The much-anticipated PDC World Darts Championship 2025 kicks off today, December 15, 2024, at the iconic Alexandra Palace, fondly known as Ally Pally. This year’s championship is stirring excitement not just for its esteemed lineup of players but also for the unprecedented participation of six German competitors.
Title defender Luke Humphries will be making his mark at the championship as he aims to retain his title. Last year, Humphries secured his victory against the rising star Luke Littler with a score of 7-4, affirming his place as the world’s top player. This year, as he steps onto the stage, he faces the winner of the match between Thibault Tricole from France and Joe Comito from Australia, both of whom are seen as long shots against the formidable Englishman.
Fans are particularly excited to see how this year’s tournament plays out, especially with the inclusion of new talents such as the aforementioned Littler, who, at just 17, continues to make waves, and Martin Schindler, the German number one, is hoping to lead his fellow players to victory. Indeed, Schindler is among the six German contenders, marking the first time they have qualified for the championship.
Joining Schindler is Gabriel Clemens, ranked 27th, who also automatically qualifies for the second round. With this newfound representation, the German players are eager to prove themselves on the world stage. “We’re excited to make history and showcase our skills,” remarked Clemens prior to the tournament start.
Coverage of the championship will be extensive, with SPORT1 airing live broadcasts. According to reports, viewers can expect over 122 hours of live coverage. Streaming options are also available, with free access on Joyn alongside paid options via DAZN, which will offer broadcasts of all 95 matches at the Ally Pally.
This year’s matches are not only thrilling due to the player lineup but also for new sponsorship incentives. Paddy Power, the event’s primary sponsor, has announced bonuses aimed at increasing excitement during the championship, including £180,000 for every nine-dart finish, which will be split between the player, Prostate Cancer UK, and one lucky fan present at the event.
While many are interested to see the new faces, there is also noticeably missed talent at this year's championship. Prominent figures such as Adrian Lewis and Simon Whitlock, who both have considerable legacies within the sport, are absent, allowing for younger talents to shine. “It’s disappointing not to see some of the veterans, but this gives newcomers the chance to step up,” noted enthusiastic fans.
The tournament has started with high expectations as players strive for the prestigious title of world champion. The format begins with best of five sets and shifts to best of seven sets for the subsequent rounds, culminating with the final set to eventually determine the champion.
The first match on the schedule showcases Tricole against Comito, pivotal as their victor will face Humphries later tonight. The stakes are high, the atmosphere electric, and the world of darts will be watching closely. “The excitement around the Ally Pally is palpable; all eyes are on these competitor’s first throws,” commented fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes.
Looking forward, the championship will run through the Christmas holiday, with no matches scheduled for December 24 through 26 and also on New Year's Eve, leading all the way to the final showdown on January 3, 2025. The anticipation is building as fans prepare to support their favorites and witness the thrill of darts played at the highest level.
With such stakes at play, the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 promises to be one for the books. “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” said one excited fan, “it’s more than just darts; it’s the joy of the community coming together.” Be sure to mark your calendar and tune in for the action, as players navigate through the intense rounds, with everything on the line, aiming to claim their place as the world's best.