World Championship Expands at Alexandra Palace
The PDC World Darts Championship will move into the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace for the 2026/27 tournament, a switch that will increase capacity to a record 180,000 tickets. It marks the most significant expansion in the event’s history at the London venue.
To manage the increased demand, organisers have introduced a ballot system for tickets for the first time. An initial window will be exclusive to PDCTV Annual Members, followed by a second general ballot open to all fans. The tournament is scheduled to run from 11 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Luke Littler will arrive as the two-time defending champion, attempting to secure a third successive title and the £1 million top prize. The move to a larger stage is reminiscent of the BDO World Championship’s relocation from Jollees to the Lakeside Country Club in 1986, a key moment in that tournament’s growth.
Littler Dominates 2026 Standings
The story of the season so far has been the relentless form of the defending world champion. Luke Littler has established a commanding lead at the top of the 2026 Year-to-Date Order of Merit, which tracks prize money won in the current calendar year and provides a clear picture of form.
After seven months, Littler has amassed £485,000 in ranking prize money, placing him far ahead of his nearest rivals. Wessel Nijman sits in second place on £278,500, with Gerwyn Price just behind him. Littler also tops the seasonal average rankings, reinforcing his status as the year’s outstanding player.
In contrast, the one-year list shows a different picture for other top players. Official world number one Luke Humphries occupies tenth place on the 2026 standings, while Michael van Gerwen is also lower than expected. Littler’s sustained excellence has already established him as the clear favourite for a third world title, according to most best odds bookmakers.
In brief
- Dutch thrower Jermaine Wattimena has signed a new sponsorship deal with darts manufacturer Winmau, joining a stable that also includes his compatriot Michael van Gerwen.
- Scott ‘Ice Cold’ Beveridge has qualified for the MODUS Super Series finale after topping his group with an unbeaten run on the final day of play.
- Among those currently in provisional qualifying spots for the World Championship are Cristo Reyes, Kim Huybrechts, Sebastian Bialecki and Beau Greaves.
