PDC World Masters LIVE: Players, draw, schedule, times and where to watch

Jan 27, 2026 - 14:30
PDC World Masters LIVE: Players, draw, schedule, times and where to watch

The 2026 PDC World Masters takes place this week as Luke Humphries looks to defend his title.

Cool Hand claimed victory in this tournament last year, but he’ll face some tough competition to do the same.

Humphries was knocked out of the World Darts Championship in the quarter-finals, but he’ll be ready for this
Getty

The obvious competition comes from Luke Littler, who has been enjoying some time off for his 19th birthday after winning the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters earlier this month.

This is one of the few titles the Nuke hasn’t been able to get his hands on yet but he’ll be looking to change that.

The draw for the first round has been made, and there are some great ties.

The top 24 automatically qualify, with the top 16 seeded for the event, so there are still eight spots to fill.

But as its stands, Humphries is kicking off his title defence versus Dave Chisnall, and Littler is taking on Mike De Decker.

World Darts Championship semi-final is set to face Rob Cross, while Michael van Gerwen and Damon Heta meet.

PDC World Masters: Dates and start times

The 2026 PDC World Masters will get going on Thursday, January 29 and run through to the final on Sunday, February 1.

The preliminary rounds are set for Wednesday, January 28, where the last eight players will be confirmed.

It is being held at Arena MK in Milton Keynes.

Play on Thursday and Friday is set for 7pm UK time, but Saturday and Sunday are divided into two sessions, with the first getting going at 1pm, and the second 7pm.

The preliminary rounds will be shown on PDCTV, with the main tournament broadcast free-to-air on ITV4 and ITVX.

Luke Littler of England looks on as he leaves the stage after the first set during the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship Final match between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace on January 03, 2026 in London, England.
Littler has already confirmed he would like to win this tournament
Getty

PDC World Masters: Schedule

Wednesday, January 28

Preliminary Rounds

Thursday, January 29 (7pm GMT)
Round One – Match Order TBC

  • Michael van Gerwen v Damon Heta
  • Chris Dobey v Jermaine Wattimena
  • Jonny Clayton v Qualifier 4
  • Gerwyn Price v Qualifier 8
  • Gian van Veen v Ryan Joyce
  • Nathan Aspinall v Qualifier 5
  • Gary Anderson v Qualifier 1
  • James Wade v Qualifier 3

Friday, January 30 (7pm GMT)
Round One – Match Order TBC

  • Luke Littler v Mike De Decker
  • Ross Smith v Qualifier 7
  • Ryan Searle v Rob Cross
  • Josh Rock v Qualifier 6
  • Luke Humphries v Dave Chisnall
  • Martin Schindler v Luke Woodhouse
  • Stephen Bunting v Qualifier 2
  • Danny Noppert v Daryl Gurney

Saturday, January 31
Afternoon Session (1pm GMT)
4x Round Two

Evening Session (7pm GMT)
4x Round Two

Sunday, February 1
Afternoon Session (1pm GMT)
Quarter-Finals

Evening Session (7pm GMT)
Semi-Finals & Final

Belgian darts star Mike De Decker celebrates beating Peter Wright at the World Grand Prix
De Decker will look to pull off a shock and beat Littler
Shutterstock

PDC World Masters: What has been said?

Littler has already earmarked this tournament as one he wants to win.

Speaking ahead of going away for his birthday, he said: “After the holiday we’re going on tomorrow, when I’m back, I’ll definitely be practicing, because it’s a title that I’ve not picked up yet.  

“I definitely want to go to Milton Keynes and I want to become champion. 

“Last year, I played pretty well early on against Andy Baetens, James Wade, and someone else, then lost out to Jonny (Clayton).  

“But it is what it is, that’s the format. That’s what we’ve got to get used to. I’ll be more than ready.”

What's Your Reaction?

Like Like 0
Dislike Dislike 0
Love Love 0
Funny Funny 0
Angry Angry 0
Sad Sad 0
Wow Wow 0