Winmau Junior World Masters 2026 Sets New Standard for Global Youth Darts
Two-Tier Qualification System Opens Opportunity to All Junior Players
Two-Tier Qualification System Opens Opportunity to All Junior Players
July 2025, The Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) and Winmau are proud to unveil the official structure for the Winmau Junior World Masters 2026 a landmark event that combines elite player development with global accessibility.
At the heart of the competition lies the Winmau JDC Academy network, which will once again serve as the primary qualification route, with each Winmau-affiliated academy guaranteed two exclusive places at Finals Day. This structure rewards the commitment and progression of players in Winmau Academys within the JDC’s globally recognised development network.
In addition to the Winmau academy pathway, the event will include a Winmau-endorsed wildcard qualifier, open to junior players from the wider JDC academy network. This qualifier will take place at a neutral venue over a single weekend, offering a limited number of wildcard entries to Finals Day.
“We’re proud to deliver a structure that recognises those who support and grow the game every week, while also ensuring that all juniors within the JDC academy network have a chance to be part of something special,” said Ben Rose, Winmau’s Head of Community.
Finals Day will take place in late January 2026, ahead of the Winmau World Masters, at a major UK venue near Milton Keynes.
Who Can Compete?
There are two qualification pathways to reach Finals Day:
1. Academy Entry (Core Route)
For players from official Winmau-affiliated JDC academies:
- Each registered academy is exclusively guaranteed two player spots
- Qualification is based on performance in official Go Darts Pro routines
- Measured across two competitive seasons (Season 5 and Season 6)
- 🔗 More information & entry details
This route rewards consistent effort, structured coaching, and player development through the official academy model.
2. Wildcard Entry (Open Qualifier Route)
For players from the wider JDC academy network:
- A Winmau-endorsed open qualifier will take place at a neutral venue
- Open to all junior players registered with the JDC academy system
- Competitors will play for a limited number of wildcard places at Finals Day
- 🔗 More information & entry details
This ensures wider access while preserving the event’s performance and development ethos.
📅 Key Dates
- Season 5 Opens: 1st September 2025
- Season 6 Ends: 21st December 2025
- Wildcard Qualifier: Early January 2026
- Finals Day: Late January 2026 (Milton Keynes area)
Why Two Pathways?
The Winmau Junior World Masters is designed to celebrate and elevate junior talent worldwide, beginning with those most invested in the sport’s future.
By combining academy-exclusive qualification with a dedicated open qualifier, we ensure:
- Recognition for the JDC coaches and clubs developing players every week
- A fair, inclusive opportunity for all juniors in the JDC academy network
- A Finals Day that truly showcases the best of international junior darts
A Platform for the Committed and the Ambitious
Becoming a Winmau JDC Academy unlocks:
- Year-round player rankings
- Structured development seasons
- Access to coaching tools and £2,000+ in elite equipment
- Exclusive competitions and long-term progression — at no cost to accredited academies
The Winmau Junior World Masters rewards those who support and build the sport.
But it’s also about creating dreams and through the wildcard route, any junior with talent and drive now has a chance to compete on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages.
But it’s also about creating dreams and through the wildcard route, any junior with talent and drive now has a chance to compete on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages.
Interested in starting your own JDC Academy?
📧 jdcsupport@winmau.com
🌐 www.juniordarts.com/start-an-academy
📧 jdcsupport@winmau.com
🌐 www.juniordarts.com/start-an-academy
