The 52-year-old viennese is taking part in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championships for the 16th time and is thus the record holder in the German-speaking region. “The Gentle” will meet Canadian Matt Campbell (PDC-55th) on December 19th in a full opener. The biggest darts party in the world is now in its 32nd round and there is more interest than ever.
According to organizers the Professional Darts corporation (PDC), 300,000 tickets could be sold. According to the PDC, the over 90,000 tickets were sold in 15 minutes this year. An increase in the number of participants from 96 to 128 is planned for the next edition in December 2025. That means: four additional days, eight additional sessions, approximately 25,000 additional tickets. The increased interest also applies to the protagonists.
“The Nuke” explodes on the sports stage
not only is the huge density and balance in the world class expanded always promises exciting games and surprises. It is indeed also players like the 17-year-old whiz kid Littler who brought the hype around the Darts World Cup to new heights – worldwide. Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” exploded from promising talent to superstar in just a few games.
IMAGO/Ian Stifán
In a thrilling World Cup final in 2024, Luke Humphries (r.) managed to keep littler, who had been playing well up to that point, under control.
Last year’s World Cup final, which the then 16-year-old Littler lost 4:7 to favorite Humphries, had the highest ratings for non-football sports broadcasting with 3.7 million people on the English broadcaster Sky. As an inevitable result, “Littler Mania” spread. The teenager was established as a treasure in the social media and advertising industry.
The Luke Littler phenomenon
Littler said at the last World Cup that he would spend his prize money (as soon as it was) on fast food and video games, he now has his own magnetic dart board, he promotes breakfast cereal and yes he has a contract with him. games console manufacturer. After their success, the young darts academies in England are very popular again.
Littler won the Premier League grand Slam, and in the final he played the majestic game with a nine darter, and is also favorite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The 17-year-old will play his first World Cup final on December 21 against the winner of the match between Ryan Meikle and Fallon Sherrock. Things have been quiet recently around the former “Queen of the Palace”.
“Ooh Gary, Gary”: Anderson waiting
A look at the statistics proves that Littler has reached the top. His season average per shot is over 99 points,the PDC average is around 92 points. He is second and just ahead of Humphries, who is third in this ranking. Not one player had a better average this year: great Gary Anderson.
The two-time world champion from Scotland is back in top form after a break and his fans are once again singing “Ooh Gary, Gary” in tribute. In the semifinals of the Grand Slam tournament,the 54-year-old Anderson ran out of breath at the end against Littler,after temporarily taking the lead. The Scot could meet Littler or Humphries again in the World Cup final, as the seeding according to the world rankings means the young star and the world champion could meet in the semi-finals.
Surprises are possible at any time
But the outcome of the competition is more open than ever. Two great outsiders, Belgian Mike De Decker and Englishman Ritchie Edhouse, won the titles at the recent World Grand Prix and European Championships. But young world champion Gian van Veen and his Dutch teammate Wessel Nijman also impressed early on with strong games.
Darts-WM
Results and fixture list
Noa-Lynn van Leuven has already achieved another kind of victory. The Dutchwoman is the first trans woman to compete in the World Cup of Darts. van Leuven completed hormone therapy in 2022. According to the regulations of the Dutch Darts Association, trans women are eligible to compete in the women’s class if they have completed the transition for at least one year according to a medical certificate.
IMAGO/Shane Healey
Van Leuven’s start in the women’s class is not without controversy. Several players quit the Dutch national team in protest. Along with Sherrock, she is representing the female darts players at the World Cup this year.
The best player, the 21-year-old Englishman beau Greaves, was not the PDC World Championship as last year and preferred to get the title at the World Darts Federation (WDF). Double starts are not allowed.
The World Cup was awarded 2.5 million pounds
At the World Cup,2.5 million pounds (about three million euros) will be distributed. The winner can look forward to a cash prize of 500,000 pounds (around 600,000 euros).Anyone eliminated in the first round can take home at least 7,500 pounds (around 9,000 euros).
The starting field at Alexandra Palace includes 96 participants. England is most often represented with 25 players and one female player, followed by the Netherlands (15 players, one female) and Wales and Germany (six players each).
PDC-WM 2025 in London
mode: “Best of five” sets
Mode: “Best of five” sets
How is the inclusion of trans players impacting the PDC World Darts championship?
It looks like you’re summarizing an article about the upcoming PDC World Darts championship, featuring notable players such as 17-year-old Littler, Gary Anderson, and former “Queen of the Palace” Fallon Sherrock.The championship will take place at Alexandra Palace, with a total prize pool of £2.5 million and significant rewards for the participants, including a winner’s prize of £500,000.
Littler, who is performing exceptionally well with an remarkable average, is one of the favorites to win both the championship and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.Anderson, a two-time world champion, is showing a return to form after a break, which has excited his supporters.
The event is also notable for the eligibility of trans players, exemplified by Noa-Lynn van Leuven competing in the women’s class, which has sparked some controversy. The tournament, featuring 96 participants, showcases a diverse field with strong competitors from various countries, including the Netherlands and England.
As for the fixtures, matches are set to begin soon, with crucial and exciting encounters lined up, including Littler perhaps facing Anderson or Luke Humphries in the later rounds. The competition is wide open, making for an exciting championship.
If you have any specific questions or need further data about the tournament, players, or statistics, feel free to ask!