Darts Schedule: The Ultimate 2026 Professional Calendar

The 2026 professional darts schedule is anchored by the PDC World Darts Championship concluding in early January, followed immediately by the 17-week Premier League Darts circuit running from February through May. This comprehensive calendar features over 30 major televised events, including the World Matchplay in July, the World Grand Prix in October, and the Grand Slam of Darts in November. Fans can also follow the secondary ProTour, consisting of Players Championship events and European Tour stops held across mainland Europe throughout the spring and autumn months.

This guide provides a deep dive into every sanctioned professional tournament for the 2026 season. Whether you are looking for the exact dates of the Alexandra Palace finals or trying to find a European Tour event in Germany, you will find the chronological breakdown, venue specifics, and player qualification criteria below. We explore the structural differences between the PDC, WDF, and Modus Super Series to ensure you never miss a double-top finish.

PDC World Championship Finals

The 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship reaches its climax during the first week of January 2026 at Alexandra Palace in London. This tournament is the pinnacle of the sport, featuring a £2.5 million prize fund and the crowning of the world champion on January 3rd.

The final rounds follow a set-play format, which differs from the leg-play used in most other seasonal tournaments. Spectators can expect a high-intensity atmosphere as the top 96 players in the world are whittled down to the final two competitors vying for the Sid Waddell Trophy.

Premier League Darts Season

The 2026 Premier League Darts season begins on the first Thursday of February and visits 16 different arenas across the UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Each “night” is a standalone mini-tournament where eight elite players compete for points to reach the Play-Offs in late May.

The format remains a knockout bracket each evening, ensuring that every match has high stakes for the league table. Venues typically include the O2 Arena in London, the AO Arena in Manchester, and the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, attracting crowds of over 10,000 fans per night.

The Masters Schedule

Held in late January or early February, The Masters traditionally takes place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. This event features the top 24 players on the PDC Order of Merit competing in a high-speed knockout format over three days.

As the first major following the World Championship, it serves as a critical indicator of player form heading into the spring. The tournament is broadcast live and is often used by the PDC to finalize the remaining “wildcard” spots for the Premier League.

UK Open: “The FA Cup of Darts”

The UK Open usually takes place in early March at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, featuring a unique multi-board setup. Known as the “FA Cup of Darts,” it employs an open draw system after each round, meaning the world number one can face a local qualifier at any stage.

Over 150 players compete across eight stages simultaneously during the opening afternoon. This creates a frantic, high-energy environment for fans who can move between boards to see their favorite stars up close in a more intimate setting than a standard arena.

European Tour Events

The 2026 European Tour consists of 13 tournaments held in countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. These three-day events run from Friday to Sunday and are essential for players looking to qualify for the European Championship.

Each event features a mix of the top 16 seeded players and qualifiers from across the continent. These tournaments are famous for their passionate “fancy dress” crowds and have been instrumental in growing the sport’s popularity in Central Europe.

World Cup of Darts

The World Cup of Darts is a unique team-based event scheduled for June, where players represent their nations in pairs. Usually hosted in Frankfurt, Germany, the tournament features a combination of doubles and singles matches to determine the world’s best darting nation.

The 2026 edition continues the recent shift toward an all-doubles format for the group stages, which emphasizes chemistry and teamwork over individual brilliance. It remains one of the few times a year fans see top rivals working together for a common goal.

World Matchplay in Blackpool

The World Matchplay is held in July at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. It is widely considered the second-most prestigious ranking event in darts, played in the historic Empress Ballroom known for its incredible acoustics and heat.

The tournament utilizes a long-format leg-play system, requiring players to win by two clear legs in the latter stages. This often leads to dramatic “overtime” sessions that test the physical and mental endurance of the competitors in the mid-summer humidity.

World Series of Darts

The World Series consists of several international “World Series” events in locations like New York, Wollongong, and Hamilton, culminating in the Finals in September. These events are designed to globalize darts by pitting the PDC’s biggest stars against regional qualifiers.

The Finals are typically held in Amsterdam, serving as a celebration of the global circuit. While these are non-ranking events, the high prize money and television exposure make them highly competitive fixtures on the summer schedule.

World Grand Prix Format

Scheduled for October, the World Grand Prix is the only major tournament that requires a “Double Start” format. Players must hit a double to begin the leg as well as to finish it, which frequently leads to upsets and high-pressure opening visits.

The event is usually hosted in Leicester or Dublin, providing a grueling test of accuracy. Because players cannot rely on high-scoring 140s or 180s until they have “doubled in,” the 2026 Grand Prix will be a focal point for tactical specialists.

European Championship Finals

The European Championship takes place in late October, featuring the top 32 players from the year’s European Tour Order of Merit. This event is often held in Dortmund, Germany, and rewards the most consistent performers from the continental circuit.

The tournament is a straightforward knockout bracket played over four days. It acts as a gateway for players to secure their spots in the year-end majors like the Grand Slam and the World Championship.

Grand Slam of Darts

The Grand Slam of Darts occurs in November at the Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton. It is unique because it invites the finalists from various major tournaments throughout the year, including representatives from the WDF and the Women’s World Championship.

The tournament begins with a group stage format, ensuring that every player is guaranteed at least three matches. This is followed by a knockout stage where the matches increase in length, often reaching a “best of 31 legs” final.

Players Championship Finals

The final major before the World Championship is the Players Championship Finals, held in late November at Butlin’s Minehead. It features the top 64 players from the year-long floor tournament circuit (the ProTour).

Because the field is determined by consistency in non-televised events, this tournament often features “dark horse” players who are in peak form but lack high rankings. It serves as the ultimate form guide for the upcoming World Championship in December.

Women’s Series and World Matchplay

The PDC Women’s Series consists of 20+ events held throughout the year, providing a pathway for female players to reach the Grand Slam and World Championship. The Women’s World Matchplay is the standout televised event, held in Blackpool alongside the men’s version.

The 2026 schedule continues to expand the prize pool for the women’s game. Top performers like Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves are expected to headline these events, which are crucial for the continued diversification of professional darts.

World Disability Darts (WDDA)

The WDDA schedule for 2026 includes several international opens and the World Championship. These events are played using the “Satellite” board system, which allows players in wheelchairs to compete on a level playing field with standing players by adjusting the board height.

Most major WDDA events are held in conjunction with larger darts festivals. The organization aims to promote inclusivity, and the 2026 calendar features an increasing number of televised finals during PDC major weekends.

Practical Information and Planning

Attending a professional darts event requires planning, as tickets for majors like the World Championship and Premier League often sell out within minutes of release.

• Opening Times: Evening sessions usually start at 7:00 PM local time; afternoon sessions begin at 12:30 PM.
• Ticket Prices: Range from £25 for mid-week floor events to £250+ for hospitality packages at the World Championship.
• Transport: Most UK venues (London, Manchester, Birmingham) are centrally located near major rail hubs.
• What to Expect: Expect a loud, party-like atmosphere with fancy dress, chanting, and high-energy music.
• Tips for Visitors: Book hotels at least six months in advance for Blackpool (World Matchplay) and London (World Championship).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I buy tickets for the 2026 Darts World Championship? 

Tickets are primarily sold through the PDC’s official website via SeeTickets. It is highly recommended to join the “PDCTV Annual Subscribers” list to get priority access, as general sale tickets are often limited.

Where is the Premier League Darts final held? 

The Premier League Play-Offs are typically held at the O2 Arena in London in late May. This event determines the overall champion from the four players who finished highest in the league table.

What is the difference between the PDC and WDF? 

The PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) is the leading professional circuit with the highest prize money. The WDF (World Darts Federation) focuses more on the global amateur and semi-professional game, hosting its own World Championship at Lakeside.

When is the 2026 World Matchplay? 

The World Matchplay is scheduled for July 2026. It always takes place over nine days, starting on a Saturday and concluding the following Sunday at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Are children allowed at professional darts events? 

Yes, but policies vary by venue. Most PDC events allow children, though the evening sessions can be very loud and alcohol-focused, so afternoon sessions are often recommended for families.

Can I play in a PDC event as an amateur? 

Amateurs can attempt to qualify for the UK Open through “Rileys Qualifiers” held at various sports bars. Alternatively, players can enter “Q-School” in January to try and win a two-year professional Tour Card.

How much does a 2026 PDC Tour Card cost? 

While there is an entry fee for Q-School (approximately £450), there is no “cost” to hold a Tour Card. However, players must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses for all ProTour events.

What is the “Double Start” format? 

This format, used exclusively in the World Grand Prix, requires a player to hit any double (or the bullseye) to start scoring points in a leg. If they miss, their score remains at 501.

Where can I watch darts if I don’t have tickets? 

In the UK, the majority of majors are broadcast on Sky Sports. European Tour and ProTour events are usually streamed live on PDCTV, the PDC’s subscription-based platform.

Who are the favorites for the 2026 season? 

While rankings shift, top contenders generally include Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler, and Gerwyn Price. Form from the previous year’s World Championship is usually the best indicator.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 darts schedule represents the most expansive and lucrative season in the history of the Professional Darts Corporation. With the World Championship prize fund reaching a staggering £5 million and the field expanding to 128 players, the barriers between rising stars and established legends have never been thinner. From the neon lights of Riyadh and Bahrain in January to the historic “double-in” pressure of the World Grand Prix in October, the calendar offers no respite for the world’s elite.

As the sport moves into the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace for the 2027 championship cycle, the 2026 season serves as a bridge to a new era of massive arena capacities and global viewership. Whether you are following the weekly drama of the Premier League or the high-octane floor matches of the Players Championship, 2026 is the year that darts firmly cements its status as a premier global sporting spectacle.

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