The excitement is building as the PDC World Darts Championship returns to the historic Alexandra Palace, commonly known as Ally Pally, from December 15, 2024, to January 3, 2025. This year marks the 32nd edition of the championship, and it promises to deliver some thrilling darts action with top players vying for the highest honor in the sport.
The first round features standout matches starting on opening night. Among the highlights, Dutch player Niels Zonneveld faces Welshman Robert Owen. Zonneveld, competing for the fourth time, boasts a solid track record after winning his debut match last year against Darren Webster, even though he was ousted by Ross Smith soon after. With promising recent performances, such as reaching the last 16 at the Players Championship Finals, Zonneveld qualified comfortably by placing seventh on the Pro Tour rankings.
Owen, on the other hand, has taken the opportunity to participate only due to the suspension of Dom Taylor over a positive doping test. Previously, Owen struggled at his debut, losing to Andrew Gilding, so his motivation to reach at least the third round this year is high. The winner will advance to meet Gabriel Clemens, the 2023 semifinalist, for the next round.
Adding to the thrilling lineup, Connor Scutt squares off against New Zealand’s Ben Robb. Scutt made his debut last year and is noted for his talent on the Challenge Tour. This season has seen him shine, culminating in recent strong performances including reaching the final of the Players Championship, demonstrating he is prepared to make his mark once again. Robb, meanwhile, is hoping to overcome his prior string of first-round eliminations at the championship.
The night continues with Cameron Menzies and Leonard Gates, both known for their vibrant styles. Menzies, enjoying his best year yet with captures of Players Championship titles, faces Gates, who previously impressed with his first-round win at the championship last year. The victor will face two-time major champion Nathan Aspinall next.
Closing the evening is Gerwyn Price, the 2021 world champion, who has had ups and downs recently. This year, he has not reached the latter stages of any major event or claimed any titles on the Pro Tour—a stark difference from his prior performances from 2020 to 2023. He faces Keane Barry, who has shown resilience, having reached the qualification stage with compelling victories, including a notable 3-1 win over Kim Huybrechts.
Fans can look forward to watching the championship live across various platforms, with Sports1 and DAZN providing coverage. The tournament's total prize pool of £2.5 million—one of the largest ever—is nearly 40 times the amount from its inaugural edition back in 1994, highlighting the growth and popularity of darts.
Schedule Overview: The tournament runs from December 15, 2024, through January 3, 2025, featuring daily matches except for holidays. Exciting matchups are set for each session: afternoon and evening sessions provide fans with the chance to witness the best of darts throughout the event. Highlights include:
- 1st Round: Best of 5 sets; December 15-23.
- 2nd Round: Continuing from December 23 to 30.
- Quarterfinals: January 1;
- Final: January 3.
This year, darts history is set to be written as six German players compete, the most from Germany ever, including the hopes resting on Martin Schindler, who has already won significant titles this year. Indeed, this championship is more than just competition; it’s a celebration for players, fans, and both the absorbed and casual spectators. Darts fans expect drama, rivalries, and moments of pure brilliance as the championship draws near, promising to be unforgettable.
The championship's atmosphere is vibrant, not just for players but also for viewers around the world. Commitments from broadcast partners highlight the increasing demand and enthusiasm surrounding this event—a hallmark of sports spectacle!
For fans who can't make it to London, various streaming options will allow you to catch all the action, with Sports1 offering comprehensive free broadcasts across platforms, ensuring everyone can enjoy the excitement. Mark your calendars for what promises to be another spectacular edition of the PDC World Darts Championship.
