Teenage sensation Mitchell Lawrie already guaranteed a spot at the WDF World Championship, with Jeff Smith, Deta Hedman also returning to Lakeside as new names confirmed

From November 27 through December 6, 2026, the WDF World Championship will take place at the iconic Lakeside Country Club. Several players in both the men’s and women’s fields have already secured qualification.

Last year’s champion receives an automatic spot, although Jimmy van Schie will not compete this year as he now holds a PDC Tour Card. In addition, winners of a Platinum/Gold tournament have also qualified for the WDF World Championship.

In the men’s field, the first wave of automatic qualifiers features eight players from eight different countries. Wales is represented by David Davies, while the United States can count on Jason Brandon. Germany contributes Paul Krohne — the Dutch Open champion — as a direct qualifier as well. England is represented by Jack Drayton, while Scotland has also secured a main-draw spot through Mitchell Lawrie.

Beyond Europe, several players have already punched their tickets. Veteran Canadian Jeff Smith — once a finalist at the now-defunct BDO Worlds — returns to the Lakeside stage. Japan is represented by Ryusei Azemoto, while New Zealand adds Mark Cleaver to the list of automatic qualifiers after title success this past weekend. He won the gold ranked New Zealand Open and defeated Josh Roberts 7-2 to seal his WDF World Championship place.

The women’s category currently has six automatic qualifiers. Rhian O'Sullivan represents Wales and again belongs to the players who have booked a direct place at Lakeside. The experienced Deta Hedman, long one of the most familiar names in women’s darts, also secured her spot. Hedman won the World Championship for the first time at the end of last year and will defend her title this year. For England’s Gemma Hayter, qualification offers another chance to showcase herself on the WDF’s biggest stage.

The Netherlands will be represented by Priscilla Steenbergen, who can also prepare for the WDF World Championship. In addition, Japan’s Mayumi Ouchi is assured of participation, while New Zealand will have a second representative in the women’s tournament with Nicole Regnaud who sealed her spot this past weekend. Like Cleaver, she won in New Zealand, but Renegade has consistently been winning titles on the home circuit anyway so likely would've qualified come what may.

The broad geographical spread of the qualifiers stands out. Multiple continents are represented in both the men’s and women’s fields, underlining the WDF’s global growth. While the PDC focuses primarily on the professional elite, the WDF remains a circuit where players from a wide range of darting nations can test themselves at the highest amateur level and earn a World Championship berth through the rankings.

In the coming months, more players will secure their Lakeside places via various ranking events, regional qualifiers, and additional invitations. As a result, the lineup will be further supplemented with representatives from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The World Masters is also set to come in short order.