Tournament in the Ally Pally: Becker effect and weak Germans: This is how the Darts World Cup went

Colorfully dressed fans, euphoric party songs and thrilling sport on the huge stage: the Darts World Cup also offered a spectacle in 2025. Although only around 3,500 fans fit into the compact Alexandra Palace in London, it was always sold out in the 28 sessions over 16 days. The biggest event in the darts scene has long since established itself in the New Year’s season with few appointments.

Five things that stood out at the 2025 Darts World Cup at Alexandra Palace.

The World Cup, which ended on Friday, was probably the last with 96 participants. According to PDC managing director Matthew Porter, the decision has not yet been made, but it is likely to be imminent. Instead of the previous 96, there would then be 128 participants. All top players who have so far had a bye in round one would have an additional appearance before Christmas. For the PDC there would be eight additional sessions and probably an earlier start to the tournament.

There are also likely to be further discussions about the venue. The West Hall in Alexandra Palace has enormous charm, but only 3,500 seats. A move to the much larger Great Hall (7,500 seats) could be an option in the medium term, although there are logistical hurdles. Darts boss Barry Hearn also brought up a possible move to Saudi Arabia. This is not concrete yet.

The Germans set the only record at this World Cup before the tournament: for the first time, six participants took part in London. But in the first two rounds up to Christmas, five of them were thrown out. Martin Schindler and Gabriel Clemens disappointed across the board. Ricardo Pietreczko made it to the round of 16, but lost 4-0 to Nathan Aspinall after a desolate performance. “It could even be that I was the worst to ever play in the round of 16,” said Pietreczko.

Just as Boris Becker sparked a tennis boom in Germany in 1985, Luke Littler has been doing the same with darts on the island over the past twelve months. The 17-year-old is googled more often than Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham and gives the broadcasters absolute top ratings. The fact that he reached the final for the second time in his second World Cup participation should continue to grow the hype.

It is no news that the future of darts no longer belongs to the old masters Gary Anderson (54), Raymond van Barneveld (57) and Peter Wright (54). But even with the present it is becoming increasingly difficult. Anderson and van Barneveld lost their opening match at the World Cup against unknown outsiders. Wright achieved a real feat in defeating defending champion Luke Humphries, but this was immediately followed by a clear exit in the quarter-finals in a duel with Stephen Bunting.

First trans woman at the World Cup

The first days at the World Cup belonged to Noa-Lynn van Leuven. The Dutchwoman was the first trans woman ever to compete in the world’s most important darts tournament. The media attention was huge. With remarkable openness, van Leuven spoke about resistance, hostility and even death threats. In terms of sport, the 28-year-old missed the historic coup and lost 3-1 to compatriot Kevin Doets.