The 2025 PDC World Darts Championship is gaining momentum, and fans of the sport have much to be excited about as some of the best dart players take to the stage at Alexandra Palace. This year’s tournament has already lived up to its reputation for thrilling competition and stunning upsets.
On Saturday, three notable matches were on the docket, featuring crowd favorites like Nathan Aspinall and the aggressive daredevil Scott Williams. The stakes are high, as players need to win four sets to advance to the last sixteen, with the fourth round scheduled for December 29th and 30th.
Ryan Joyce, often regarded as an underestimated competitor, demonstrated his skills yet again. Joyce has displayed resilience throughout the tournament, proving his mettle against Darius Labanauskas and Danny Noppert, winning both matches with scorelines of 3-1. Considered relentless, Joyce's ability to close out games has propelled him to the third round for the first time since his debut at the championship back in 2019.
Meanwhile, Ryan Searle continued his impressive streak by maintaining his record of never losing before Christmas across seven appearances at the World Championship. Searle achieved another convincing 3-0 victory over Matt Campbell, showcasing his promise as he seeks to make his mark this year.
The match between Scott Williams and Ricardo Pietreczko showcased two unseeded players who deftly eliminated their seeded opponents. Williams, referred to as 'Shaggy', came off two challenging matches with hard-fought wins against Niko Springer and Rob Cross. Unfortunately for him, Pietreczko devastated his hopes, winning decisively and securing his spot among the top thirty-two.
Notably, Nathan Aspinall marked his return to form, achieving his first advance to the fourth round since 2020 after dominating Andrew Gilding 4-0. Aspinall showcased remarkable precision, hitting twelve out of twenty doubles. His reins are strong, having won many fans since they heard his entrance theme, 'Mr. Brightside' by The Killers.
Across these electrifying games, miners of talent and stories are crystallizing. ASP acclaimed player Aspinall, who had reached the semi-finals during his initial years, has faced challenges diplomatically but aims to build upon his past successes.
Brendan Dolan, known for previously defeating Van Gerwen, is set to face Michael van Gerwen later tonight. Van Gerwen expressed both excitement and tension leading up to his match, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on each game rather than overlooking any competitor. He stated, “I have with someone who is not fast-paced, but I already know this and it should not be surprising.” This sentiment underscored the unpredictable nature of the championship.
During the evening session, Chris Dobey faced off against Josh Rock, delivering another high-caliber performance to secure his place, leading to the exciting conclusion of the festive darts session.
For those interested spectators, access to the matches has never been easier. Viaplay continues to broadcast the event, with significant portions available without charge, accommodating fans eager to engage with the excitement. Viewers can also access the streams via Betfair, and fans can use services like VTM 2 by employing virtual private networks (VPNs) to overcome geographical blocks.
Prize money this year has reached staggering heights. With the total prize fund hovering around £2.5 million, participants are vying for the top cash prize of £500,000 reserved for the new World Champion. This amount remarkably contrasts with the £65,000 distributed during the very first edition of the PDC World Darts Championship held back in 1994. The financial growth here acts as both motivation and validation of the sport’s burgeoning popularity.
Every player tonight enters with the intent to grab their share of the glory. The upcoming rounds promise more thrilling moments as favorites clash and underdogs aim to assert themselves within the annals of darts history. For now, the atmosphere is vibrant with anticipation, as darts fans and players alike prepare for this year’s climax.
The time is now to settle down with your favorite beverage, tune in to the action, and be part of this momentous occasion as darts takes the world stage once again. Will Michael van Gerwen reclaim his past glory, or are we destined to witness other tales of triumph tonight? Let the games begin!
