The 2024/25 World Darts Championship culminated in a thrilling final at Alexandra Palace, London, on January 3, 2025. While Luke Humphries had triumphed in the previous year, defeating teenage prodigy Luke Littler to secure his first World No. 1 ranking, he was unable to defend his title, falling to Peter Wright in the last 16. This paved the way for a new champion to emerge from the fiercely competitive field. The tournament unfolded over several weeks, beginning on December 15, 2024, with a break for the Christmas holidays.
The tournament followed a progressive format, increasing the number of sets required to win a match as the rounds progressed. Early rounds were best of five sets, escalating to best of seven, then nine, and finally best of 11 in the semi-finals. The grand final, a best of 13 sets showdown, promised a display of skill, stamina, and tactical prowess. The format also provided an advantage to the top 32 ranked players, who received a bye into the second round.
Sky Sports held exclusive broadcasting rights in the UK, with NOW TV providing streaming access for domestic viewers. International audiences could follow the action through PDCTV or various other broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay. This wide availability ensured global engagement with the prestigious tournament. Media coverage also included live blogs and dedicated news reports, providing up-to-the-minute updates on match results and tournament developments.
The early rounds of the tournament saw a mix of expected outcomes and surprising upsets. Defending champion Luke Humphries initially looked strong, progressing comfortably through his opening matches. However, the unpredictable nature of darts was highlighted by several high-profile casualties, including former world champions. Gerwyn Price, despite some shaky moments, navigated his way to the later stages, showcasing his resilience. Michael van Gerwen, another former champion, demonstrated his continued dominance, consistently delivering impressive performances. Young talent Luke Littler, having gained invaluable experience in the previous year’s final, once again proved to be a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his remarkable composure and accuracy.
The later stages of the tournament saw the competition intensify, with each match a hard-fought battle. The quarter-finals delivered high-drama encounters, with close contests and unexpected results. Chris Dobey’s victory over Gerwyn Price was a notable upset, while Michael van Gerwen continued his march towards the final with a convincing win. Luke Littler further solidified his status as a rising star, overcoming a tough challenge to secure his semi-final spot. Stephen Bunting, a seasoned campaigner, also impressed with his consistent performance, setting up a clash against Littler in the semi-final.
The semi-finals delivered contrasting results. Michael van Gerwen dominated Chris Dobey, displaying his exceptional skill and experience to secure a place in the final. In the other semi-final, Luke Littler produced a stunning performance, overwhelming Stephen Bunting to book his spot in the final, a remarkable achievement in only his second World Championship appearance. The stage was set for a captivating final between experience and youthful exuberance, with Van Gerwen facing Littler in a battle for the coveted title. The final saw Littler triumph over Van Gerwen.