Littler, Bunting And Van Gerwen Ignite Bahrain Darts Masters Showdown

The 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters has officially kicked off, igniting the new darts season with a flurry of excitement, drama, and high-stakes showdowns at Exhibition World in Bahrain. As the opening event of the World Series and the first major contest after the PDC World Darts Championship, this two-day tournament—running from January 15 to 16—has drawn the sport’s top talent and a passionate crowd eager for early-season fireworks.

All eyes are on Luke Littler, the 19-year-old phenomenon who recently cemented his legacy by clinching back-to-back PDC World Championship titles. Littler’s remarkable run at Alexandra Palace, where he thrashed Gian van Veen 7-1 and pocketed a cool £1 million, has made him the man to beat. Now, as the world No.1, he’s starting his World Series campaign with a first-round clash against Singapore’s legendary Paul Lim—a 71-year-old cult hero who’s no stranger to the big stage.

But Littler isn’t the only star in Bahrain. Stephen Bunting, the defending Bahrain Darts Masters champion, returns with a point to prove. Last year, Bunting dispatched Gerwyn Price 8-4 in the final, and he’s keen to show that his World Series success in 2025 was no fluke. According to tournament previews, “Stephen Bunting is defending champion and will return in a bid to defend his title.” The pressure’s on, but Bunting’s experience and resilience could make him a tough out once again.

The field is stacked with talent and hungry contenders. Luke Humphries, the world No.2 and a familiar face at the business end of major tournaments, is looking to shake off a patchy stretch and reassert his dominance. Gian van Veen, last year’s World Championship runner-up and now ranked world No.3, is tipped by many to make a deep run. As DartsNews.com’s Samuel Gill predicts, “I expect Gian van Veen being back to prove a point.” The Dutchman opens his campaign against Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung, hoping to set the tone for a strong 2026.

Michael van Gerwen, the most successful player in World Series history, is also in the mix. He faces Alexis Toylo in the first round and, as ever, brings a reputation for thriving under pressure—especially in the Middle East, where he’s famously conquered the heat before. “Michael van Gerwen who famously dealt with the heat in Dubai,” Gill recalls, highlighting the Dutchman’s knack for adapting to challenging conditions.

Meanwhile, two players with something to prove—Danny Noppert and Nathan Aspinall—are out to silence critics after missing out on Premier League selection. Both have been tipped for big things in Bahrain. As Oliver Ried of DartsNews.DE notes, “I believe Nathan Aspinall will win the tournament in Bahrain. The Englishman enjoyed a strong 2025 season and now wants to show the PDC that leaving him out of the Premier League was a mistake.” Noppert, who reached four televised ranking semi-finals last year, is equally motivated to make a statement.

Gerwyn Price, the Welsh powerhouse and last year’s finalist, is back in action as well, opening against Japan’s Motomu Sakai. Price’s tenacity and flair make him a perennial threat, and after a strong 2025, he’ll be eager to kick off the new year with a bang. The rest of the PDC contingent is rounded out by Asian tour stars and local qualifiers, creating a fascinating blend of experience, youth, and regional pride.

The tournament format is designed for drama: the first round and quarter-finals are best of 11 legs, semi-finals are best of 13, and the final is a best of 15 shootout. The prize fund stands at £100,000, with £30,000 reserved for the winner. Every leg counts, and with a condensed schedule—first round on Thursday, quarters and semis on Friday before the evening’s final—there’s no room for error or slow starts.

Day one’s results have already delivered some early talking points. Gerwyn Price overcame Motomu Sakai 6-4 in a closely fought opener, while Gian van Veen dispatched Man Lok Leung 6-2, showing the form that has pundits picking him as a possible champion. Danny Noppert cruised past Basem Mahmood 6-1, and Nathan Aspinall held off Lourence Ilagan 6-4 in a match that showcased both players’ grit. The evening session will see the likes of Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Stephen Bunting take the stage, with fans eagerly awaiting potential upsets and breakout performances.

The Asian representatives—Alexis Toylo, Lourence Ilagan, Motomu Sakai, Ryusei Azemoto, Paul Lim, Man Lok Leung, Abdulla Saeed, and Basem Mahmood—are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best. While the bookmakers may not favor them, recent history has shown that the World Series can be a launching pad for new stars. Mats Leering of DartsNieuws.com observes, “It cannot be ruled out that at least two of these players will cause an upset.” Motomu Sakai, in particular, has garnered attention after his breakout showing at the World Championship.

Broadcast coverage is extensive, ensuring fans around the globe can catch every moment. The event is live on PDCTV (except Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where DAZN holds rights) and on ITV4 and ITVX for UK viewers. For those outside Great Britain, streaming on DAZN or PDCTV is available, making the tournament accessible to a worldwide audience.

The narrative threads are many: Can Littler continue his remarkable run and add another trophy to his burgeoning collection? Will Bunting defend his crown against a field packed with hungry challengers? Could this be the week that Noppert or Aspinall silences doubters and forces their way back into the Premier League conversation? And which, if any, of the Asian representatives will seize the spotlight and deliver a shock result?

As the Bahrain Darts Masters unfolds, the only certainty is that darts fans are in for a treat. The blend of established stars, motivated underdogs, and local heroes ensures every match is laced with intrigue. With the semi-finals and final set for Friday evening, the stage is set for an explosive conclusion to the tournament’s fourth edition.

Whether you’re tuning in for Littler’s quest, Bunting’s title defense, or the next big upset, the Bahrain Darts Masters is already living up to its billing as the perfect launchpad for a blockbuster 2026 darts season. The action is heating up, and with so much at stake, every dart thrown could shape the story of the year ahead.