Preview: PDC World Darts Championship 2025

Tomorrow, Alexandra Palace hosts the start of the biggest World Darts Championship ever staged. With a record number of participants, more international debutants than ever and a schedule stretching across nearly three weeks, this edition has all the ingredients to become one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory. “Ally Pally” once again stands as the pinnacle of the darts season: a blend of sporting drama, iconic moments and a crowd that shapes the atmosphere like nowhere else.

A World Championship on a new scale

Beyond the record field, the depth of quality is striking. The gap between established stars and young power-scorers has shrunk dramatically – particularly in the shorter early-round formats – meaning early shocks feel almost inevitable.
From round three onwards, longer formats bring endurance, mental resilience and rhythm control back to the forefront — qualities that often decide matches on the sport’s biggest stage.

Favourites & contenders

1. Luke Littler – The clear favourite

Littler enters as the man to beat. His meteoric rise continued throughout 2025, backed by dominant floor and stage performances. No one combines sustained 100+ averages with such natural stage instinct. Despite his age, the reigning world champion has already proved he thrives in the unique pressure of Ally Pally.

2. Luke Humphries – The champion who’s never out of the picture

Humphries remains one of the elite forces in darts. His year may have been less consistent than 2024, but his ceiling is still breathtaking. Over longer set formats he is arguably the most complete player in the field. His ability to recover after slow starts continues to be one of his great weapons.

3. Gian van Veen – Breakthrough complete

Van Veen used 2025 to turn potential into genuine title credentials. His statistics rank among the strongest on the ProTour, and his dominance against top-16 opponents makes the European Champion a major threat. Last year he came close to a breakthrough run at the Worlds; this time he arrives as a legitimate contender.

4. Josh Rock – Riding momentum

Rock produced another season filled with explosive highs. When his first darts land cleanly on the trebles, he can overpower anyone. He has already proven he can handle the Ally Pally stage. His key challenge? Starting matches consistently. If he solves that, he could blow the tournament wide open.

5. Gerwyn Price – The veteran who’s never truly counted out

Price remains a fixture in any favourites list. His physical preparation, his experience in long formats and his ability to shut out a hostile crowd make him dangerous year after year. Perhaps not the most popular man in the hall, but certainly one who can still go all the way.

Dark horses & potential surprises

A tournament of this size naturally brings many outsiders into play. Names like Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting and Danny Noppert all possess the level to reach the semifinals. Noppert looks in strong form, while Aspinall historically peaks on the biggest stages.

A notable number of debutants—players who impressed on the European Tour and Challenge Tour—add extra volatility to the early rounds. They could force the draw into chaos sooner than expected.

The 2025 World Darts Championship promises a collision of established stars and emerging super talents. With record participation, a stronger top-32 than ever and five frontrunners each presenting a convincing case, the stage is set for a spectacular three weeks.

Whether a new name is etched onto the Sid Waddell Trophy or Littler or Humphries extend their legacy, Ally Pally once again becomes the beating heart of the darts world. Let the drama begin.