The Dart Side of Life - Die Adrian Geiler Kolumne #5: The Biggest Darts World Championship Ever: Thrills, Records and Nine BULL’S Players at Ally Pally
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In early December, the darts world turns its eyes to London as the 2025 PDC World Championship becomes the biggest and most international edition ever. A total of 128 players compete for a record-breaking prize fund, with superstar Luke Littler defending his title. With nine BULL’S athletes in the field, including Arno Merk, Martin Schindler and Niko Springer, this year’s tournament at the iconic Alexandra Palace promises to be truly historic.
Hello dear darts friends,
Early December is a magical time in darts. The whole scene is buzzing, vibrating with excitement, all eyes fixed on North London — on Alexandra Palace. The PDC World Darts Championship is the sport’s ultimate season highlight and, alongside the Four Hills Tournament in ski jumping, probably the major sporting event of this time of year.
For the first time ever, 128 players will take to the stage. It will be the biggest and most international World Championship in history. From England, Germany and the Netherlands to the Philippines, New Zealand and Kenya, the world’s best players are traveling to London — all chasing more prize money than ever before. A staggering £5 million is in the pot, with £1 million going to the world champion.
And that’s not the only reason the attention on this World Championship is astronomical. Luke Littler, the new world number one and undisputed superstar of the game, is entering his first title defense. Every eye is on the 18-year-old. “The Nuke” is leading the sport into a golden age with his spectacular playing style. For next season, the PDC has massively increased total prize money to £25 million — the biggest increase ever. Never has it been more attractive to become a professional darts player. And that is directly linked to the meteoric rise of the wonderkid from Warrington.
On December 11, this gigantic, historic World Championship begins at the beloved Ally Pally. And nine BULL’S players will be part of it. In fact, the very first player to step onto the biggest stage in world darts will be a BULL’S player.
Arno Merk, the Super League champion, will kick things off. The World Championship debutant from Peine faces Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts in the opening match. His walk-on will be the first music heard at Ally Pally this year. A grand opening — and closure for Merk. Nearly 15 years ago, he qualified for the BDO World Championship at the iconic Lakeside Club. His opponent in the final round of qualification back then? Kim Huybrechts. Should history repeat itself, a clash with two-time world champion Peter Wright awaits.
Martin Schindler is making his seventh World Championship appearance. “The Wall” has firmly established himself in the extended world elite, picking up two more titles — four PDC titles in total, a new German record. As is his world ranking of No. 13. His opening opponent is Stephen Burton, the window cleaner from Ipswich who qualified via the Tour Card Holder Qualifier. A manageable draw — and the rounds beyond that look promising as well. Perhaps Schindler will still be in the tournament after Christmas and finally win a match on that stage.
Winning a match — that’s also priority number one for Niko Springer. The “Meenzer Bub” made his debut last year. Although he had darts at doubles in 15 out of 16 legs, Scott Williams still won the match. This year, Springer returns as a different player — stronger, with one of the best rookie seasons in darts. In Round 1, he meets Australian Joe Comito. After that, a showdown with Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock could follow — a tough opponent, but one Springer has already beaten this year on his way to his first European Tour title in Budapest.
Many consider Jermaine Wattimena a dark horse for this World Championship. “The Machine Gun” finally broke his title drought in 2025 — and even added another trophy. His semifinal run at the Players Championship Finals, the dress rehearsal for the World Championship, showed his level clearly. Wattimena’s game is complete. His section of the draw isn’t simple (Grüllich, then Williams/Nebrida, then Anderson/Hunt/Scutt/Whitlock), but in this form, the Dutchman — at his 12th consecutive World Championship — needn’t fear anyone.
Ireland’s Steve Lennon returns to Ally Pally after a one-year break thanks to a calm and consistent season. “Scuba Steve” is fighting for his tour card — and his livelihood as a professional darts player. He will need at least three wins to have a realistic chance. It starts against Damon Heta, who has struggled noticeably on big stages recently.
Krzysztof Ratajski is already a lock for the Polish Darts Hall of Fame. The “Polish Eagle” is an integral part of the global darts scene and secured his 11th PDC title this year. The start of his ninth straight World Championship could be tough: Alexis Toylo of the Philippines plays at a very slow pace — a real patience test. Last year, Ratajski mastered this challenge brilliantly (3:1 against Toylo).
One thing Ratajski will never achieve: being the first Pole to play in a PDC World Championship. That honor belongs forever to his World Cup teammate Krzysztof Kciuk, who put Poland on the World Championship map in 2009. With a dramatic win at the Polish qualifier this year, the double-average world record holder (118.10 alongside Ratajski at the 2023 World Cup) has booked his third ticket to Ally Pally. “The Thumb” opens against the strong William O’Connor.
Speaking of new countries on the darts world map: Cor Dekker is the first Norwegian ever to qualify for the World Championship. A strong second half of the season allows “The Sheriff” to make history. Since switching to his new darts, his game has clicked. He makes his debut against former world champion Rob Cross.
And then there is Cristo Reyes, who has seemingly come out of nowhere. For years, nobody heard anything from “The Spartan.” Suddenly, the former world-class player requested prototypes from BULL’S — and stormed through the Mediterranean qualifier. His numbers look excellent. Still, Reyes is a clear underdog in his first match, facing Gian van Veen — a player on the cusp of the Premier League.
These are the nine BULL’S players competing at Ally Pally. It could have been even more. Martijn Dragt (Netherlands) lost the final of the Last Chance Qualifier for the second straight year. Tytus Kanik (Poland) missed his match dart at bull for a World Championship spot. And Michael Unterbuchner missing out on the World Championship is a drama even Alfred Hitchcock could hardly have scripted.
The World Championship begins on December 11 and runs until January 3, 2026. And for the first time ever, I will be there in this sporting temple. It’s going to be incredibly exciting and emotional!
I wish all BULL’S players the best of luck — and good darts!
Game on,
yours, Adrian
