The 2025 Premier League Darts season commences tonight with defending champion Luke Littler aiming to kick off his title defense on the right note against one of the sport's titans, Michael Van Gerwen.
Taking place at the SSE Arena, Belfast, this opening night marks the beginning of 17 weeks of intense darts action, with some of the world's best players vying for the coveted title and lucrative prize money.
Last year, the 17-year-old Littler made headlines when he triumphed against Luke Humphries, also known as 'Cool Hand', to claim the championship and pocket £275,000. Stepping onto the stage later this evening, Littler also carries the title of world champion after his recent victory over Van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace's grand finale last month. The matchup against Van Gerwen is both thrilling and significant, as many view it as the beginning of a new era for darts.
This year's lineup features eight elite competitors: along with Littler and Van Gerwen, World No. 1 Luke Humphries, known for his powerful performances, returns to seek redemption after last year's narrow defeat. Other prominent players include Chris Dobey, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, and Rob Cross, all ready to make their mark.
The excitement of the tournament cannot be understated. Scheduled to kick off at approximately 7:15 PM GMT, the event features several highly anticipated matches. The quarter-finals will see Chris Dobey take on Gerwyn Price at 7:15 PM, followed by Stephen Bunting against Rob Cross at 7:45 PM, setting the stage for Littler's showdown with Van Gerwen at 8:15 PM, and concluding with Humphries facing Aspinall at 8:45 PM.
Each night of the Premier League Darts is structured as a mini knockout tournament. Players compete in best-of-11 leg matches, aiming for points to secure their place in the playoffs set to occur on May 29 at The O2 Arena, London. Accumulated points will determine the top players who advance, with five points awarded for victories, three for runners-up positions, and two for semi-finalists.
The monetary stakes are considerable. The total prize pot for the tournament is £1 million, with significant payouts guaranteed for even those failing to reach the finals. This year's champion will walk away with £275,000, the runner-up receiving £125,000, and semi-finalists earning £85,000. Every winner of the 16 weekly tournaments will collect additional bonuses, making each week’s matches not just about pride but also substantial financial rewards.
Gerwyn Price, who is returning with renewed enthusiasm for darts, expressed, "If I wasn’t in the Premier League, I’d be stuck in the house bored out of my skull. The excitement of competing again on such grand stages is just invaluable." His enthusiastic return is echoed by fellow competitors who view the Premier League as pivotal to their careers.
Notably, Littler's aspirations for this season are ambitious. He remarked, "Winning this tournament again would mean the world. Only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have won the BetMGM Premier League back-to-back, so hopefully I can put my name in the hat with those two." This sentiment captures the spirit of competition as players strive to leave their legacies on the darting stage.
The schedule for the Premier League Darts 2025 is nothing short of extensive and exciting. Following tonight’s kickoff at Belfast, the season will round through iconic venues including Glasgow, Dublin, and Manchester, culminating at The O2 for the playoff night.
Viewers eager to follow the thrilling action can catch broadcasts on Sky Sports throughout the season, with live streaming options available via the Sky Go application and NOW TV. This accessibility ensures dart enthusiasts won’t miss any of the high-stakes matchups.
With the stage set for the 2025 Premier League Darts, all eyes will be watching to see if Luke Littler can successfully defend his title or if one of his competitors will rise to claim glory. The thrilling darts spectacle promises to electrify audiences, showcasing unprecedented skill and determination from the sport's finest players.