Darts at Christmas has become one of the UK’s most cherished festive traditions, bringing together fans for a spectacle unlike any other.
The PDC World Darts Championship, held at the iconic Alexandra Palace – affectionately known as Ally Pally – delivers an electrifying atmosphere, thrilling matches, and unforgettable walk-on moments that have made it a must-watch event.
Capturing the essence of the holiday season with its camaraderie, celebration, and high-octane entertainment, it’s no surprise that the tournament is a highlight of the sporting calendar.
As the 2025 edition approaches, anticipation is at an all-time high. Recent results across the sport have showcased the competitiveness ahead of Ally Pally, setting the stage for one of the most exciting tournaments in years.
The unpredictability of the event is what gives it is charm, with the Darts World Championship betting tight thanks to a deep pool of talent where any player could emerge victorious if they find their form.
Reflecting on last year’s World Championship serves as the perfect reminder of why this tournament has become such a phenomenon.
The 2024 Worlds was a tournament to remember, packed with thrilling comebacks, underdog victories, and moments that captivated fans from the very first match.
Boasting arguably the strongest set of players in recent years, it highlighted why darts continues to grow as one of the UK’s most beloved sports. Let’s take a closer look back at the action that defined an unforgettable championship.
Opening week caused some surprise and entertainment
The early rounds set the tone for a World Championship filled with shocks. The narrative of the underdog took centre stage as unseeded players delivered stunning performances against established favourites.
One of the biggest shocks came when Scott Williams defeated Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion and one of the tournament favourites with the darts betting odds. Rob Cross also pulled off a thrilling comeback from four sets down.
Stephen Bunting captured the crowd’s hearts with his inspired performances. Known for his ability to play to the crowd, his walk-ons and showmanship made him one of the tournament’s standout personalities. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pietreczko, nicknamed “Pikachu,” brought fun and flair to the stage, with his Pokémon-themed walk-out earning widespread applause from a crowd paraded in fancy dress.
Favourites struggled
The unpredictability extended to the tournament’s seeded players, with several big names bowing out earlier than expected. Peter Wright, Nathan Aspinall, and Danny Noppert were among the 11 seeds eliminated before round three, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of the field.
Even household names like Gerwyn Price couldn’t avoid the tournament’s pitfalls, as lower-ranked players took full advantage of the spotlight.
For fans, the unexpected exits only added to the drama. The openness of the draw created opportunities for new contenders to emerge, giving rise to fresh faces who seized their moment under the Ally Pally lights.
A final to remember
The final was the culmination of three weeks of world-class darts, and it lived up to all expectations. Luke Humphries, the pre-tournament favourite, faced Luke Littler in a tense and gripping match. Cool Hand showcased the composure and precision that had brought him to the top of the sport, defeating Littler 7-4 to claim his first PDC World Championship title.
Trailing 4-2 at one point, Humphries demonstrated why he is considered one of the game’s best, winning five consecutive sets to close out the match. It was a fitting end to a tournament that has seen him carry his run of form for almost a calendar year.
“I could not put into words how great this feels,” Humphries told Sky Sports. “In the back of my mind throughout today, I was thinking ‘get this one now because he’s going to dominate world darts soon’. He’s an incredible player. When I was on the brink of winning there, he was relentless.
“That double eight [to win], my hands were shaking like mad and it just fell in for me. I’m world champion and world number one and I can’t ask for more.”
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