The excitement of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship is well underway at Alexandra Palace, where the prestigious tournament has captivated audiences and participants alike. Running from December 15 to January 3, the championship features 96 players competing for the coveted Sid Waddell trophy and part of the impressive £2.5 million prize pot.
This year’s event has already delivered its share of surprises, with several high-profile players experiencing unexpected exits early in the tournament. Michael Smith, who claimed the championship title just last year, faced disappointment when he was beaten 3-2 by Kevin Doets. Another major shock occurred when five-time champion Raymond van Barneveld was knocked out by Nick Kenny. Adding to the chaos, Gary Anderson, once considered one of the top contenders, lost 3-0 to Jeffrey de Graaf, marking him as the 11th top seed to exit before reaching the third round.
Chris Dobey, the 15th seed, provided insight on the turmoil of this year’s tournament, explaining to talkSPORT, "For the likes of myself and a few of the other lads, it’s no surprise because on the floor this year, anybody can beat anybody. The standard is so high now so nothing to us is kind of a shock." This commentary reflects the unpredictability of the competition and sets the stage for what lies ahead.
While many seeds have faltered, Luke Littler continues to stand out as one of the favorites. The 17-year-old sensation, who was impressive last year, had already advanced past the first round with a convincing 3-1 win over Ryan Meikle. Now, he is gearing up for his next match against Ian White, which is set to take place after the Christmas break.
Despite some favorites falling by the wayside, other previous champions and formidable players are still competing. Luke Humphries, last year's champion, is back to defend his title and is being closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The betting scene surrounding the championship is flourishing, with numerous UK betting sites rolling out attractive offers. With potential large payouts on popular players such as Michael van Gerwen, who is still regarded as one of the top players, punters are eager to place their bets. Bet365, for example, is offering new customers a 25% profit boost on bets for the outright winner market. This means fans can find attractive odds, making the championship even more enticing.
Other platforms are also adapting as they cater to increased interest in the World Darts Championship. BoyleSports has provided its unique "2 Sets Ahead" offer, where bets are settled as winnings if the backed player claims two sets up at any point during their match. For those wishing to back potentially risky outsiders, Betfred has generous each-way betting terms added to the mix, ensuring fans have plenty of options at their disposal.
Historically, the PDC darts scene has grown increasingly competitive, and this year's event showcases the talent the sport has amassed. It’s not only the established champions like Humphries and van Gerwen making waves but younger talents like Littler, both of whom command respect on the oche.
Such excitement is underscored by the fact the tournament format raises the stakes as players progress. The match setups change from best of five sets to best of seven sets for the third and fourth rounds, intensifying the competition.
Fans tuning in to catch the action will find it available on Sky Sports' dedicated darts channel, providing extensive coverage of the championship. The excitement continues as we watch how the dynamics of the tournament play out, including which players emerge as serious contenders for the Sid Waddell trophy.
With only the opening rounds completed, the PDC World Darts Championship has set the stage for thrilling displays of skill and strategy. Matches are increasingly intense, and each player aims to capture the crown, with numerous surprises expected as the event progresses. Who will rise to the occasion and make their mark this year, and can anybody dethrone the defending champion? Only time will tell as fans remain glued to their screens and betting slips.
