The Darts World Championship 2025 is just around the corner, set to take place from December 15 to January 3 at the famous Alexandra Palace (commonly referred to as "Ally Pally") in London. It marks the 32nd edition of this prestigious tournament, where the finest darts players will face off for the coveted title.
Last year, Luke Humphries triumphed over Luke Littler with a score of 7-4, clinching his first World Championship title. Overcome with emotion after his victory, Humphries exclaimed, "I never thought it would feel this good, it's just insane!" This year, both players will return as key contenders, raising the question of who will dominate the board this time around.
The tournament will kick off on December 15, following the same structure as previous years with matches split between day and evening sessions. The first round will conclude by December 20, with the second round wrapping up by December 23. A brief pause will occur from December 24 to 26, and the action will resume on December 27, culminating with the finals scheduled for January 3.
Among the returning favorites is titleholder Luke Humphries, who has proven to be the most consistent player of the past year, dominating not only the World Championship but also the World Matchplay and Players Championship Finals. With significant wins under his belt this season, including the Team World Cup with Michael Smith, Humphries is undoubtedly the one to beat.
Luke Littler also garners attention; last year’s runner-up, Littler has quickly risen through the ranks and captured several titles since the championship, including the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts. His meteoric rise has marked him as another strong contender, keeping fans excited about his potential this year.
Not to be overlooked, Michael van Gerwen, often referred to as "Mighty Mike," has been fighting to reclaim his previous dominance. After failing to win any major titles since 2019, van Gerwen enters this championship with both determination and urgency, aiming to regain his status as one of the elite players.
Alongside him, Michael Smith—a world champion himself—has had his ups and downs last season but managed to secure the World Cup alongside Humphries. If he finds his rhythm early, Smith could be another formidable contender at Ally Pally.
Turning the focus onto Rob Cross, who’s known for his solid performance, he has made five quarterfinals at major tournaments this year but is still seeking victory since 2021. His half-solid, half-struggling run leading up to the championship raises both questions and expectations for his performance at the event.
Another notable player is Stephen Bunting, whose years of experience and past championship title could make him dangerous on the big stage. Though he’s shown inconsistency, his recent success at the Masters shows he can still compete with the top players.
All eyes will also be on the legendary Gary Anderson, who, with his two world titles, still has the potential to create surprises. Despite not being one of the top picks, Anderson's resilience at Ally Pally makes him someone to watch.
Adding to the excitement, six German players will be participating this year—the highest number ever—creating additional buzz for the championship. Among them, Gabriel Clemens, who made it to the semifinals just two years ago, will aim to prove his mettle once again.
Wessel Nijman, returning after serving his suspension, has demonstrated outstanding performances on the European Tour, showcasing his potential as a dark horse during this championship.
The stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating Darts World Championship 2025. With the best players ready to clash, fans worldwide eagerly await to witness who will rise to glory and be crowned as the champion.
