Luke Littler, the current Premier League darts champion, is gearing up to defend his title in Belfast as the 2025 season kicks off this Thursday. Littler claimed victory in the previous year’s tournament, defeating former world champion Luke Humphries in an electrifying final that even included a nine-dart finish. Following his recent triumph at the World Championship, the young darts prodigy is favoured by many to retain his title. However, stiff competition awaits from world No.1 Humphries, seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen, and five other contenders throughout the 17-week tournament spanning the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe.
The 2025 Premier League features an eight-player line-up, with the top four based on world rankings automatically earning spots. The confirmed top four are Humphries, Littler, Van Gerwen, and Rob Cross, while the remaining four players are wildcard picks chosen by the PDC. The selection process can sometimes prioritise popular players over higher-ranked ones, leading to debates among fans, pundits, and players alike. Notable wildcards for this season include Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey, Welsh star Gerwyn Price, and Nathan Aspinall, while some high-ranking players like Jonny Clayton and Dave Chisnall missed out on selection.
The Premier League format remains unchanged this year, with nightly mini-tournaments comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. Winners of each night earn five points, runners-up get three, and semi-finalists receive two each. After 16 weeks of competition, the top four players will advance to the play-offs at London’s O2 arena on May 29, where they will battle it out for the championship title. The Premier League offers a generous prize fund of £1 million, with the overall winner taking home £275,000, the runner-up earning £125,000, and semi-finalists pocketing £85,000 each.
Sky Sports will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the Premier League darts, extending their partnership with the PDC until 2030. Viewers can catch the action on Sky Sports or stream it through the NOW service, with both daily and monthly passes available. Additionally, the opening night in Belfast will be broadcast on the free-to-air channel, Sky Mix, starting at 7pm on Thursday. The roadshow includes a stop in Cardiff on March 20, featuring a compelling rematch between Littler and Van Gerwen, further adding to the excitement of this year’s competition.
As the darts community eagerly anticipates the start of the 2025 Premier League season, all eyes will be on Luke Littler as he aims to continue his winning streak and solidify his position as one of the sport’s rising stars. With a star-studded line-up, intense competition, and a hefty prize pool up for grabs, darts fans worldwide are in for a thrilling season packed with unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries. Stay tuned as the action unfolds across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe, culminating in an epic showdown at the play-offs in London in May.