Leonard Gates confirmed as 17th participant in World Seniors Darts Championship 2026

The seventeenth participant for the 2026 World Seniors Darts Championship has been confirmed, with Leonard Gates set to return to the iconic Circus Tavern from February 19 to 21. Tickets for the prestigious event are already on sale.

The American, affectionately known as 'Soldier', is no stranger to success on the World Seniors circuit. Gates previously lifted a televised title in the series and will now return to the stage where he’s already tasted glory. A fan favourite, Gates is widely regarded as one of the most underrated contenders for the title—yet one almost guaranteed to produce high-quality darts.

He joins an increasingly star-studded field that includes defending champion Ross Montgomery, fellow Scots John Henderson and Robert Thornton, and crowd favourites such as Steve Beaton and Simon Whitlock. Dutch duo Vincent van der Voort and Ronny Huybrechts are also confirmed, while three-time world champion John Part was announced just yesterday as the latest addition.

Gates heads into the tournament on the back of a solid campaign at the 2025 PDC World Championship, where he defeated Cameron Menzies 3–1 before falling 1–3 to a dominant Nathan Aspinall.

With just three wildcard spots remaining, the final names are expected to be revealed in the coming days.