Ally Pally Takes Centre Stage for Record-Breaking World Darts Championship

The Iconic Venue Returns for Darts’ Biggest Event

Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as ‘Ally Pally’, is once again the focal point of the sporting world as a record-breaking Paddy Power World Championship features an expanded field of 128 players competing for an unprecedented £1 million top prize at London’s Alexandra Palace from December 11, 2025 to January 3, 2026. The tournament represents a significant milestone in professional darts, marking the largest prize fund and player field in the championship’s history.

The venue’s importance to the sport cannot be overstated. Matt Porter, PDC Chief Executive, said: “Alexandra Palace has become synonymous with the World Darts Championship” and noted that “Ally Pally at Christmas is the identity of the tournament — its atmosphere is unmatched anywhere in sport.” This festive tradition has become an essential part of the British sporting calendar, drawing fans from around the world to north London.

Littler Defends Crown in Style

Luke Littler made history in 2025 by becoming the sport’s youngest-ever World Champion aged just 17 and is bidding to become only the fourth player in the 32-year history of the tournament to successfully retain the title. The defending champion started his campaign in emphatic fashion, with a ruthless 3-0 demolition of Darius Labanauskas, powered by a blistering 101 average delighting the opening night crowd.

Gian van Veen and Rob Cross secured stellar victories over Cristo Reyes and Cor Dekker respectively on Day Two, demonstrating the high quality of competition throughout the expanded draw. The tournament continues to showcase both established stars and emerging talent across multiple sessions each day.

A Bright Future at Ally Pally

The championship’s future at Alexandra Palace is secure, with Alexandra Palace remaining the home of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship until at least 2031 following a new five-year agreement. Even more significantly, the World Darts Championship will undergo its biggest evolution to date, with the tournament moving into Alexandra Palace’s Great Hall from the 2026/27 event onwards, allowing even more fans to experience the electric atmosphere.

For darts enthusiasts and casual fans alike, Ally Pally during the festive period has become synonymous with entertainment, drama, and sporting excellence. With increased prize money, more players than ever before, and the promise of expansion into a larger venue, the World Darts Championship at Ally Pally continues to grow in stature and significance within the global sporting landscape.