PDC World Darts Championship 2025 – History, Format, Top Seeds and Rising Stars 🎯

The PDC World Darts Championship 2025 returns to Alexandra Palace with 128 players, huge prize money and global stars on the oche – from defending champion Luke Littler to a stacked field of contenders chasing darts’ biggest prize.

The PDC World Darts Championship 2025 is about to explode into life at Alexandra Palace in London, as the world’s best players battle for the Sid Waddell Trophy. In this in-depth guide we dive into the tournament’s history, past champions, what makes the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 so special, how players qualify, the first-round setup, and detailed profiles of the top 20 ranked players in the world. 🏆

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History and prestige of the PDC World Darts Championship 📜

Darts has crowned world champions since 1978, but the modern era of the PDC World Darts Championship began in 1994 when the Professional Darts Corporation broke away from the old organisation. The first PDC world champion was Dennis Priestley in 1994, but it was Phil “The Power” Taylor who dominated the decades that followed with 14 PDC titles (16 in total including BDO) – a record nobody is close to. At one point Taylor won eight world titles in a row and firmly established the PDC World Darts Championship as the ultimate prize in darts.

After the Taylor era the sport opened up. Michael van Gerwen took over much of the 2010s with three world titles (2014, 2017, 2019), while players like Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis and Peter Wright have each lifted the trophy twice in the modern era. In more recent years we’ve seen a new generation of world champions: Gerwyn Price claimed his first title in 2021, Michael Smith triumphed in 2023, Luke Humphries broke through in 2024 – and then came the phenomenon Luke Littler, becoming the youngest world champion in history at just 17 years old in 2025. The fact that a teenager could lift the trophy has added a new dimension of excitement: the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 truly feels like a stage where anything can happen.

The PDC World Darts Championship is widely regarded as the most prestigious event in the sport. Alexandra Palace – better known as “Ally Pally” – has hosted the tournament since 2008 and has become an iconic venue for darts fans. The event is played across the festive and New Year period, creating a unique party atmosphere. Fans turn up in fancy dress, sing and roar their heroes on in a loud but good-natured crowd that fills the hall night after night. Tickets for the three weeks of darting chaos are snapped up within hours, and the final is watched by millions on TV. It’s no surprise the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 is often called “the greatest show on earth” in darts. Every player dreams of lifting the trophy – and this year’s champion will also bank a cool £1 million, underlining just how big and lucrative the tournament has become. 💷

Qualification and format 🧮

The PDC World Darts Championship 2025 is bigger than ever. The field has been expanded to 128 players for the first time, up from 96. To qualify for the PDC World Darts Championship 2025, players must either be among the best on the PDC Order of Merit, perform strongly on the ProTour, or win one of many international qualifiers around the globe.

The top 40 players on the two-year PDC Order of Merit after the end of the season qualify automatically. These include all the household names, and the top 32 of them are seeded – meaning they are placed in the draw and kept apart early on. After that, the next 40 players on the one-year PDC ProTour ranking (not already qualified) earn their spots at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. Finally, 48 international qualifiers from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas join the field via national and regional qualifiers. That structure guarantees a diverse line-up, mixing established stars with fresh faces.

A host of countries are represented, and this year we see some historic debuts. Kenya and Argentina both have a player qualified for the very first time, a clear sign of darts’ global growth. At least four women are in the field as well – a minimum requirement built into the new qualification system. Among them are Beau Greaves (three-time women’s world champion) and Lisa Ashton (Women’s World Matchplay winner), as well as Fallon Sherrock, Noa-Lynn van Leuven and Gemma Hayter. Sherrock is famous as the only woman ever to win matches at the PDC World Darts Championship, while Van Leuven is the first trans player to compete on this stage. All of this helps make the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 the most inclusive and global edition yet. 🌍

The tournament format follows classic PDC set play. The first round at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 is played as best of 5 sets (first to 3 sets wins the match). As the event progresses, the number of sets increases, all the way up to a best of 13 sets final (first to 7) on 3 January. All 32 seeded players begin directly in round one, each drawn against an unseeded qualifier. That gives us 64 first-round matches to cut the field down to 64 players before Christmas. The draw is structured so that seed 1 faces a random qualifier, seed 2 faces another and so on, setting up plenty of potential David versus Goliath clashes right from the start.

First round: draw and key matches 🎟️

Even in the very first round the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 offers some mouthwatering ties. Defending champion and top seed Luke Littler opens against Lithuania’s experienced qualifier Darius Labanauskas. Michael van Gerwen, the third seed and three-time world champion, faces Japanese qualifier Mitsuhiko Tatsunami – a showdown between one of the game’s giants and a relatively unknown challenger from Asia.

Several other star names have intriguing openers. Michael Smith, world champion two years ago but down to 28th seed now, faces Lisa Ashton, four-time women’s world champion – a tie that will attract enormous attention among fans of the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. Northern Ireland’s 22nd seed Daryl Gurney takes on women’s sensation Beau Greaves, in a match that will be historic regardless of the result. Fans will also be eager to see legend Raymond van Barneveld (five-time world champion) back on the Ally Pally stage; the 56-year-old unseeded Dutchman kicks off against Switzerland’s Stefan Bellmont, chasing one last fairy-tale run. As a fun footnote, 71-year-old Paul Lim is also in the field – Singapore’s grand old man returns to the PDC World Darts Championship and extends his record as the oldest participant ever.

In short, the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 offers a brilliant mix of top seeds and hungry underdogs from all over the world. Every set and every leg is played with enormous pressure – and history shows that absolutely anything can happen at Ally Pally, even in the opening round. 🔥

Player by player: favourites and dark horses at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 👥

Below we run through the top 20 ranked players heading into the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 – the names expected to shape this year’s tournament. For each player we look at their achievements, current form and what we might expect on the Ally Pally stage.

1. Luke Littler (England) – Reigning champion and world number one 👑

18-year-old Luke Littler enters the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 as defending champion and top seed. He won the 2025 world title in sensational fashion as a 17-year-old, becoming the youngest world champion in darts history. Since then his rise has only accelerated. During the 2025 season he climbed to world number one and racked up a string of titles.

Among other things he has lifted the World Matchplay and Grand Slam of Darts trophies this year, as well as winning the Players Championship Finals shortly before the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. With six major titles in 2025 alone, his form is nothing short of spectacular. The young Englishman – fittingly nicknamed “The Nuke” – impresses with his calm demeanour and ruthless finishing under pressure. As defending champion he is aiming to become the first player since Gary Anderson in 2016 to retain the world crown. With his confidence, talent and the Ally Pally crowd behind him, Luke Littler is arguably the standout favourite for the PDC World Darts Championship 2025.

2. Luke Humphries (England) – 2024 world champion out for revenge 🎯

Luke Humphries is the second seed and hungry to reclaim the trophy he won in 2024. The 28-year-old Englishman, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke”, had his major breakthrough when he became world champion two years ago. Following his world title, Humphries has remained firmly among the elite. In 2025 he has added two more big titles (including the World Masters and Premier League) and reached the final of three other TV events.

His smooth, composed style and heavy scoring have made him a nightmare opponent, and he has previously occupied top spot on the PDC Order of Merit before Littler overtook him. Recent results suggest solid form, even if he has lost a couple of finals. Humphries knows exactly what it takes to win the PDC World Darts Championship 2025, and he looks determined to mount another serious title challenge.

3. Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) – Three-time world champion still hungry 🟢

Michael van Gerwen – “Mighty Mike” – needs little introduction. The Dutch superstar has dominated large parts of the last decade, winning world titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019, and is already a legend at 36. He arrives at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 as the third seed.

Van Gerwen has been through a relative dip these last couple of seasons without adding major titles, but he ended that drought in September by winning the World Series Finals. That showed that the three-time world champion still has the game to beat anyone. His explosive scoring and ferocious winning mentality remain as intimidating as ever. With four years gone since his last world crown, MVG is desperate to lift the trophy again. He has tailored his preparation to peak for the PDC World Darts Championship 2025, and no one knows how to handle the pressure at Ally Pally better than him. It would surprise nobody if “Mighty Mike” were to march back into the final.

4. Stephen Bunting (England) – BDO champion chasing PDC glory 💣

Fourth seed Stephen “The Bullet” Bunting is perhaps the biggest dark horse in the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. The Englishman was BDO world champion in 2014 before switching to the PDC later that year as reigning champion. He has yet to reach a PDC World Darts Championship final, but he has been to the semi-finals twice (including last year and in 2021), proving that he thrives at Ally Pally.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed a consistently strong season, reflected in his lofty seeding. Bunting is still searching for that first major PDC title, but he did win a Players Championship event earlier this year and has produced some of the highest averages of his career. With his relaxed set-up and silky throwing action, “The Bullet” can suddenly erupt with heavy scoring and rapid 180s. The question is whether he can find his absolute peak when it matters most. If Bunting finally shoots himself into a world final, it would be the crowning achievement of a PDC career that has been solid for a long time – but so far just short of the ultimate success.

5. Jonny Clayton (Wales) – “The Ferret” with form and experience 🐹

Wales’ Jonny Clayton is the fifth seed and his country’s top hope. The 49-year-old, nicknamed “The Ferret”, has enjoyed several golden years on tour, including winning the Premier League in 2021 and the UK Open in 2022. Clayton is one of the tour’s most reliable performers; he regularly reaches quarter- and semi-finals and has collected multiple ProTour titles this season.

His style is defined by a smooth rhythm and ice-cold finishing. At the PDC World Darts Championship his best runs have taken him to the quarter-finals twice, but he has yet to go beyond that. Form looks encouraging, with a recent Grand Slam semi-final under his belt. As the fifth seed, Clayton avoids the very biggest names until the last eight, which gives him a real opportunity to push deep. If “The Ferret” finds his A-game, he could be a serious outsider for the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 title.

6. Danny Noppert (Netherlands) – Solid Dutchman in the elite 🚧

Danny Noppert is the second-highest ranked Dutch player and the sixth seed. The 32-year-old made his major breakthrough by winning the UK Open 2022, his first TV title. Since then he has been a picture of consistency, quietly putting together deep runs across the circuit.

Noppert hasn’t captured a major in 2025, but several ProTour finals and semi-finals have kept him high on the rankings. His best PDC World Darts Championship run so far is a quarter-final appearance in 2022, and his calm temperament means the Ally Pally crowd rarely phases him. He might lack the raw star power of some rivals, but dismissing Noppert would be foolish – he has already shown he can win big events. If he peaks at the right moment, another deep run at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 is entirely realistic.

7. James Wade (England) – Major winner chasing his white whale 🧠

No one in this year’s field can match James Wade when it comes to PDC World Darts Championship experience. The 40-year-old is making his 22nd consecutive appearance at the event. Nicknamed “The Machine”, Wade has won almost every major in the sport (including the World Matchplay, Premier League and UK Open), but never the world championship.

He has come agonisingly close, reaching the semi-finals four times without progressing to the final. This year Wade has shown flashes of his best form, enough to secure a high seeding at number 7. He hasn’t won a TV title in 2025, but he did pick up a Players Championship victory and reach the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix. Famous for his clinical finishing on double 10 and double 12, Wade often out-clutches more explosive scorers in the set format used at the PDC World Darts Championship. Many younger players may throw bigger averages, but Wade has the brain and experience. Can “The Machine” finally crack the code and land his elusive world title? Few players in the PDC would be more popular world champions.

8. Chris Dobey (England) – Home favourite riding the wave 🌬️

Chris Dobey has blossomed over the last couple of seasons. The Englishman, seeded 8th and known as “Hollywood”, won his first big TV title at the Masters in 2023 and has built on that success. At last year’s PDC World Darts Championship he reached the semi-finals, his best run at Ally Pally to date.

That performance, plus a Players Championship title this year, has cemented his place in the top 10. Dobey combines calm, focused play with a bit of stage charisma, and the Ally Pally crowd have really warmed to him. Form is encouraging heading into the PDC World Darts Championship 2025, with a recent semi-final at the Players Championship Finals. As the 8th seed he could well run into Michael van Gerwen in a possible quarter-final – a rematch of last year’s semi. Chris Dobey looks like a genuine contender, and many English fans would love to see him lift the trophy for the North of England.

9. Gerwyn Price (Wales) – Former world number one hunting another crown ❄️

Gerwyn Price, seeded 9 and world champion in 2021, is always in the conversation. The former rugby player from Wales – “The Iceman” – is one of the most intense and emotional performers on stage. It took him some time to rediscover his top form after becoming world champion, but he has remained in the top 10 ever since.

In 2025 he has picked up a couple of European Tour wins and reached a World Series final, though he has occasionally fallen short in the biggest majors. That’s why he sits as low as 9th seed at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. Still, everyone knows that on his day Price can dominate anyone – few can match his power scoring and 100+ averages when he gets rolling. With multiple Grand Slam titles behind him, the winning mentality is not in doubt. If “The Iceman” can keep his cool, it’s perfectly realistic to see him back in the world final.

10. Gian van Veen (Netherlands) – Young Dutch star in red-hot form 🚀

The breakout star of the season is Gian van Veen. The Dutch prodigy, just 21 and the youngest seed at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025, has surged up the rankings after an outstanding year. Van Veen claimed his first TV title by winning the European Championship in the autumn – his maiden major victory.

On top of that, he defended his crown at the PDC World Youth Championship, pulling off the rare double of major success at both youth and senior level in the same season. Gian van Veen has shown that he belongs on the biggest stages despite his age. With a technically pure throw and a calm presence beyond his years, he looks tailor-made for TV darts. This will be his first PDC World Darts Championship as a seeded player, which brings new expectations. If he continues his upward trajectory, Van Veen could easily play his way into the latter stages and become one of the big stories at Ally Pally.

11. Josh Rock (Northern Ireland) – Rising star with World Cup success 🌟

Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock (11th seed) is tipped by many as a future world champion. The 22-year-old burst onto the scene last year with a series of huge averages and fearless performances, and this season he strengthened his reputation by winning the World Cup of Darts alongside Daryl Gurney for Northern Ireland.

Rock is only in his second full professional year, but he has already reached a Grand Slam semi-final and proven he can handle big stages. Known for his ferocious scoring, he can rattle off 180s at frightening speed when he hits his groove. At last year’s PDC World Darts Championship he famously took a set off Michael van Gerwen with an average above 115, underlining his ceiling. With multiple Players Championship titles this year and a stable ProTour season, he sits comfortably inside the top 12. He still lacks a solo major, but the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 could well be the platform where he truly explodes. Rock has the talent, energy and now some experience – and he will be one of the most feared opponents for any of the top names later in the event.

12. Ross Smith (England) – European champion with a point to prove 💼

Ross Smith, seeded 12, wrote his name into the history books by winning the European Championship in 2022 – his first and so far only major title. That run showed just how high his top level is. Since then he hasn’t managed to add to his tally of TV titles, but consistent results on the ProTour have kept him in and around the world’s top 16.

“Smudger” is one of those players who can beat absolutely anyone on a given night. His slightly unorthodox but rhythmic throw allows him to produce flurries of big scores out of nowhere. At the PDC World Darts Championship his best result to date is a fourth-round appearance, but as the 12th seed he has a potentially kind route through the early rounds. Recent form has been solid, with a few ProTour quarter-finals in the latter part of the season. The big question is whether Smith can rediscover the European Championship form of 2022 – if he does, he could easily find himself in the hunt for at least a semi-final spot at Ally Pally.

13. Martin Schindler (Germany) – German hope in a record-breaking field 🇩🇪

The German darts boom reaches a new high this year, with eight German players in the field – a record – and Martin Schindler is the top-ranked among them. Seeded 13th for the PDC World Darts Championship 2025, Schindler has steadily climbed the rankings and is now established in the elite.

Nicknamed “The Wall” for his mental resilience, Schindler has yet to win a major TV title, but he picked up his first ProTour crown in 2023 and has flirted with deep runs in several televised events. This season he has reached a European Tour final and multiple semi-finals, enough to secure his place in the top 16. In Germany he is already a big star, and now he has the chance to shine again at Ally Pally with a growing number of German fans making the trip. There is pressure to deliver, but Schindler has shown he can handle it – last year he knocked out higher-ranked opponents and reached the third round. If he finds his scoring rhythm and relaxes on stage, Martin Schindler could be one of the most dangerous outsiders at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025.

14. Gary Anderson (Scotland) – Two-time world champion with all the know-how 🛫

Gary “The Flying Scotsman” Anderson returns to Ally Pally as a seeded player and back inside the top 16 (14th seed) after a spell out of the limelight. The 54-year-old Scot is a two-time world champion (2015 and 2016) and one of the most decorated players in the field.

Anderson’s graceful, quick-fire throw and scoring power at his peak were legendary – few fans will forget the finals he won against Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis. After 2016 he remained near the top for several years, but recent seasons saw him slip down the rankings. In 2025, however, he has enjoyed something of a resurgence, winning a Players Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the World Matchplay. That consistency has pulled him back up the Order of Merit.

Anderson has made no secret of the fact he still feels the hunger to win a third world title before he eventually calls it a day. Last year’s early exit at Ally Pally hurt, and he looks determined to prove he still belongs among the best. With his vast experience of PDC World Darts Championships and a proven ability to rise on the biggest occasions, Gary Anderson is a player none of the top seeds will want in their quarter of the draw.

15. Nathan Aspinall (England) – European Tour king in 2025 🐍

Nathan Aspinall has put together an excellent 2025, particularly on the European Tour, where he has won three titles – more than any other player this season. That run has helped him to the 15th seed at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 and established him as a serious dark horse.

The 32-year-old already has a couple of majors to his name (the UK Open in 2019 and the World Grand Prix in 2023) and has reached the semi-finals at Ally Pally twice before (2019 and 2020). Aspinall is renowned for his fighting spirit; he never gives up and often plays his best darts when trailing. At this year’s Players Championship Finals he reached the final before losing to Luke Littler, another sign that his game is in very good shape heading into the PDC World Darts Championship 2025.

His unusual, high-arm throwing technique might not be textbook, but when the rhythm clicks he can pound in 140s and 180s almost as freely as anyone on tour. The crowd loves his passion and emotional reactions. To take that final step to a world final, “The Asp” needs to stay composed in the biggest moments, something that has occasionally deserted him. However, given his 2025 season, he is absolutely a real candidate for the semi-finals or beyond.

16. Damon Heta (Australia) – Australia’s number one with strong credentials 🔥

Australia’s top player Damon Heta arrives as the 16th seed at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. The 36-year-old from Perth announced himself to the world by winning the Brisbane Masters in 2019 and has kept improving ever since. Perhaps his greatest achievement so far is winning the World Cup of Darts in 2022 with Simon Whitlock – Australia’s first world team title.

Individually, Heta has collected several Players Championship titles, and in 2025 he added two more floor trophies, underlining his strong form. On the TV stage he has yet to make a truly deep run at Ally Pally – his best PDC World Darts Championship performance is a third round appearance. However, he has shown flashes of brilliance, including a nine-darter at last year’s World Championship, even if he lost that match.

Known for his relaxed personality – often smiling on stage but capable of heating up – “The Heat” carries the responsibility of representing Australian darts at the top level, especially with Whitlock now relying on qualifiers for his own appearances. Heta opens against Ireland’s Steve Lennon and has a chance to build confidence early. If he can maintain his top level over longer stretches, a quarter-final at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 is well within reach.

17. Rob Cross (England) – 2018 world champion chasing another shock run ⚡

Englishman Rob “Voltage” Cross stunned the darts world when he went all the way to become world champion in 2018 – in his debut appearance at the PDC World Darts Championship. That fairy-tale run remains one of the most remarkable in PDC history. Since then, Cross has been a permanent fixture in the elite, even if he hasn’t managed to reclaim the world crown.

He has added major titles such as the European Championship (2019 and 2021) and the World Matchplay in 2019, but 2025 has seen a slightly up-and-down season. There have been semi-finals at majors, but also a few early exits, leaving him as “only” the 17th seed at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. Nevertheless, Cross is built for big occasions. He has reached another Ally Pally semi-final since his triumph and his deliberate, controlled style often holds up under pressure.

In round one he faces an unseeded qualifier, a match Cross will be favoured to win, but one he will not take lightly given his own underdog past. If “Voltage” finds his rhythm early and builds momentum, he absolutely has the tools to knock out anyone in the draw. The first objective is to rediscover consistency over the set format – do that, and Rob Cross could once again be a major factor in the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 title race.

18. Mike De Decker (Belgium) – Surprise package and Grand Prix champion 🎰

Belgian star Mike De Decker has taken a giant leap this season. The 28-year-old, seeded 18th, produced one of the year’s biggest shocks by winning the World Grand Prix 2024 – his first ever TV title. He wasn’t among the main favourites at that event, but he defeated several top names on the way to the trophy.

The Grand Prix win catapulted him up the rankings and into the world’s top 20 heading into the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. Long regarded as a talented but inconsistent player, “The Real Deal” now looks far more stable and confident. His smooth throw and ability to score heavily have never been in doubt, but the most impressive improvement has been on doubles – particularly important at the double-start World Grand Prix.

De Decker has limited PDC World Darts Championship experience and his best run so far is the second round. As a seeded player for the first time he gets a slightly more favourable early draw and avoids the top stars until later. The big question is whether he can follow up his Grand Prix heroics on the Ally Pally stage. If he carries that form into London, Belgium could see its first ever quarter-finalist or better at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025.

19. Jermaine Wattimena (Netherlands) – “Machine Gun” finally firing 🔫

Lightning-quick Dutch thrower Jermaine Wattimena is the 19th seed this year. The 35-year-old, nicknamed “The Machine Gun” for his rapid pace, has spent years hovering around the top 32 without fully breaking through. In 2025 that changed: Wattimena claimed his first two PDC titles, winning a pair of Players Championship events.

Those victories have clearly boosted his confidence and pushed him to a career-high in the rankings. Wattimena has long had a high baseline level – regularly qualifying for TV tournaments and pushing top players close – but he often lacked the final blow in deciding legs. Now he appears to be closing out matches more effectively.

At the PDC World Darts Championship he has never gone beyond the third round. As the 19th seed, he has a realistic chance to at least equal that and maybe push into the last 16, depending on the draw. With his high-tempo style he can rattle opponents and pour in big scores when he clicks, but that same pace can sometimes lead to sloppy darts on the doubles. The key for Wattimena at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 will be to keep his head cool while maintaining just enough of that trademark speed.

20. Ryan Searle (England) – Heavy Metal with heavy artillery 🎸

Ryan Searle – known as “Heavy Metal” – rounds off our top-20 list as the 20th seed. The powerful Englishman is famous for two things: huge scoring power and the heaviest darts on tour (he throws 32-gram darts). Over the past few seasons he has become a regular threat in the latter stages of events, even if the big TV title has so far eluded him.

His closest shaves include a narrow defeat in the Players Championship Finals in 2021 and a heartbreaking 10–11 loss in the 2022 UK Open final. In 2025 he has added a couple of ProTour titles to his resume, proving his level is still rising. At the PDC World Darts Championship his best effort is a quarter-final run in 2021.

Searle’s relaxed demeanour is one of his strengths. He rarely shows much emotion and looks unflustered under pressure, which can be priceless in the set format. When “Heavy Metal” hits his rhythm he can reel off 100+ averages and simply overpower opponents. Recent form is decent, with a semi-final on the Players Championship circuit. As the 20th seed he likely falls into a tough section of the draw with a potential meeting against Luke Humphries in round four. Still, Ryan Searle has all the tools to make noise – if he can be just a little more clinical on key doubles, he may finally land that statement run at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025.

Recommended Bets 🔍

Odds provided by Coolbet.

1. Tournament Winner: Josh Rock (+1400)

Josh Rock represents one of the most exciting value plays at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025. At +1400, he sits outside the main group of favourites, yet his ceiling is unquestionably world-title level. Rock’s scoring power, especially his ability to produce consecutive 12- and 13-darters, makes him dangerous in the set-play format. His World Cup triumph earlier this year proved that he can deliver under pressure, and his rapid maturity on stage suggests that a deep run is more a matter of when than if. With Littler, Humphries and Van Gerwen drawing most of the attention, Rock offers strong betting value in a tournament known for breakout champions.

2. Gerwyn Price – 9-Dart Finish: Yes (+800)

A 9-darter bet is always high variance, but Gerwyn Price at +800 is an intriguing proposition. “The Iceman” remains one of the game’s most explosive scorers, and when his rhythm clicks, he can produce perfect legs seemingly out of nowhere. Importantly, Price has hit televised 9-darters before and tends to elevate his game in high-energy environments — and few stages produce more adrenaline than Ally Pally. With the expanded field and more matches this year, the probability of a 9-darter increases overall, and Price is one of the top candidates to deliver it.

3. Total 170 Checkouts – Over 6.5 (+162)

The PDC World Darts Championship is traditionally rich in 170 finishes — “the big fish” is often produced when the crowd energy peaks. With 128 players in the field and 64 first-round matches alone, there will be more opportunities than ever for players to leave and attempt 170. The modern game also features increasingly aggressive finishing strategies, and the current generation (Littler, Van Veen, Aspinall, Rock) are more willing to chase the big fish earlier in legs. Given the scoring strength across the field and the statistical trend toward higher big-finish frequency, the Over 6.5 line at +162 offers excellent value.