"We're giving chances to players from all 4 corners of the world" - Matt Porter on PDC's historic World Darts Championship expansion

In a landmark decision, the Professional Darts Corporation has confirmed that the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship will feature a record 128 players – a major expansion from the 96 who competed at the Alexandra Palace last time around. At stake for the new world champion: a life-changing £1 million in prize money.

This bold step signals the PDC’s continued drive to globalise the sport and open the game's biggest stage to more players from around the world than ever before.

The top 40 players on the PDC Order of Merit after the Players Championship Finals in November will secure automatic qualification. That includes defending world champion Luke Littler, who stunned the sporting world earlier this year by lifting the title at just 17 years of age, as well as current world number one Luke Humphries. Three-time world champion and last year’s runner-up Michael van Gerwen is also among those guaranteed a return to Ally Pally.

Joining them will be the top 40 non-qualified players from the Pro Tour Order of Merit, further ensuring that the tournament boasts the highest level of competition from across the PDC circuit.

The remaining 48 places will be filled through an expanded programme of international qualifiers, designed to reflect darts’ growing global footprint. Players from partner organisations, regional tours, and international circuits will be given the chance to earn their spot under the bright lights of the Palace.

This global qualification system underscores the PDC’s long-term vision of darts as a truly international sport – one in which emerging talent from every corner of the world can compete alongside the elite.

While regions like Africa and South America have been granted just one qualifying spot each, PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter emphasises that this is not a reflection of disinterest – but rather part of a measured, realistic approach to development. "We have to be realistic and say that different parts of the world are at different stages of development in their professional darts journeys," Porter says in conversation with the Weekly Dartscast. "We have to be confident that we're going to find 128 players who are worthy of playing in the World Championship."

"Clearly, there is going to be some discrepancy in standard. But frankly, that's not a major concern. Because we're here to develop the game and promote the game globally," Porter continues. "We can't do that without giving chances to players from all 4 corners of the world, and that is something that we are working towards."

"Everybody gets very excited when they see clips on social media, or one result or whatever, but you have to do these things at the right pace," Porter insists. "We will continue with our partners in those parts of the world (Africa and South America), to invest and to help them stage tournaments that are the most appropriate for the area. Everything comes at the right pace, and it will do in time," he concludes.

This expanded format represents a significant moment in the sport’s evolution. More players, more nations, and more stories will converge at Alexandra Palace this winter – all with one goal in mind: lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy. For fans, it promises more drama, more upsets, and even more reasons to tune in. The road to the 2026 World Darts Championship is officially underway – and it’s bigger than ever.