The annual pilgrimage to Alexandra Palace gets underway this week, and ahead of the opening round of action, we’re taking a look at the leading 2026 PDC World Darts Championship contenders and their odds.
With five different champions in as many years, anything can happen in the sport’s premier event, but the outright betting is dominated by two players currently clear of the rest in the Rankings Ladder.
When is the World Darts Championship
This season’s competition begins on Thursday, December 11, and the final will take place on Saturday, January 3.
How to watch the World Darts Championship
Sky Sports is the place to view all the action from Ally Pally, with the famous north London venue having staged the event since 2007 and set to continue doing so until at least 2031.
Who will win the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship?
Here are the top six contenders according to the pre-tournament odds:
2026 PDC World Darts Championship Favourites
2026 PDC World Darts Championship Favourites
Luke Littler
Luke Littler @ 10/11
The Nuke needs to buck a bizarre trend as he bids to become the first person in a decade to successfully defend the World Championship after becoming the youngest winner at 17 years and 347 days.
Only Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson have retained their title at Ally Pally, with the Scot successful in 2015 and 2016.
However, Littler has simply dominated the sport over the past 12 months, subsequently securing five more major titles, including the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix.
The hot favourite said: “I have won the last few majors and now the big one is around the corner. Defending is different. If there are nerves, I will know how to cope. I didn’t have a clue last year, but this year I know what to expect. ”
Luke Humphries
Luke Humphries @ 4/1
Cool Hand looked set to reign supreme at the top of the rankings for a long time following his 2024 triumph, but was recently displaced at the summit by the relentless Littler.
Humphries has still had a strong campaign, though, winning the World Masters and reaching three other finals.
The 30-year-old has vowed to regain his crown, declaring: “I’m ready for the Worlds now. I’m going to win the Worlds. One game a day, it suits me - we’re going to go to war!”
Gian Van Veen
Gian Van Veen @ 14/1
The Giant is the latest Dutch ace to make a breakthrough, claiming back-to-back World Youth Championship wins and edging out Humphries 11-10 in the European Championship decider.
Van Geen has yet to shine at the big one, twice suffering early exits at Ally Pally, but the 23-year-old still has scope for lots more improvement.
Gerwyn Price
Gerwyn Price @ 14/1
The Iceman lifted this trophy in 2021 and has made the quarter-finals three times from four appearances at Ally Pally since.
His recent form has been very encouraging, reaching the final of the World Cup of Darts and the semis of the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals, but another last-eight loss could be looming, as Littler will surely be waiting at that stage.
Josh Rock
Josh Rock @ 14/1
Rocky won this year’s World Cup of Darts representing Northern Ireland alongside Daryl Gurney and has performed with credit at several majors, reaching the UK Open and World Matchplay semis, as well as the last eight of last month’s Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals events.
Michael Van Gerwen
Michael Van Gerwen @ 20/1
Only 14-time winner Taylor has a better record at this tournament than Mighty Mike, who was crowned champion in 2014, 2017 and 2019 during a seven-year stretch as world number one.
The 36-year-old has struggled for consistency during a mixed bag of results this season, but always seems to save his best for Ally Pally, having reached the final for the seventh time last January.
Lando Norris became the 11th British driver to win the Formula One World Championship when securing his maiden title at the season decider in Abu Dhabi.
Bet on Darts Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
