Preview PDC World Darts Championship 2026: Favourites, dark horses and everything you need to know for Ally Pally
PDC World Darts Championship 2026 Preview: Favourites, Dark Horses and Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Ally Pally
The biggest tournament in darts is back — and the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship promises to be one of the most open, explosive and star-studded editions in recent memory. With record-breaking crowds expected at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, the stage is set for a thrilling battle to close out the darting year and crown the next world champion.
From red-hot contenders to rising stars and shock-potential dark horses, here is your complete guide to Ally Pally 2026.
THE FAVOURITES
Luke Littler
The defending champion and global superstar enters the 2026 Worlds as the player everyone wants to beat. Littler has backed up his historic 2024/25 breakthrough with more major finals, a higher scoring power and an ability to deliver under pressure.
Strengths: Relentless scoring, fearlessness, big-match composure
Weakness: Occasional doubling lapses under slow-game conditions
Verdict: The man to beat again.
Luke Humphries
A former world champion still hungry for more. Humphries remains one of the most consistent players on the planet, boasting elite averages and strong stage temperament.
Strengths: All-round balance, finishing accuracy
Verdict: If he catches fire, nobody is safer in crunch moments.
Michael van Gerwen
You can never rule out MVG. While his dominance has dipped, his killer instinct and ability to produce brilliance when cornered make him dangerous.
Strengths: Experience, aggression, peak-level power scoring
Verdict: A genuine threat if he avoids early turbulence.
Gerwyn Price
After a turbulent few seasons, Price enters the tournament energised and in better form. With the Ally Pally crowd warming to him again, the Welshman could thrive.
Strengths: Big-stage mentality, finishing under pressure
Verdict: If the crowd stays positive, a deep run is possible.
THE DARK HORSES
Josh Rock
Explosive talent with the scoring to beat anyone. Rock hasn’t yet found that final gear at the Worlds, but his form entering 2026 suggests that could change.
Verdict: Capable of knocking out a top seed.
Stephen Bunting
Enjoying a resurgence and playing with newfound confidence. His steady rhythm makes him difficult to break.
Verdict: A clever, underestimated danger man.
Mitchell Lawrie (15)
The teenage sensation comes into the event with massive attention after his Lakeside heroics. He’s shown he can cope with pressure well above his age.
Verdict: A potential giant-killer if he settles quickly.
Dimitri Van den Bergh
Hot-cold form but a nightmare to face when in rhythm.
Verdict: Don’t be shocked if he reaches the semis.
OUTSIDE CHANCES & FAN FAVOURITES
- Michael Smith – Playing through pain, but still deadly on doubles when firing.
- Rob Cross – Former champion always saves his best for Ally Pally.
- Jonny Clayton – Can beat anyone at his best, but needs consistency.
- Nathan Aspinall – Crowd favourite, emotional big-stage performer.
TOURNAMENT STORYLINES TO WATCH
1. Can Luke Littler defend his title?
No teenager has ever defended a world championship in darts. Littler breaking another record would cement him as a generational phenomenon.
2. Is this the year MVG returns to dominance?
The Dutch legend hasn’t lifted the trophy since 2019. His hunger to end that drought is enormous.
3. Will a new teenage star emerge?
Players like Lawrie and other qualifiers could cause major upsets early.
4. Can the veterans hold firm?
James Wade, Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld may be past their peaks, but their experience at Ally Pally is invaluable.
HOW TO WATCH
UK: Sky Sports Darts / Main Event
USA: Broadcast partners + PDC TV
Australia: Fox Sports / Streaming options
Worldwide: PDC TV subscription
PREDICTION
- Winner: Luke Littler
- Runner-Up: Luke Humphries
- Breakout Star: Mitchell Lawrie
- Biggest Upset: A top-six seed falling in Round 3
