The countdown is on for the first round of action on Thursday.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Dartsmas is almost upon us and Paddy’s all over the World Darts Championship action at the Alexandra Palace once again this year.
Paddy’s sponsoring the whole jamboree and here on Paddy Power News we’ve enlisted the help of the Queen of Darts herself, Emma Paton, to guide us through all the action.
She’ll be popping up with regular darts tips for us throughout December right through to the 2026 final. And, to get those juices flowing, Emma’s taken a look at he key runners and riders for the 2026 crown.
Luke Littler
It’s been the year of the Nuke! The world champion adding more majors to his trophy cabinet with the UK Open, World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam. No doubt about it, Littler is the player to beat.
Luke Humphries
The 2024 world champion has once again had a fantastic year – winning the Masters and the Premier League but he’s not done there! Cool Hand saves his best stuff for the biggest stages and will want to prove he’s the number 1 Luke in town.
Gian van Veen
The Dutch youngster has been on the rise for some time but made major waves when he won the European Championship in October, now he looks to bring that title winning form to the Ally Pally. Arguably the biggest threat outside the big hitters.
Josh Rock
Another youngster who’s had a breakthrough season. The 24-year-old with his best year yet on television, which has seen him win the World Cup for Northern Ireland. Is Rocky ready to fulfil his potential?
Gerwyn Price
A former world champion and world number one who, on his day, can produce fireworks. The Iceman has looked back to his blistering best this year – maybe this is his best chance to end his major trophy drought.
Michael Van Gerwen
The three-time world champion has had an up and down year but did pick up a big tv title at the World Series Finals. The jury’s still out on whether he’s back or not but the Dutchman has got pedigree, so you wouldn’t want to bet against him.
Stephen Bunting
The world number four is in title winning form – although his six titles in 2025 have all come away from the big tv stages. After making the semi-finals last year, Bulletproof Bunting will be wanting to put that right his time.
Nathan Aspinall
It’s been a rollercoaster of a year but three European Tour titles and multiple nine-darters have certainly caught the eye. A player who is made for the biggest stages and needs a good run to get himself in the Premier League. He won’t go down without a fight.
Gary Anderson
By no means in the form that saw him win back to back world titles in 2015 and 2016 but there’s something about Alexandra Palace that brings out the best in him. After an early exit last year he’ll be wanting to put that right this time.
Chris Dobey
Semi finalist at the World Championship last year but his best stuff since has come away from the major stages. Ally Pally will no doubt bring back some good memories, and maybe bring back some of his best form too.
Read More
The latest darts odds are on PaddyPower.com now
The Paddy Power Guide To Safer Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
