The 2026 World Darts Championship delivered all the drama, skill, and excitement fans could hope for. 

Luke Littler retained the Sid Waddell Trophy in January, Gian van Veen thrilled the crowds, and newcomers brought fresh energy to the oche at Alexandra Palace.  

With nail-biting checkouts, jaw-dropping 180s, and record-breaking prize money, the tournament set the stage for an even more thrilling 2026/27 showdown. 

It’s time to gear up for the next championship, and there’s no better way to experience it than in a buzzing pub, surrounded by friends, drinks, and the roar of the crowd. 

Find Pubs Showing the World Darts Championship Near You 

Noel playing darts in the gaming area at the Lord Derby.

The 2026 Darts Championship: Results, prize money, and history

The 25/26 World Darts Championship was unforgettable.  

The prize fund doubled to £5,000,000, making it the richest in PDC history, while the field expanded to 128 players. Veterans and newcomers clashed on the biggest stage, producing moments that will be remembered for years to come. 

Luke Littler defended his crown with supreme precision, dropping only four sets across seven matches, while Gian van Veen became the third Dutch finalist in history.  

Meanwhile, debutants like Justin Hood reached the quarter-finals, and trailblazers such as Paul Lim, Nitin Kumar, and David Munyua made history with record-breaking wins.  

Why pubs showing darts are the place to be 

Watching darts live at home is one thing. Watching it in a pub? That’s a whole different experience. With us, you get: 

  • Giant Sky Sports screens so you don’t miss a single throw 
  • A lively crowd of fans ready to cheer, groan, and celebrate every 180 
  • Delicious pub grub to keep you fuelled
  • Toast every checkout with our beers  

It’s more than just watching a tournament; it’s the full darting experience! Now you know you'll be taken care of, let's look ahead to this year's contenders... 

The favourites to reach the finals

World number one, Luke Littler, is the man everyone’s talking about. Calm under pressure and deadly precise, his record-breaking 2026 title defence proves why he’s the player to beat.  

Michael van Gerwen, with decades of experience and scoring firepower, can turn a match in seconds, while 2024 champion Luke Humphries, known for his creativity and clutch finishes, brings unpredictability to every throw. 

Ones to watch

Every championship brings new talent into the spotlight. 

Justin Hood made a splash in 2026, reaching the quarter-finals in his debut and showing nerves of steel.  

Paul Lim, at 71, reminded everyone that skill and experience count for everything. And keep an eye on international players like Nitin Kumar and David Munyua, whose historic wins are helping to globalise the sport.  

Dark Horses ready to shake things up 

It’s not just the big names who deliver thrills. Jonny Clayton, quietly climbing the rankings, has the hunger and precision to upset the established order. 

Gian van Veen, after his runner-up finish, is sharper and hungrier than ever. And don’t discount players like Jonny Tata, James Wade, or Stephen Bunting. The former finalist can use his big-stage brilliance to turn a semi-final or final into an unforgettable showdown.  

In darts, the dark horses often create the moments you’ll be talking about for years. 

An image of a person drinking a stout drink at The Belhaven Brewery.

Book your table for the World Darts Championship

Don’t miss a single throw.  

Pop your postcode, town, or city into our pub finder to see pubs showing darts near you and book your table today.  

Whether you’re backing the favourites, cheering on an outsider, or just in it for the fun, Belhaven Sport pubs are the place to be for the World Darts Championship. 

Grab your mates, raise a pint, and let’s watch darts in style

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