The 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship returns to the iconic Alexandra Palace and looks set to be exciting and chaotic.
The main reason for this is that there is a new format being implemented, with 128 in the field players rather than the traditional 96, and the prize fund has increased to a staggering £5 million.
Since everyone has to start in the first round, even the top stars could get caught off guard early, which makes the tournament less predictable but more interesting from a betting perspective.
It also means there could be some good value in early matches, especially with set or leg handicaps, because favourites might take a while to settle.
The pressure will be even higher this year with a massive £1 million for the winner, so players who stay calm on the big stage should have an edge. The defending champion, Luke Littler, will be the main focus again, especially now that he has claimed the World Number One spot.
The teenager now has a big target on his back, and everyone wants to beat him, which means how he starts can shape the whole tournament.
If he looks sharp, the odds on him will shorten quickly, but if he struggles early, it opens the door for players in the chasing pack, like Luke Humphries or Michael van Gerwen, to make a strong run.
Overall, it should be a great event for finding smart bets, not just picking the winner, and below I'm going to suggest some early bets I have found value in.
James Hubbard's 2025/26 World Darts Championship Preview
Danny Noppert
- Danny Noppert To Win 4th Quarter: 11/2 at PricedUp
Danny Noppert continues to fly under the radar in the world of darts and comes into this year's World Championship as the 6th seed after five TV semi-finals in 2025.
The Dutchman has been in superb form on the big stages this season and looks primed for another good run, but has a dire record at Ally Pally, failing to get past the 3rd round in seven attempts.
He's in a very open quarter this year, though, with Michael van Gerwen as the highest seed. He will have to potentially navigate his way through top players, such as Josh Rock, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright, as well as MVG, but the way he's performed on TV this year suggests he's ready to overcome his Ally Pally demons.
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Nathan Aspinall
- Nathan Aspinall To Reach the Final: 16/1 Coral
Nathan Aspinall has continued his resurgence in form after recovering from a slight dartitus issue. The Asp reached his first quarter-final at Ally Pally last year since 2020, even whilst suffering with confidence and rhythm issues, which shows how good he can still be.
He has a pretty good record at the World Championship, with two semi-finals and a quarter-final in seven attempts, and after a solid year with a recent run to the final of the Players Championship finals, he comes into this event looking dangerous.
The Asp is in the opposite half to Luke Littler, but will still, of course, have to navigate his way past some elite players, but avoiding the World Number One until the final is a big benefit.
The World Championship format is perfect for a player with Aspinall's tenacity, and that's why I think he has a fantastic chance to reach his first World Championship final.
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| Min. Deposit | £10 |
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| Turnover | No wagering |
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Jonny Clayton
- Jonny Clatyton To Win 3rd Quarter: 5/1 at Ladbrokes
Jonny Clayton has reminded everyone this year that he’s still a real force in the top tier of the sport, reaching five televised semi-finals or better throughout 2025.
With that level of consistency, he’s putting himself in a strong position for a Premier League comeback, though a solid showing at the World Championship would pretty much seal it.
His record at the Ally Pally is respectable, but for a player of his ability, he’ll feel there’s unfinished business.
This time, he’s landed in one of the kinder parts of the draw, with Stephen Bunting the highest seed in his section and several opponents who haven’t shown their best form recently.
Clayton will know this is a great opportunity to push deep into the tournament, and if he plays to his current level, he’ll fancy his chances of setting up a big clash with Luke Littler.
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James is a former professional dart player who enjoys writing about darts, golf and football. In 2012, he was crowned the PDC World Youth Champion and these days, he puts his expertise to use with betting tips for BettingLounge readers.