The Winmau World Masters returns in 2026 as one of darts’ most established majors, bringing together leading seeds, proven champions and eight qualifiers competing for one of the sport’s most respected titles.
A £500,000 prize fund, a demanding set-play format and a deep, competitive draw ensure the World Masters remains a clear benchmark event, one that places equal emphasis on scoring, control and decision-making.
2025 proved everything about the tournament’s uncompromising nature. From Dimitri Van den Bergh’s sublime nine-darter in a second-round clash with Michael van Gerwen - a moment of perfection under the harshest pressure, to a final that demanded absolute resolve, the event tested every facet of a champion.
Luke Humphries and Jonny Clayton pushed each other through a gripping decider that embodied darts at its most unforgiving. Humphries’ 6–5 victory was a triumph of composure, securing his place among the champions who have mastered one of the sport’s purest examinations.
As the 2026 edition begins, the defending champion returns with expectation on his shoulders and a target on his back. Around him stands a field rich in experience, ambition and depth. A reminder that at the World Masters, reputation offers no protection and every set must be earned.
The Draw: Early Pressure Across the Board
The 2026 draw presents immediate challenges, with several high-profile matchups from the opening round and little room for error across the bracket.
Top seed Luke Littler faces Mike De Decker, while Ryan Searle v Rob Cross stands out as one of the strongest first-round ties. Josh Rock begins his campaign against a qualifier, with an opportunity to build momentum early.
Defending champion Luke Humphries opens against Dave Chisnall, setting the tone for a bottom half that also features Stephen Bunting, Danny Noppert, Gary Anderson and James Wade, a section shaped by experience and consistency rather than reputation alone.
The unseeded field is a measure of the modern game’s strength. Players such as Rob Cross, Dave Chisnall, Daryl Gurney and Ryan Joyce sit outside the seeded positions, alongside eight qualifiers capable of disrupting the bracket.
Across the draw, unseeded major winners and qualifiers ensure there are no straightforward routes.
(1) Luke Littler v Mike De Decker
(16) Ross Smith v Jimmy van Schie
(8) Ryan Searle v Rob Cross
(9) Josh Rock v Connor Scutt
(4) Michael van Gerwen v Damon Heta
(13) Chris Dobey v Jermaine Wattimena
(5) Jonny Clayton v Wessel Nijman
(12) Gerwyn Price v James Hurrell
(2) Luke Humphries v Dave Chisnall
(15) Martin Schindler v Luke Woodhouse
(7) Stephen Bunting v Jeffrey de Graaf
(10) Danny Noppert v Daryl Gurney
(3) Gian van Veen v Ryan Joyce
(14) Nathan Aspinall v Shane McGuirk
(6) Gary Anderson v Niels Zonneveld
(11) James Wade v Madars Razma
Format: Sets Decide Outcomes
The World Masters format remains unchanged and unforgiving:
- First Round: Best of 5 sets
- Second Round & Quarter-Finals: Best of 7 sets
- Semi-Finals: Best of 9 sets
- Final: Best of 11 sets
All sets are played over best of three legs, with no tie-breaks, increasing the importance of timing, momentum and execution in key moments.
Schedule of Play
Thursday January 29 (1900 GMT)
First Round x8 –
Chris Dobey v Jermaine Wattimena
Gary Anderson v Niels Zonneveld
James Wade v Madars Razma
Nathan Aspinall v Shane McGuirk
Jonny Clayton v Wessel Nijman
Gerwyn Price v James Hurrell
Michael van Gerwen v Damon Heta
Gian van Veen v Ryan Joyce
Friday January 30 (1900 GMT)
First Round x8 – Match Order TBC
Martin Schindler v Luke Woodhouse
Ross Smith v Jimmy van Schie
Danny Noppert v Daryl Gurney
Ryan Searle v Rob Cross
Josh Rock v Connor Scutt
Luke Littler v Mike De Decker
Luke Humphries v Dave Chisnall
Stephen Bunting v Jeffrey de Graaf
Saturday January 31
Afternoon Session (1300 GMT)
4x Second Round
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Sunday February 1
Afternoon Session (1300)
Quarter-Finals
Evening Session (1900)
Semi-Finals Final
Prize Fund
The £500,000 prize fund is led by £100,000 for the winner, with progression through each round meaningfully rewarded.
A Defining Test
The Winmau World Masters continues to test the core skills required to win at the highest level. Over several days and multiple set formats, consistency and control remain decisive.
In 2026, the challenge remains the same and only one player will meet it.
The Winmau World Masters 2026 will also mark a defining moment for the sport, becoming the first televised darts major to feature the brand new Winmau Blade X dartboard. Built to set the professional benchmark, Blade X is engineered for long-life consistency under the highest level of competitive demand. It features the world’s finest premium-grade Kenyan sisal, now with a 13% deeper sisal bed to improve dart penetration, stability and fibre recovery over extended use. A precision rotating number ring system allows full 360° rotation without removal, extending board life while maintaining a clean broadcast-ready finish. Combined with further refinement of the Blade wire system to reduce bounce-outs and preserve scoring integrity, Blade X is designed as the ultimate modern tournament board backed by a five-year warranty and built to perform reliably long after first play.
Shop The Range
Blade X - Official PDC Dartboard
Shop Now
Blade X - Dartboard Surround
Shop Now
