The 2026 PDC Darts World Championship roared back to life on January 1st after a brief New Year’s Eve pause, treating fans at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace—affectionately known as Ally Pally—to a quartet of gripping quarterfinal matchups. The day’s action, spread across afternoon and evening sessions, set the stage for a semifinal lineup brimming with both familiar legends and breakout stars. If you blinked, you might’ve missed some of the most dazzling performances seen in recent championship memory!
Let’s kick things off with the headline-grabbing showdown that capped the evening: Gian van Veen’s emphatic 5-1 triumph over 2024 champion Luke Humphries. The Dutchman, seeded tenth, delivered a masterclass, averaging a jaw-dropping 105.41—an astonishing feat under the pressure of the quarterfinal lights. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. According to The Sporting News, van Veen’s performance officially crowns him the new Dutch number one, a title hard-earned and well-deserved after such a commanding display. The result sends van Veen into the semifinals and leaves Humphries, who many tipped as a favorite, searching for answers after a tough night at the oche.
Earlier in the evening session, reigning champion Luke Littler showcased why he’s still the man to beat, dispatching Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski in a whitewash 5-0 victory. Littler, cool as you like, never let Ratajski find his rhythm, and the defending champ looked every bit the part as he sailed into the next round. Fans hoping for an upset were left wanting, but there’s no denying Littler’s relentless focus and sharp finishing—qualities that have defined his impressive run in the tournament so far.
The afternoon session, meanwhile, was anything but dull. Ryan Searle, who’d yet to drop a set heading into the day, faced the ever-dangerous Jonny Clayton. Searle’s momentum proved unstoppable as he powered to a 5-2 win, booking his first-ever appearance in a World Championship semifinal. Not to be outdone, two-time world champion Gary Anderson showed his class against debutant Justin Hood, also clinching a 5-2 victory. Anderson’s experience shone through, especially in the high-pressure legs, while Hood’s maiden campaign ends with plenty to be proud of—and perhaps a taste for more on the big stage in years to come.
Each quarterfinal was contested as a best-of-nine set showdown, and the day’s results quickly reshaped the tournament bracket. With Searle set to face Littler, and Anderson lining up against van Veen, fans are guaranteed a semifinal slate that mixes youthful ambition with seasoned expertise. The stakes? A coveted place in the final, and a shot at the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Let’s break down the full slate of quarterfinal results from January 1, 2026:
Afternoon Session:
- Ryan Searle 5-2 Jonny Clayton
- Gary Anderson 5-2 Justin Hood
Evening Session:
- Luke Littler 5-0 Krzysztof Ratajski
- Gian van Veen 5-1 Luke Humphries
With these results, the semifinal matchups are officially set. Searle will challenge Littler, while Anderson and van Veen will battle for the other coveted spot in the final. For Searle and van Veen, this marks a career-best run at the World Championship. For Littler and Anderson, it’s another chapter in already glittering careers.
Van Veen’s win over Humphries was arguably the most eye-catching of the day—not just for the margin of victory, but for the sheer quality he brought to the board. Averaging 105.41 over six sets, van Veen was nearly unplayable at times, peppering the treble 20 and finishing with clinical precision. The Sporting News called it an “incredible performance,” and few would argue. Humphries, who stormed to the title just two years ago, couldn’t find answers for the Dutchman’s relentless pace and pinpoint accuracy.
After his victory, van Veen’s new status as the top Dutch player is sure to resonate back home, where darts continues to enjoy a passionate following. His rise through the ranks has been steady, but this result places him firmly among the elite—no longer just a promising talent, but a genuine contender for the sport’s biggest prizes.
Meanwhile, Littler’s dominance against Ratajski was a masterclass in control. The reigning champion barely gave his opponent a sniff, racing through the sets with minimal fuss. With the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Littler’s composure never wavered. If there were any doubts about his ability to defend the crown, they’ve been put to bed—for now, at least.
Ryan Searle’s journey to the semifinals has been one of quiet determination. Entering the quarterfinals without having dropped a set, Searle continued his strong form against Jonny Clayton, mixing heavy scoring with nerveless finishing. For Searle, this run represents a career breakthrough, and he’ll be relishing the chance to take on the reigning champion in the next round.
Gary Anderson, the Scottish veteran, rolled back the years with his win over Justin Hood. Anderson’s pedigree on the Ally Pally stage is unquestioned, and he delivered when it mattered, closing out the match 5-2. Hood, for his part, can leave the tournament with his head held high; his debut run to the quarterfinals was one of the stories of the championship, and he’s sure to be back for more.
The World Darts Championship is as much about stories as it is about scores, and this year’s edition has already delivered in spades. From van Veen’s ascension to Dutch number one, to Searle and Hood’s breakout performances, and Littler’s steady march toward another final, darts fans have been treated to high drama and world-class skill at every turn.
Looking ahead, all eyes now turn to the semifinals. Will Littler’s title defense stay on track, or can Searle spring a surprise? Can Anderson’s experience see him through, or is it van Veen’s time to shine on the biggest stage of all? Whatever happens, the 2026 PDC Darts World Championship has already cemented its place as a classic. The oche awaits, and the drama is far from over.
