, December 21 featured matchups including Gerwyn Price against Wesley Plaisier, with Luke Littler also in action during the same session at 7pm.
The 2025/26 edition, beginning December 11, 2025, will feature 128 players with all competitors starting from round one—a format change from the 2025 edition where top seeds received byes to round two.
Where Is the World Darts Championship 2025 Held?
Alexandra Palace in North London serves as the permanent home of the PDC World Darts Championship. The venue, known colloquially as Ally Pally, provides seating for thousands of fans alongside the famous stage where players compete under the spotlight.
The venue offers two main seating options. Table seats place fans at floor level, providing an energetic atmosphere ideal for groups. Tiered seating offers elevated views with clearer sightlines across the oche. On-site facilities include fan zones, food vendors, and live music between sessions.
Tickets for the Championship
The 2025/26 edition sold out following initial release. Fans seeking tickets were advised to check the official resale platform for returned tickets through the fan-to-fan exchange system.
Those attending should consult the Utilita Arena Birmingham seating plan for reference on comparable UK venue layouts, though Alexandra Palace operates independently.
How to Watch the PDC World Darts Championship Live
UK viewers accessed live coverage through Sky Sports, which holds exclusive rights for the championship. Sky Sports Darts broadcast all sessions, while Sky Sports Main Event provided coverage during busier evening slots.
Streaming options included Sky Go, Now TV subscriptions, and the Sky Sports app for mobile and tablet viewing. These services allowed fans to follow matches remotely or catch up on sessions missed due to scheduling conflicts.
Overseas viewers accessed coverage through regional partners. PDCTV served international audiences directly, while DAZN covered Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Viaplay broadcast to Netherlands audiences, and Fox Sports provided Australian coverage.
PDC World Darts Championship Format and Key Players
The championship employs a sets-based progression system. Early rounds used shorter formats, with the best-of increasing through each stage. Quarter-finals became best-of-9 sets, semi-finals best-of-11, and the final best-of-13 sets. Players must win legs within each set to advance.
Tournament Results and Standout Performances
The 2025 quarter-finals produced exceptional scoring averages. Stephen Bunting averaged 95.55 to defeat Peter Wright (92.41 average) with a 5-2 margin. Luke Littler posted a 101.54 average in his quarter-final victory, while Michael van Gerwen reached 103.10 in his advancement.
Chris Dobey defeated Gerwyn Price 5-3 in their quarter-final clash, with averages of 95.38 and 92.74 respectively. Callan Rydz also impressed with a 103.88 average during the quarter-final stage.
Semi-final results saw Luke Littler defeat Stephen Bunting 6-1, averaging 105.48 compared to Bunting’s 100.10. Michael van Gerwen defeated Chris Dobey 6-1 with averages of 98.84 and 94.77. Luke Humphries, the defending champion, exited in the fourth round following a 4-1 defeat to Peter Wright.
Favorites and Contenders
- Luke Littler: Strong semi-final performance with a 105.48 average demonstrated his status as a leading contender
- Michael van Gerwen: Multiple major titles and consistent high averages kept him among the favorites
- Stephen Bunting: Quarter-final victory over Peter Wright confirmed his competitive standing
- Peter Wright: Upset victory over defending champion Humphries highlighted his potential
- Gerwyn Price: Former champion remained a threat throughout the field
The 2024 champion Luke Humphries entered as top seed but fell short of a title defense, exiting in round four. Luke Littler’s progression through the semi-finals suggested he remained a strong contender for the championship heading into the final stages.
Schedule Timeline: Key Dates for Your Calendar
Planning attendance or viewing requires awareness of critical dates throughout the tournament. The following timeline captures essential milestones from draw through final. To plan your attendance or viewing, consult the tournament draw and What games are on tonight for the full schedule.
- — Tournament draw conducted
- — Round one begins
- — Round two starts (seeds enter)
- — Christmas break commences
- — Round three matches resume
- — Round four concludes
- — Quarter-finals (best-of-9 sets)
- — Semi-finals (best-of-11 sets)
- — Final (best-of-13 sets)
Confirmed Details and Areas Requiring Clarification
Confirmed Information
- Tournament dates: December 15, 2024 – January 3, 2025
- Venue: Alexandra Palace, London
- 96 players with top 32 seeds starting in round two
- Prize fund: £2.5 million total
- Sky Sports broadcasting rights in UK
- Defending champion: Luke Humphries
- Draw date: November 25, 2024
Information Requiring Further Confirmation
- Full final match result and winner
- Complete order of play for all quarter-final ties
- Specific average statistics for certain matches
- Updated format details for 2025/26 edition
Understanding the Championship’s Significance
The PDC World Darts Championship represents the culmination of the professional darts season, awarding ranking points that determine world seedings and Order of Merit positions. Victory at Alexandra Palace carries substantial prestige alongside the financial reward, with the 2025 winner receiving £500,000 from the total prize fund.
Qualification pathways include the PDC Order of Merit for established players, the Pro Tour Order of Merit for tour card holders, and various qualifier events. The expansion to 128 players in the 2025/26 edition marked a significant change, providing more opportunities for emerging talents to compete on the world stage.
The tournament attracts a global audience through its broadcasting partnerships. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports’ dedicated darts coverage has built a substantial viewership over years of partnership. International audiences access coverage through DAZN, Viaplay, Fox Sports, and PDC’s own streaming service.
Sources and References
Luke Humphries was the defending champion, having beaten Luke Littler 7-4 in the final of the previous year.
— PDC Official Records
The draw was made on November 25, 2024, by Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster at Alexandra Palace.
— World of Darts Fandom
For those planning to attend future championships, checking UK half term dates 2024/25 may help identify optimal travel periods, though the championship schedule runs independently of school holidays.
Summary
The 2025 PDC World Darts Championship delivered three weeks of competitive action at Alexandra Palace, concluding on January 3, 2025. The schedule featured 96 players competing across seven stages, with session times varying between afternoon and evening slots. Sky Sports provided comprehensive UK coverage, while international viewers accessed streams through regional partners. Understanding the progression from round one through the final helps fans plan attendance or viewing schedules accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the PDC World Darts Championship typically start each year?
The championship traditionally begins in mid-December, running through early January. The 2025 edition opened December 15, 2024.
How long does the World Darts Championship last?
The tournament spans approximately three weeks, including a Christmas break from December 24-26. The 2025 edition ran from December 15 through January 3.
What channel shows the World Darts Championship in the UK?
Sky Sports holds UK broadcasting rights, with coverage on Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports Main Event during key sessions.
Where can I buy tickets for the World Darts Championship?
Tickets are sold through the Alexandra Palace website. The 2025/26 edition sold out, though resale options may become available through official fan-to-fan platforms.
What is the format for the World Darts Championship final?
The final is contested as a best-of-13 sets format, increasing from best-of-9 at quarter-finals and best-of-11 at semi-finals.
Who were the favorites for the 2025 championship?
Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, and Peter Wright featured among the leading contenders, with defending champion Luke Humphries also in contention before his early exit.
How many players compete in the World Darts Championship?
The 2025 edition featured 96 players, with the 2025/26 edition expanding to 128 competitors who all start from round one.
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