Six players – including Deta Hedman and Gemma Hayter – already assured of qualification for 2026 WDF World Championship at Lakeside

The battle for qualification for the 2026 WDF World Championship at Lakeside is taking clearer shape now that roughly a third of the 2025/26 WDF ranking season is in the books. With plenty of tournaments still on the calendar, there are ample opportunities for players to book their place at the World Darts Federation’s showpiece event.

Last weekend, two more names were added to the list of qualified players for the 2026 WDF Worlds, where a successor is being sought to Jimmy van Schie in the open category and Deta Hedman among the women. Jack Drayton and Gemma Hayter secured their spots thanks to their victories at the Gold-ranked Isle of Man Open. By winning those titles, both players meet the WDF’s qualification criteria and can now prepare for the global season finale.

Drayton and Hayter join a group of six players who had already locked in their places earlier this season. On the men’s side, David Davies, Jason Brandon, and Paul Krohne qualified through strong performances on the international WDF tour. Among the women, Rhian O'Sullivan, Deta Hedman, and Priscilla Steenbergen have also already booked their tickets.

Although eight players are now certain of participation, the majority of the field remains wide open. In total, 76 spots are still up for grabs, making the coming months crucial for players aiming to secure their berth at the World Championship.

Qualification for the WDF World Championship runs through several pathways. In addition to direct entry via major tournament wins, such as at Gold-ranked events, the international rankings also play a key role. Players collect points at WDF events throughout the season, improving their positions on the leaderboards and potentially earning a ticket that way.

With numerous ranking tournaments still to come, the rest of the season promises to be compelling. The provisional list of qualified players below has been compiled according to the WDF’s official qualification rules and reflects the standings through Sunday, 03/08. In the months ahead, it will become clear which players ultimately join this group.