Chris Dobey, the North East darts star, is "buzzing" as he joins the line-up for the highly anticipated 2025 Premier League Darts. The eight-player roster has been unveiled, featuring reigning world champion Luke Littler, along with prominent names such as Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, and Nathan Aspinall. The league will kick off at the SSE Arena, Belfast, on February 6, with matches continuing across various cities until the final at London’s O2 Arena on May 29.
Dobey expressed his excitement about being part of this elite competition, stating, "You get to play with the elite week in, week out. You play at the big, massive arenas and it's one everyone keeps an eye on" (The Northern Echo). This sentiment is echoed by fans who are eager to see their favorite players compete at high-stakes venues.
The festival of darts will see Dobey return to Newcastle Arena on March 27, where he plans to switch his walk-on song back to the iconic "Local Hero"—a tribute to his Geordie roots. The atmosphere is sure to electrify the venue as he takes to the stage once again. With previously successful performances, including three Players Championship wins throughout 2024, Dobey aims to secure his reputation among the sport's elite.
PDC Chief Executive, Matt Porter, noted the strategic selections for this year’s line-up. He elaborated, "We want people on the edge of their seats. We want people up and enjoying their darts" (Sky Sports). The eight-player format includes the top four from the PDC Order of Merit, Littler, Humphries, van Gerwen, and Cross, who gained automatic entry, alongside wildcards Dobey, Bunting, Price, and Aspinall.
The decision to include certain players has caused debates among fans, particularly concerning notable absentees like Michael Smith and Peter Wright. Both players have had notable success and popularity, yet their performances have led to their exclusion. Dobey himself commented on the sensitive nature of selection, saying, "It is hard to take... They make their decisions for their own reasons" (The Northern Echo). His own situation last year, where he felt overlooked, resonates with many who eagerly follow the circuit.
The format for the Premier League Darts will see matches taking place every Thursday evening, spanning various UK, Irish, and European locations. The eagerly awaited tournament schedule includes stops at the OVO Hydro, Glasgow, and the 3Arena, Dublin, among others.
This year’s tour will consist of the following schedule: Night 1 at the SSE Arena, Belfast, on February 6; Night 2 at OVO Hydro, Glasgow, on February 13; Night 3 at 3Arena, Dublin, on February 20; and then continuing through venues such as Brighton, Cardiff, and concluding at the O2 Arena, London, on May 29 for the playoffs.
With record-breaking ticket sales already reported for the 2025 season, the anticipation among fans and players alike is palpable. PDC has indicated they are committed to delivering thrilling entertainment through this prestigious tournament, reinforcing its legacy as one of darting’s most exciting events.
For the players, this season isn’t just about competition; it's also about showing flair and engaging with the crowd. Selection for the Premier League Darts is not merely based on ranking but also involves consideration of entertainment value—a fact highlighted by Porter. This brings attention not just to skill, but also to stage presence.
The darts community looks forward to seeing how this year's players will perform under pressure and the stories they will create throughout the league. Players like Dobey are ready to take their chance on the big stage, and fans are eager to see their favorite players return.
With the growing popularity of darts globally, this year's Premier League could serve as another significant chapter for the sport. Enthusiasts are especially eager to see if new talent will emerge and veteran players will reclaim their former glory. The stakes are high, with £1 million up for grabs, and the players are ready to engage their audiences across 17 venues.
Mark your calendars for February 6, when the first darts will be thrown, starting what promises to be an exciting and dramatic season of the Premier League Darts!