2026 Paddy Power World Darts Championship: What’s Happened So Far?

The 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship is officially underway at the iconic Alexandra Palace, and as ever, Ally Pally has delivered the perfect mix of world-class darts, unforgettable moments and a few unexpected distractions along the way. From dominant early performances by the sport’s biggest stars to a rogue wasp stealing the headlines, the opening days of the championship have already reminded fans why this is one of the most entertaining events in the sporting calendar.

Luke Littler: The Defending Champion

All eyes were on Luke Littler on opening night as the reigning champion returned to the Ally Pally stage — and he didn’t disappoint. Littler kicked off his campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Darius Labanauskas, showing composure, heavy scoring and clinical finishing throughout the match.
Producing an average comfortably above 100 and landing several eye-catching checkouts, Littler looked every bit the defending champion as he eased through to the next round. His reward is a second-round clash with David Davies, who booked his place after overcoming Mario Vandenbogaerde. It was a confident, professional start from Littler and an early statement to the rest of the field that he remains the man to beat at the World Darts Championship.

PDC World Darts Championship Results So Far: Early Winners and Standout Performances

Last updated 17th December 2025 

Cameron Menzies Hand Incident

One of the most talked-about moments of this year’s PDC World Darts Championship so far came after the final dart was thrown, following an emotional reaction from Cameron Menzies.

<p”>The Scottish star suffered a narrow 3–2 defeat to debutant Charlie Manby, despite leading the match twice. After the loss, Menzies reacted in frustration, striking the underside of a drinks table, leaving his throwing hand bloodied and requiring treatment from on-site medical staff before he was escorted from the stage.

Menzies later issued a public apology, admitting he had allowed his emotions to take over on one of darts’ biggest stages. He also spoke openly about personal challenges away from the oche, while making it clear there was no excuse for his actions.

The incident sparked widespread discussion within the darts community, underlining the intense pressure players face at the World Darts Championship. Attention also turned to Charlie Manby, whose composed performance marked an impressive debut and a breakthrough moment in his career.

Paul Lim Heart Warming Moment

The opening matches have already produced a number of standout performances and talking points. One of the most heart-warming moments came courtesy of Paul Lim, who made history by becoming the oldest player ever to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship at the age of 71 — a reminder that experience and composure still count on the biggest stage.

Elsewhere, Joe Cullen made light work of his opening assignment, cruising to a 3–0 win over Bradley Brooks to book his place in the next round. Strong first-round victories were also recorded by Gary Anderson, Gabriel Clemens, Wessel Nijman, Andrew Gilding and Luke Woodhouse, as the seeded players largely avoided early shocks.
That said, the margins have already been fine, with several matches going the distance and setting the tone for a fiercely competitive tournament ahead.

Ally Pally Wasp Incident: The Most Bizarre Moment of the PDC World Darts Championship

It wouldn’t be the World Darts Championship without something completely unexpected — and this year, that moment has arrived in the form of a persistent wasp.
The now-infamous insect has repeatedly entered the arena, buzzing around players, cameras and even live TV interviews. It briefly became a distraction for Luke Littler earlier in the tournament, before escalating into one of the strangest moments Ally Pally has ever seen. During a match between Richard Veenstra and Nitin Kumar, the wasp was struck mid-air by a dart, sending social media into meltdown and instantly cementing itself as one of the most bizarre moments in tournament history. The chaos didn’t stop there. In another match, Ross Smith was forced to deal with a wasp landing on his collar during play – drawing laughter, nerves and disbelief from the crowd. Smith would eventually exit the tournament in a tight 3–2 defeat, with the wasp incident only adding to the drama.

World Darts Championship TV Moments: Joe Cullen’s Live Interview Slip

Joe Cullen found himself back in the headlines after his win – but not just for his darts. During a live post-match interview, Cullen accidentally dropped an expletive on air, prompting immediate apologies and light-hearted reactions from fans.
Cullen quickly owned the moment, joking about the inevitable fine and adding another viral clip to the championship’s growing highlight reel – a reminder of how unpredictable Ally Pally can be.

What’s Next at the PDC World Darts Championship? Upcoming Matches and Key Talking Points

With the opening rounds now complete, attention turns to the second-round showdowns. Luke Littler vs David Davies is already one of the most anticipated upcoming ties, while Joe Cullen prepares to face either Mensur Suljovic or David Cameron. As the championship gathers momentum, fans can expect more drama, more high-quality darts and — if early signs are anything to go by – plenty more moments that will live long in Ally Pally folklore.
The PDC World Darts Championship has only just begun, but it’s already delivering exactly what fans love: elite competition, unforgettable stories and entertainment that only darts can provide.

Few seats left – experience the thrill of the World Darts Championship live at Ally Pally!

As the festive season draws closer, excitement is reaching fever pitch for one of the sporting calendar’s biggest highlights — the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. From the buzz of the opening sessions to nail-biting quarter-finals, dramatic semi-finals and the iconic final, fans can expect weeks of unforgettable darts drama. Be there for every maximum, every upset and every unforgettable walk-on moment.

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The PDC World Darts Championship hospitality experience is available across three tailored packages. The Platinum Package delivers the ultimate VIP experience with premium round-table seating, a pre-session meal, mid-session bites, full table service and complimentary drinks. The Gold Package offers exceptional hospitality including dining, a welcome drink, table service and inclusive drinks within the main hospitality lounge. For those seeking a more laid-back option, the Silver Package includes pre-session dining, complimentary drinks and hospitality access, with seating located in the general admission area. All hospitality packages include a souvenir programme and a dedicated hospitality entrance.

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