The 2025 PDC Darts season is poised to kick off with the much-anticipated BetMGM Premier League, set to showcase the top talents of the sport. This year's event will be led by teenage sensation Luke Littler, recently crowned the youngest-ever PDC World Champion. Littler's remarkable achievement came just last week when he triumphed over the formidable Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace, securing his place as one of the game’s brightest stars.
The Premier League is scheduled to commence on February 6, 2025, at The SSE Arena, Belfast, before heading to cities across the UK and beyond, culminating with the playoffs at The O2, London, on May 29. This year’s campaign will extend over 17 weeks, and it marks the first time since 2008 there are no Scots included, as Gary Anderson and Peter Wright both face disappointment at their exclusion.
Littler, at just 17 years old, will defend his Premier League title against seven equally formidable competitors. Joining him on stage are Luke Humphries, who currently holds the World No. 1 ranking, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey, and Nathan Aspinall. Each of these competitors brings their own unique storylines, adding to the competition's overall excitement.
Humphries, freshly deposed as World Champion, remains resolute as he looks to reclaim his status with determination to prove he remains a leader among the premier players. Meanwhile, van Gerwen, returning to form, aims to capture his eighth Premier League title after impressively reaching the finals last season. Cross, who faced early elimination at the recent World Championship, also aims to make waves as he strives for redemption.
Fans eagerly await the action-packed nights to come, starting with Night 2 at the OVO Hydro, Glasgow, on February 13. The league will make stops throughout England, Wales, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands before finally landing back in Scotland for Night 15 at P&J Live, Aberdeen, on May 15.
The Premier League's spotlight isn't the only exciting development in the PDC, as 2025 also marks the return of the Qualifying Schools, beginning on January 24 across both Milton Keynes and Kalkar, Germany. This initiative is aimed at unearthing new talent and allowing those without existing Tour Cards to compete for recognition and professional status.
The Qualifying Schools will initially pass through First Stage qualifiers over three days, culminating with the final qualifying round where 128 hopefuls will vie for coveted spots. Returning players and those with standout performances on the Challenge Tour or Development Tour will also figure prominently in this selection process.
Each player who lost their Tour Card at the end of the last season will have the opportunity to regain their standing, alongside top-ranked players eager to make their professional debuts. With competitive stakes high and fresh talent eager to make their mark, the upcoming season is set to be truly electrifying.
Insights from Littler highlight the aspirations of young players entering the league as he also shares his personal experiences adjusting to early fame and planning his future, including his dream of owning a Mercedes A-Class upon finishing driving lessons. Statements from his manager noted, "He just gets an amount that's plenty for a 17-year-old lad. If he ever needs anything... he can just ask." Such sentiments reflect the balance these young athletes must maintain between sports and personal growth.
Fans and players alike are holding their breath for what is poised to be one of the most thrilling seasons yet, filled with competitions, challenges, and rebellious new talent eager to make their name known. With the best of the best coming together on both exciting stages, there will certainly be no shortage of dramatic moments and memorable matches to follow throughout the 2025 PDC Darts season.