Northeast darts star Chris Dobey is "buzzing" to join the prestigious 2025 Premier League Darts line-up alongside reigning world champion Luke Littler. The announcement, made earlier this week, has sparked excitement not only for Dobey, who hails from Bedlington, but also for darts fans eager to see top players competing on their home turf.
The eight-player lineup, confirmed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), also includes notable names like Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, and Nathan Aspinall. Each player has earned their place through impressive performances, making this year's competition one to watch.
"I'm buzzing to be part of it, it's another step in the right direction for my career," Dobey said as reported by The Northern Echo. He acknowledges the thrill of playing alongside the elite week after week, citing the high stakes and fanfare surrounding the Premier League as akin to the World Championships. "You get to play at the big, massive arenas, and it's one everyone is watching. It's similar to the World Championships. Everybody wants to be watching the Premier League," he reflects.
Scheduled to kick off on February 6, 2025, at the SSE Arena in Belfast, the league will make its way through several cities, returning to Newcastle for the eighth night of competition on March 27. This local event promises to be especially significant for Dobey, who has expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of performing before his home crowd. "It's something special, and something I'm definitely looking forward to," he said.
The format for the Premier League includes weekly knockout tournaments, and matches will occur every Thursday from February until May. The league features must-watch events hosted throughout the UK, Ireland, and even Europe, culminating with the playoff finals at the O2 Arena, London, on May 29. Dobey has every reason to be optimistic as he prepares to showcase his talent once again, having previously made waves during the World Championship by reaching the semi-finals.
Despite his success, the selection process for players was not without controversy. Several renowned players, including World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker and UK's Open champion Dimitri van den Bergh, expressed disappointment at their exclusions. Often, the reasons for selections are multifaceted, as explained by PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter who remarked, "Obviously with Price, Dobey, and Aspinall, there are players above them in the rankings who haven't been selected but we have looked at it in terms of big stage presence and popularity."
This sentiment resonates with Dobey, who noted the challenges of being overlooked—having once faced similar circumstances last year. He shared his thoughts, saying, "It is hard to take... But they make their decisions for their own reasons. I'm sure they'll be back tougher and stronger than ever and wanting to get back there."
The crowd at Newcastle's Utilita Arena is sure to welcome Dobey back with open arms, especially as he plans to revamp his walk-on song to his beloved Geordie anthem 'Local Hero,' which he had used during previous Premier League appearances. His home community support shines through, and he aims to make his return special by swapping out his usual tune from Ant and Dec.
Fans are already revved up for the upcoming season, particularly with the announcement of matches at top venues such as the OVO Hydro, Glasgow; 3Arena, Dublin; and the Brighton Centre. Each night will see players fiercely competing not only for points—but also for the £1 million prize. Points will be awarded based on wins and placements, stressing the highly competitive nature of the league.
Matt Porter added, "We want people on the edge of their seats. We want people up and enjoying their darts," highlighting the entertainment value of the Premier League and its extensive audience. Porter confirmed, "All eight players have pedigree on the biggest stage, and fresh from some brilliant performances at the World Darts Championship, we’re looking forward to 17 brilliant weeks of competition.”
The anticipation for this year's Premier League Darts is palpable among fans, particularly with the inclusion of popular local hero Dobey, who aims not only to compete but to entertain. With its thrilling match-ups and electrifying atmosphere, the 2025 Premier League Darts promises to be another memorable season for players and fans alike.