Alexandra Palace erupted once again on Thursday as the 2025 World Darts Championship got underway.
Close to 5,000 fans packed into the West Hall, eager to watch teenage sensation Luke Littler defend his title.
The atmosphere was electric, a mix of anticipation, laughter, and the unmistakable roar of darts devotees.
Fans Make Their Presence Felt
Tickets sold out almost instantly, leaving die-hard supporters racing to grab a spot.
Fancy dress is the norm, and this year was no exception.
Jockeys, giant pizza slices, Shrek, Fiona, and even fans decked out in oversized gold chains and bucket hats wandered through the crowd, pints in hand, belting out chants and cheers.
Over the three-week tournament, fans are expected to consume a staggering 750,000 pints of beer, adding to the raucous atmosphere that makes Ally Pally so iconic.
Littler and the Stars Take the Stage
The opening night’s action saw Littler face off against Darius Labanauskas in the third match of the evening, with former world champion Michael Smith also in the mix.
Sky Sports anchor Emma Paton commented on the rowdy but mostly well-behaved crowd: “It’s darts – there are rowdy fans for sure, but there’s a lot of security and everyone’s having a good time.
Incidents are rare, unlike in some Premier League venues.”
Paddy Power Returns with Big Plans
Paddy Power has once again taken center stage at Alexandra Palace, recently announcing an extension of their sponsorship through 2031.
The Irish bookmaker celebrated the news with a playful video featuring former PDC chairman Barry Hearn, showcasing the brand’s commitment to the sport.
Since first sponsoring the event in 2023, Paddy Power has donated over £2 million to Prostate Cancer UK.
For 2026, the company aims to encourage 180,000 men to check their risk for prostate cancer as part of their “The Even Bigger 180” campaign.
They are also promoting the “Darts of Destiny” challenge, giving a lucky participant the chance to win £180,000 live on stage if they can score 180 points from nine darts.
Bigger Venue, Bigger Crowds
From next year, the tournament will move to the Great Hall at Ally Pally, allowing for 180,000 fans to attend across the three-week event.
The expansion comes as the tournament has grown to include 128 players, featuring qualifiers from the rankings, the CDC Tour, and the Women’s Tour.
With the start pushed four days earlier, the championship promises more action than ever.
Growth and Excitement for the Sport
Former player and Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle expressed his excitement for the tournament’s growth: “The Worlds cap off the year and kick off the new one. It’s a unique spot in the calendar.
No one expected this growth, but it keeps happening thanks to the PDC, the players, and everyone involved.”
For Littler and the other stars, the event isn’t just about competition—it’s about entertaining fans and celebrating the sport.
With fancy dress, pints, and high-stakes darts, Alexandra Palace once again proved why it’s the heart of the darts world.
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