The Darts World Championship 2025 commenced on December 15, 2024, at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London, and it promises to be one of the most thrilling events on the darts calendar. Running until January 3, 2025, this will mark the 32nd edition of the championship, during which 96 of the world's top dart players will battle it out for glory. A notable highlight this year is the inclusion of six German contenders: Gabriel Clemens, Martin Schindler, Ricardo Pietreczko, Florian Hempel, Niko Springer, and Kai Gotthardt, each hoping to make their mark on the international stage.
Last year, crowds witnessed Luke Humphries claiming his first world title by defeating Luke Littler with a score of 7-4, and this year, the excitement is palpable as players vie for the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy as well as the substantial cash prize of £500,000, equivalent to around €600,000.
The tournament schedule is packed, featuring numerous rounds of play starting from December 15 through to the final. Players who advance will participate daily, with breaks on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, mirroring the traditional setup of this prestigious event.
Here’s the outline of the Darts Championship schedule:
- 1st and 2nd Round: December 15 - December 23
- 3rd Round: December 27 - December 29
- Round of 16: December 29 - December 30
- Quarterfinals: January 1
- Semifinals: January 2
- Final: January 3
Fans across the globe eager to catch the action can do so through SPORT1, which has secured broadcast rights for live coverage—all 135 hours of it. This year’s arrangements mark SPORT1's 21st year of covering the championship. They will also stream the event for free on their platform, including on YouTube. For viewers choosing DAZN, the matches will also be available, but it will require a paid subscription.
On the opening night, darts fans were treated to exhilarating matchups, with players ready to showcase their skill and precision. Today, the spotlight is on German competitors Ricardo "Pikachu" Pietreczko and Florian Hempel. Pietreczko, who emerged victorious against Xiao Chen Zong from China with a 3-0 win, faced off against Dutch player Gian van Veen at 8:15 PM. Following him, Hempel took to the dartboard to face Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney.
Hempel, having maintained his momentum by beating Jeffrey de Zwaan (Netherlands) 3-1, is eager to replicate his success from the previous year, where both he and Pietreczko reached the third round. This is no small feat, as the competition is fiercer than ever, with many seasoned players eager to claim the title.
Among the favorites to win this year, defending champion Luke Humphries, along with the likes of Luke Littler, Michael Smith, Michael van Gerwen, and Rob Cross, are all expected to make significant impacts. With such formidable competitors, fans can expect thrilling matches as players navigate through the rounds.
To summarize the key details: The Darts World Championship 2025 features 96 players competing over several rounds for the prestigious title, commencing December 15, 2024, with the grand final set for January 3, 2025. Spectators can enjoy extensive live coverage on SPORT1 and through DAZN. The stakes are high, with players vying for the coveted trophy and substantial cash prizes, ensuring this year’s championship is one to watch.
The anticipation grows as players aim for upsets and victories, and once again, the Ally Pally is set to be the stage for unforgettable moments. Who will rise to the occasion this time? Only time will tell as the championship progresses and the competitors continue to confront one another with skill and determination.
