The 2025 Premier League Darts line-up has officially been announced, featuring a talent-packed roster of eight elite players competing for the coveted title and a staggering £1 million prize fund. The excitement surrounding this year’s event is palpable, with North East darts star Chris Dobey expressing his thrill at being included among the ranks of world-class competitors.
Dobey, who hails from Bedlington, is set to join reigning champion Luke Littler, three-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen, world number one Luke Humphries, and other formidable players including Rob Cross, Gerwen Price, Stephen Bunting, and Nathan Aspinall. The official announcement was made recently with high hopes for the success of the event.
"I'm buzzing to be part of it, it's another step in the right direction for my career," Dobey told The Northern Echo. The enthusiasm is shared among fans and players alike, as the Premier League Darts is hailed as one of the major highlights of the sport, attracting considerable media attention and live audiences across the UK and Europe.
This year’s competition will kick off at the SSE Arena in Belfast on February 6, 2025, and will feature weekly matches every Thursday night for four months, culminating in the finals at the O2 Arena on May 29. The tournament will stop at several significant venues, including Glasgow, Dublin, and Newcastle, the latter being particularly special for Dobey.
"Playing in front of my home crowd is unbelievable, and I can’t wait to get back to the Newcastle Arena," Dobey exclaimed, noting his plans to change his walk-on song back to the Geordie anthem 'Local Hero.' His connection to the local community and sports culture adds to the vibrant atmosphere expected throughout the tournament.
Helming the competition is the PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter, who explained the reasoning behind players' selections, particularly the wild cards awarded to Dobey, Bunting, Price, and Aspinall. The decision to prioritize player popularity and charisma was clear, as Porter mentioned the organization's desire to deliver thrilling entertainment for fans. "We want people on the edge of their seats. We want people up and enjoying their darts," he said.
Notably absent from this year’s prestigious line-up are former world champions Michael Smith and Peter Wright. Smith, who was the semi-finalist the previous season, suffered a notable drop to 16th place following dismal performances, and Wright faced similar struggles, finishing without significant results over the past year. Their absence has sparked conversations within the darts community, showcasing the competitive nature of selection for such high-profile events.
Despite some disappointment among fans for the exclusion of big names, the selected lineup promises to deliver unmatched excitement and intensity each week, especially with underdogs like Dobey aiming to make their mark after recent successes, including his impressive run to the semifinals at the World Championship. “It’s all about the moment and playing against the best. Everyone has their eyes on Premier League darts, and making it back is huge for me,” Dobey mentioned.
This year’s league format will be tightly structured, featuring back-to-back matches leading up to the coveted playoffs. Players will accumulate points based on their performances each week, which will be pivotal as they vie for the top four spots, granting opportunities to compete for the championship. The atmosphere across the venues is expected to be electric, with thousands of passionate fans cheering on their favorites each night.
The anticipated lineup comprises some fresh faces alongside well-known veterans, ensuring the event remains captivating. The PDC continues to strive for attracting maximum audiences and enhancing their reputation following record-breaking ticket sales preceding the competition.
Among the players to watch, Luke Littler returns as the defending champion, eager to seal his place as one of the sport's greats. His recent historic victory over van Gerwen at the World Championship has set the bar high for the upcoming season.
The sound and spectacle of the Premier League is unparalleled, and with the likes of Dobey making their return to the stage, it promises to be not just competitive but exhilarating. Fans, new and old, will be treated to riveting matchups and unforgettable moments as the 2025 Premier League Darts tour kicks off and rolls out across the venues.
With the league set to start soon, anticipation is building. Who will emerge as the favorite? Which underdog may cause upsets along the way? The questions will be answered starting February 6, as darts fans look forward to weeks of fierce competition and thrilling entertainment.