What Time Does the Darts Start Today? Your Complete Guide to World Championship Schedules

Understanding Darts Tournament Schedules

For darts enthusiasts asking ‘what time does the darts start today,’ understanding the typical scheduling patterns of major tournaments is essential. The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship reached its final at Alexandra Palace, with the tournament held from 11 December 2025 to 3 January 2026 at Alexandra Palace in London, England.

Typical Match Start Times

The World Darts Championship typically featured multiple daily sessions. The final was scheduled from 7.30pm on Sky Sports with walk-ons from approximately 8.15pm. Throughout the tournament, sessions were generally divided into afternoon and evening fixtures, with coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Darts starting at 19:30.

Recent Championship Highlights

Luke Littler successfully defended his title, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1 in a high-scoring final at the Alexandra Palace to win the Sid Waddell Trophy for a second time. The 18-year-old sensation claimed the £1m first prize – the biggest payday in darts history, cementing his position as the sport’s dominant force.

Where to Watch Darts

Sky Sports, ITV and Premier Sports are the main broadcasters for Live Darts on TV in the UK. Sky shows most of the World PDC events on Sky Sports Action and regularly on Sky Sports Main Event, whilst ITV show European events such as the UK Open on ITV4.

Looking Ahead

While the World Championship has now concluded, darts fans can look forward to more tournaments throughout 2026. The sport continues to grow in popularity, with expanded fields and increased prize money. This year’s tournament featured an expanded 128-player field competing for a share of the £5 million prize fund, demonstrating the sport’s remarkable growth and commercial success in recent years.