ANTWERP, Belgium – The Premier League Darts, a cornerstone of the professional darts calendar, is making history this week with its first-ever event in Antwerp, Belgium. The tournament, organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), continues its 17-night run across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, bringing top-tier competition to a new audience. This expansion underscores the growing international appeal of the sport, though questions remain about representation within the league itself.
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts season, the 22nd edition of the event, kicked off on February 5th at the Newcastle Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne and will culminate with the play-offs at the O2 Arena in London on May 28th. The total prize fund stands at £1,250,000, with the overall winner set to receive £350,000 and each weekly winner earning a £10,000 bonus. The league stage features a unique format: each night functions as a mini-tournament, with eight players competing in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a nightly final.
The current lineup features a strong contingent of British players – six in total – alongside two representatives from the Netherlands. World champion Luke Littler and defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries are headlining the competition. Joining them are world youth champion Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, and debutant Josh Rock. Notably, the league currently does not include any female players.
Thursday’s night in Antwerp is particularly anticipated, featuring a rematch of last year’s Premier League final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. This high-stakes matchup will be followed by a contest between either Michael van Gerwen or Josh Rock, depending on the outcomes of the earlier quarter-final matches. The event marks a significant step in the PDC’s efforts to broaden the sport’s reach beyond its traditional strongholds.
Josh Rock, making his Premier League debut this season, has already made an impact, achieving a nine-dart finish on night four, despite a 6-2 loss to Gian van Veen. This impressive feat highlights the rising talent within the league and the potential for exciting performances throughout the season. For those unfamiliar, a nine-dart finish is the equivalent of a perfect game in darts, requiring incredible precision and consistency.
The Premier League Darts has evolved since its inception in 2005. Originally featuring seven players, a wildcard spot was added in 2007, expanding the field to eight. The tournament has consistently drawn large crowds and garnered significant television viewership, solidifying its position as a premier event in the darts calendar. Phil Taylor dominated the early years, winning six of the first eight editions.
The inclusion of Antwerp on the schedule represents a deliberate effort to tap into new markets and cultivate a wider fanbase. Belgium has a growing darts community, and the PDC is hoping to capitalize on this enthusiasm by bringing the Premier League experience to the country for the first time. The event is expected to draw a significant crowd, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in continental Europe.
Looking ahead, the Premier League Darts will continue its tour across the UK and Ireland before returning to London for the play-offs in May. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 6pm on Thursday evenings. The league’s website, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Premier_League_Darts, provides detailed schedules, results, and player profiles. The next confirmed event will be held on February 19th, with details to be announced shortly.
The Premier League Darts in Antwerp isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a statement about the sport’s global ambitions. Whether this expansion will lead to greater diversity within the league remains to be seen, but the event itself is a clear indication that darts is looking beyond its traditional boundaries.
What are your thoughts on the Premier League Darts expanding to Antwerp? Share your predictions for the season in the comments below!
