As the festive season draws near and the days grow shorter, excitement for the 2025 World Darts Championship is heating up. Each December, Alexandra Palace is transformed to the centre of the darts world, filled with thrilling action and passionate fans.
The World Championship is unlike any other tournament, with its unpredictable matchups and rapid schedule keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The quick turnaround between games means that momentum can shift at any moment, creating an atmosphere of constant excitement and everchanging PDC world championship odds.
Beyond the title race, the event also offers fans a chance to see beloved players in action, with fan favourites delivering unforgettable moments on the oche.
Last year’s Championship delivered one of the most thrilling finals in recent memory. Luke Humphries took on emerging talent Luke Littler in an all-English showdown that kept fans on edge. After tying 2-2 in the early stages, Littler briefly took the lead, only for Humphries to rally with five consecutive legs to secure a 7-4 victory.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Championship, we look at last this tournament and explore the top contenders for PDC crown.
Luke Humphries
The reigning champion, Humphries enters this year’s Championship with high expectations. His performance last year cemented him as one of the sport’s brightest stars, and he continues to build momentum with key wins on the European stage.
With his precision and mental resilience, Humphries is a frontrunner and will be one to watch closely as he aims to defend his title.
Michael van Gerwen
Known for his incredible skill and fierce competitive passion, Michael van Gerwen bounced back from a disappointing early exit in the World Grand Prix to defeat Gerwyn Price in an 8-4 showdown at the Players Championship, meaning he heads to Ally Pally in good spirit.
His current form is impressive, and his three previous World Championship wins underscore his status as one of the sport’s best. At 6/1 odds, van Gerwen is a serious contender this year when assessing the darts odds.
Gary Anderson
A veteran in the darts world, Gary Anderson has had a strong year, capturing the 2024 European Darts Grand Prix—his first European Tour title in over a decade.
Known for his smooth throwing style, Anderson has an impressive resume, including back-to-back World Championships in 2015 and 2016 and the 2019 PDC World Cup of Darts. With his recent win and a track record of success, Anderson’s return to form makes the Scot a favourite for the upcoming Championship.
Michael Smith
A fan favourite and former champion, Michael Smith has consistently brought intensity to Ally Pally. Smith’s unforgettable win in the 2022 final—hailed as one of the greatest games in darts history—solidified his place in darts lore.
While he is still something of an outsider compared to the other names on this list, Smith remains a solid bet and has proven he can go the distance in high-pressure matches.
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After his impressive run to last year’s final, Luke Littler returns to Ally Pally with his sights set on going one step further. ‘The Nuke’ will need to be at his best, but with his skill and tenacity, Littler could make another deep run as he seeks redemption.