The 2025-26 World Darts Championship is set to be a landmark event in the history of the sport, with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) announcing a new qualifying structure that guarantees the participation of at least four women. This development is a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in darts.

Expanded Field and Prize Pool

This year's championship will feature an expanded field of 128 players, up from 96 in the previous season. The winner will take home a staggering £1 million from a total prize pot of £5 million, making it one of the most lucrative events in the sport.

New Qualifying Structure

A major change in the tournament format is that seeded players, including defending champion Luke Littler and Premier League winner Luke Humphries, will enter the competition in the first round instead of the second. The 32 seeds will be joined by players ranked 33-64, who will be drawn randomly against the remaining 64 qualifiers.

Opportunities for Women

This expansion provides players from the PDC's global affiliate tours and secondary tours with more opportunities to compete on the sport's biggest stage. The PDC has committed to including a minimum of four women in the 128-player field. These women will be:

• The winner of the PDC Women's World Matchplay
• The PDC Women's Series winner, runner-up, and third-place player

Historical Context

The inclusion of at least four women in the championship marks a historic moment. Previously, the most women to compete in a single year was three, during the 2022-23 season when Lisa Ashton, Fallon Sherrock, and Beau Greaves all participated. Gayl King was the first woman to play at the World Championship in 2000-01, and Fallon Sherrock made history by becoming the first female to win a match at the tournament in 2019-20.

Venue and Schedule

The 2025-26 Championship will be held at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London, starting in December and concluding in early January.

This new structure not only enhances the competitive landscape but also ensures that women have a more prominent role in the sport, paving the way for future generations of female darts players.