Oceania gets a boost: new qualifier for the World Darts Championship

The international darts scene will gain a notable new qualifying tournament in 2026. With the introduction of the Trans-Tasman Championship, players from Australia and New Zealand get an extra chance to book a place on the sport’s biggest stage: the World Darts Championship at the iconic Alexandra Palace, which this year starts on December 10.

The new event will be held from August 28 to 30, 2026 in Brisbane, at Pine Rivers Darts Club. The tournament is the centerpiece of a full darts weekend featuring multiple disciplines, with the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand taking center stage.

The structure of the weekend is clearly defined. On Friday, August 28, proceedings begin with the Trans-Tasman Open Singles, where players compete for a prize fund of 7,500 Australian dollars. A day later, on Saturday, the Open Doubles is on the schedule with 5,000 dollars in prize money. That same day there will also be an international match: an Australia vs New Zealand Test Match, in which the top eight players from both countries face off.

The absolute climax follows on Sunday, August 30, when 32 players battle for one coveted place at the World Darts Championship. The field consists of the top 16 from the Australian Darts Association rankings and the top 16 from DartPlayers New Zealand. This means the lineup is entirely merit-based, underscoring the sporting integrity of the tournament.

The winner of the Trans-Tasman Championship secures the fourth Oceanic spot at the World Championship. In addition to this new qualifying place, tickets are already available for the winner of the ANZ Premier League and the number ones on the Order of Merit rankings of both Australia and New Zealand (or the next-highest ranked player not yet qualified).

With this new structure, the PDC is taking an important step in the continued development of darts in Oceania. Players from this region not only gain more opportunities to compete at a high level, but also a clearer and fairer pathway towards the World Championship.

Moreover, the event supports the sport’s growth by fueling international rivalry and giving local dart venues a prominent role.

The Trans-Tasman Championship thus looks set to become a fixture on the international darts calendar. For players from Australia and New Zealand, it represents a unique chance to realize their dream: playing on the biggest stage in the darts world in London.