The 2026 PDC darts season is set to launch with incredible excitement as the Winmau World Masters arrives in Milton Keynes, bringing together the sport's brightest stars for four days of spectacular competition from January 29 to February 1.

Leading the charge is the phenomenal Luke Littler, the back-to-back world champion who has captured hearts worldwide with his remarkable talent and youthful energy. The rising superstar has already achieved extraordinary success in his young career, and now he sets his sights on one of the few major titles still missing from his impressive collection. The World Masters represents a golden opportunity for Littler to add another prestigious trophy to his cabinet and continue his inspiring journey to the top of the sport.

The tournament promises to deliver world-class entertainment, with defending champion Luke Humphries ready to showcase the form that earned him the title last year. Joining this elite gathering is World Darts Championship runner-up Gian van Veen, who will make his exciting debut at the World Masters, bringing fresh energy and determination to the competition.

Darts fans have plenty of heroes to celebrate in this stellar 32-player field. Premier League favorites including the beloved Jonny Clayton, last year's runner-up who thrilled audiences with his performances, will return alongside fellow stars Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price. The legendary Gary Anderson, who reached the World Darts Championship semi-finals, adds his wealth of experience to an already magnificent lineup.

Arena MK will host this spectacular event, with 24 pre-qualified players already confirmed and eight additional competitors earning their places through the Preliminary Rounds on January 28. The tournament structure promises edge-of-your-seat drama, with matches played in the best-of-three-legs set format that has become synonymous with the World Masters.

What makes this event even more special is the life-changing prize fund of £500,000, with the champion taking home an incredible £100,000. These rewards reflect not just the prestige of the tournament, but also the growing success and popularity of professional darts.

The format builds beautifully throughout the week, starting with best-of-five-sets matches in Round One, progressing through increasingly intense best-of-seven-sets encounters, before culminating in a best-of-11-sets final that will crown a worthy champion. Each match promises moments of brilliance, nail-biting tension, and the exceptional skill that makes darts such a captivating sport.

For Littler, this tournament represents more than just another competition. It's a chance to inspire a new generation of darts enthusiasts and demonstrate that youth, dedication, and talent can achieve anything. Whether he lifts the trophy or another deserving champion emerges, the 2026 World Masters promises to be a celebration of everything wonderful about professional darts.

Fans can look forward to witnessing history in the making as these incredible athletes compete at the highest level, showcasing the precision, pressure-handling, and pure entertainment that makes darts one of the world's most beloved sports.