The Major Darts Tournaments Explained

Professional darts has grown into a major sport with packed halls, fancy dress crowds and big television audiences. Throughout the year, players compete in a series of major tournaments. This page explains the biggest events and what makes each one special.

World Championship

The PDC World Darts Championship is the biggest event in the sport. It is played over the Christmas and New Year period at Alexandra Palace in London, known to fans as Ally Pally. Matches are played in sets, and the atmosphere, with fans in fancy dress, is famous worldwide. In 2025 Luke Littler became the youngest world champion in history.

There is also a separate world championship organised by the World Darts Federation, which continues the tradition of the former BDO championship.

Premier League

The Premier League is a weekly competition from early in the year until late spring. A small group of top players travels to a different city each week, mostly on Thursday nights. The season ends with a play-off night in London.

World Matchplay

The World Matchplay is held every summer at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. It is played in legs rather than sets, with matches that require winning by two clear legs. Many players consider it the second most prestigious title after the World Championship.

Other major events

• World Grand Prix: famous for its double-in format: players must start each leg by hitting a double.
• UK Open: an open draw that includes amateur qualifiers, often called the FA Cup of darts.
• Grand Slam of Darts: combines group stages and knockout rounds and has featured players from different organisations.
• Players Championship Finals: for the best performers on the Players Championship floor events.

Dutch success

The Netherlands has a strong darts tradition. Raymond van Barneveld won five world titles and helped make darts hugely popular in the Netherlands. Michael van Gerwen has won the PDC World Championship three times and dominated the sport for years.

Watching live

Tickets for major events sell out quickly. Fancy dress is part of the fun at many tournaments, but check the venue rules. To understand what you are watching, read our pages on darts rules and scoring and checkouts.