The 2025 Premier League Darts line-up has officially been announced, and darts fans are buzzing with excitement as local star Chris Dobey prepares to compete alongside reigning champion Luke Littler and other top players. The announcement was made on Monday, with the tournament set to kick off at the SSE Arena in Belfast on February 6.
The line-up features eight competitors, including Dobey, who hails from Bedlington and recently made waves with his impressive semi-final run at the World Championship. Joining him are world number one Luke Humphries, three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, and former world titleholders Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price, along with newcomers Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall.
“I’m buzzing to be part of it; it’s another step in the right direction for my career,” Dobey told The Northern Echo. “You get to play with the elite week in, week out, and it’s something special, definitely something I’m looking forward to.” His enthusiasm is shared by fans, especially with the Premier League set to return to Newcastle on March 27, where Dobey plans to walk on to the Geordie anthem ‘Local Hero’.
While many players are celebrating their inclusion, the absence of big names such as former World Champions Michael Smith and Peter Wright has raised eyebrows. Smith, who was semi-finalist last year, dropped to 16th place in the world rankings, making him vulnerable to exclusion. PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter addressed the contentious selections, remarking, “We want people on the edge of their seats; we want people up and enjoying their darts.” Porter emphasized their focus on big stage presence when selecting the wildcards.
The eight-player tournament promises thrilling matchups weekly across the United Kingdom and Europe, culminating with the final at the iconic O2 Arena on May 29. Each evening will showcase knockout rounds, with players competing for both prestige and £1 million in prize money. According to the PDC, the Premier League Darts will create one of the most exciting live sporting experiences this season.
The full line-up for the 2025 Premier League Darts is as follows:
- Luke Littler (defending champion)
- Luke Humphries (current world number one)
- Michael van Gerwen
- Rob Cross
- Gerwyn Price
- Stephen Bunting
- Chris Dobey
- Nathan Aspinall
Darts enthusiasts are particularly eager for the eighth night of the tournament, which will feature Dobey competing on home turf. “It’ll be amazing to play at Newcastle, the atmosphere is unbelievable,” he stated. Previous Premier League nights at Newcastle have generated buzz and excitement, making this competition highly anticipated by fans.
Earlier, during the World Championship, Littler displayed his prowess, securing his championship title against van Gerwen and confirming his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. He will face stiff competition from Humphries, who is determined to reclaim glory after being thwarted by Peter Wright at the recent World Championships.
Porter acknowledged some of the snubs, saying, “We have looked at it in terms of big stage presence, popularity, and the way they can get a 10,000-person crowd every Thursday going. That’s what makes the Premier League Darts so special.” Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of all players, he reassured fans, “We are really excited by this year's line-up, which I'm sure will entertain our incredible crowds across the UK and Europe.”
The tournament’s first night is set for February 6 at the SSE Arena, and the schedule promises thrilling matchups every Thursday evening until the finale at the O2 Arena on May 29. Fans are urged to secure their tickets as demand surges with each announcement, ensuring the Premier League continues to celebrate darts as one of the UK's most engaging sporting events.