The announcement of the 2025 Premier League Darts lineup has sent ripples of excitement through the darts community, as the Professional Darts Corporation prepares for another thrilling season. The eight-player roster includes some of the best talent the sport has to offer, promising high-stakes matches filled with intensity and drama.
Among those making the cut is North East darts star Chris Dobey, who expressed his enthusiasm upon learning he would be competing alongside the world champion Luke Littler. "I'm buzzing to be part of it, it's another step in the right direction for my career," Dobey told The Northern Echo. His inclusion is no small feat; Dobey earned his spot following stellar performances, including reaching the semi-finals at the recent PDC World Championship.
The full lineup features Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Gerwen Price, Stephen Bunting, and Nathan Aspinall, alongside Dobey. Littler will defend his title after capturing the championship earlier this month, marking one of his many achievements. His victory at Alexandra Palace solidified his position as one of the top players to watch, and his presence will undoubtedly attract fans.
The tournament kicks off with its first night at the SSE Arena, Belfast, on February 6, 2025, and is set to conclude at the O2 Arena, London, on May 29, 2025. Matches will occur every Thursday evening across diverse venues, creating opportunities for fans to witness the best darts players compete on their home turf.
The draw has already been made, with notable venues including the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, where local hero Dobey looks forward to playing. "It's something special, and something I'm definitely looking forward to," said Dobey, who plans to swap his walk-on song back to the Newcastle anthem 'Local Hero' for the occasion.
While the lineup boasts star power, it hasn't been without controversy. Players like Michael Smith and Peter Wright, both former world champions, were left out, raising questions among fans and analysts about the selection process. PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter acknowledged the tough choices involved. "We want people on the edge of their seats. We want people up and enjoying their darts," he explained, noting the importance of big stage presence and crowd interaction when making selections.
Porter's comments reflect the broader challenges of assembling competitive rosters. The criteria for inclusion involved not just current rankings but the potential to engage audiences, which Dobey epitomizes with his passionate following and electrifying performances. His rivalry with established players like Gerwen Price adds to the excitement, especially as both players have demonstrated the ability to deliver under pressure.
The selection decisions have sparked conversations about what it means to earn a place in such prestigious events. Dobey has empathized with those left out, stating, "I was in the situation last year where I felt I played pretty well consistently and was just overlooked. But they make their decisions for their own reasons." This acknowledgment of the competitive nature of darts highlights the immense pressure players face, not just during matches but also as they vie for spots on significant stages.
With 17 venues across the UK, Ireland, and even Europe, the 2025 Premier League Darts season promises to be one of the most engaging yet. The PDC is pulling out all the stops, aiming for record-breaking ticket sales and engaging programming aimed at maximizing fan enjoyment. The action is set to captivate fans of all backgrounds, whether newcomers to the sport or long-standing darts enthusiasts.
Given its track record for thrilling matchups and intense rivalries, the 2025 season is shaping up to be particularly tantalizing.
With players stepping onto the big stage every week, viewers can expect high-quality action, strategic thinking, and the raw emotion darts can bring. The stakes couldn't be higher, with £1 million on the line, feisty rivalries to explore, and each player vying to establish their dominance.
The anticipation of this lineup has reached fever pitch, with dedicated fans eagerly awaiting the kickoff next month. The promise of entertainment, drama, and thrilling levels of sportsmanship ensures the Premier League remains one of the most awaited events on the sporting calendar.
Overall, the 2025 Premier League Darts lineup exemplifies the excitement and unpredictability of the sport, reaffirming its position within the broader sports arena and among avid fans.