The 2025 Premier League Darts line-up has been officially announced, and it's generating excitement among fans and players alike. Set to kick off on February 6, 2025, at the SSE Arena in Belfast, the tournament includes some of the biggest names in the sport, including reigning champion Luke Littler, world number one Luke Humphries, and the ever-popular Michael van Gerwen.
North East darts star Chris Dobey, who has been on quite the run lately, is particularly thrilled about his inclusion. "I'm buzzing to be part of it, it's another step in the right direction for my career," Dobey told The Northern Echo. A Bedlington native, Dobey impressed audiences with his performance at the World Championship, reaching the semi-finals before being defeated by van Gerwen. This achievement elevated him to tenth place on the PDC order of merit, earning him one of the coveted wild card slots for the Premier League.
The eight-player line-up includes not only Dobey but also Rob Cross, Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price, and Stephen Bunting, who join Littler, Humphries, and van Gerwen as automatic qualifiers. The blend of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent promises thrilling competition over the coming months. Matches will alternate between various cities across the UK and Europe, with the tournament finale set for May 29 at the O2 Arena in London.
Dobey, who has expressed his love for his hometown, is especially eager for the Newcastle event scheduled for March 27, 2025. Playing at the Utilita Arena before his home crowd is "something special" for him. "I can't wait to get back there," he said, adding he plans to revert to his traditional walk-on song, 'Local Hero.' The pride he takes in representing the North East is palpable, and he hopes to make his hometown proud as he competes.
Despite the excitement, not all is well among the darts community. The announcement of the 2025 line-up has sparked controversy, with some fans voicing their displeasure over the exclusion of notable players like former world champion Michael Smith and Peter Wright. Smith's drop to sixteenth place following disappointing performances has seen him miss out, alongside Wright, who has also been struggling. "It is a hard one to take," Dobey acknowledged, empathetically connecting with the disappointment felt by those left out. "They make their decisions for their own reasons. But I'm sure they'll be back tougher and stronger than ever."
The Premier League Darts will feature competitive formats each week, with matches taking place every Thursday evening through May, showcasing premier talents at iconic venues. Points will be awarded based on performance, leading to the semi-finals where the top four players will vie for the championship title. Each night, the excitement builds as the players work toward their ultimate goal: claiming the prestigious Premier League trophy and the sizeable £1 million prize pot.
Matt Porter, the PDC Chief Executive, has emphasized the importance of selecting players not just for their rankings but also their ability to engage and excite the crowd. “We want people on the edge of their seats. We want people up and enjoying their darts,” he stated, underlining the value of connection with fans. This year's line-up is sure to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments as this elite competition evolves.
With Dobey now back on the Premier League stage, many are eager to see how he performs against formidable opponents. Alongside his fellow competitors, he hopes to create lasting memories for himself and the fans alike. Darts aficionados are marking their calendars for the Belfast opener, eagerly anticipating the drama, excitement, and competition the 2025 Premier League Darts season will bring. It will surely be another thrilling chapter for the sport, featuring memorable performances and perhaps surprising outcomes.
Mark your calendars for the opening night and gear up for what promises to be another exciting season of the Premier League Darts, highlighted by the dedication, passion, and talent of its elite players.