PDC Darts Calendar 2026: 135 days of PDC ranked action with main expansion confirmed on two fronts

Summer months: World Cup and trips to Blackpool and Amsterdam

After spring, the focus shifts to country teams. From June 11 to 14, the World Cup of Darts will take place in Frankfurt. This tournament remains wildly popular because of the unique team format and national pride involved.

Just five days later, from June 19 to 21, a new chapter in PDC history awaits: the first European Tour in Slovakia, with Bratislava as host. As with its expansion into Poland, the PDC sees this as a strategic move to further grow the sport in Central Europe.

In July, the sport returns to one of its most iconic venues: the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. From July 18 to 26, the World Matchplay and Women's World Matchplay are scheduled there. For many, next to the World Cup, this is the most prestigious tournament on the darts calendar.

In September, international attention shifts to Amsterdam, where the World Series of Darts Finals will be played from Sept. 17-20. The Netherlands, with its rich darts tradition and fanatical audience, has been a mainstay of the sport for years.

Autumn: towards the main majors

The autumn is kicked off with the World Grand Prix in Leicester (Sept. 28-Oct. 4), famous for its double-in, double-out format. The European Championship in Dortmund (Oct. 22-25), where the best players on the European Tour will compete, follows in late October.

First on the menu in November is the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, a unique tournament that brings together the PDC year's champions. Shortly after that comes the Players Championship Finals in Minehead, traditionally the last major stepping stone toward the World Championship.

The 2026 darts year will reach its climax with the World Darts Championship, although the exact date and playing venue is not yet known. A field of 128 players will compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and a record £1 million for the winner.

Secondary PDC Tours

In addition to the major tournaments, the PDC continues to invest in the breadth of the sport. There will be another 24 events in 2026 within the Women's Series, Challenge Tour and Development Tour.

These circuits provide opportunities for emerging talents and players without Tour Cards to gain experience and qualify for major televised tournaments. This ensures the continued flow of new talent.

PDC director Matt Porter stressed the importance of expanding the darts calendar. "2025 has been a huge year on the PDC circuit, and we look forward to continuing that growth next year with the expansion of the European Tour, including the addition of two new venues in Poland and Slovakia,” said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"This is such an exciting time for the sport, and we’re delighted that we can provide further opportunities for all players on the PDC circuit throughout 2026.

"Alongside our planned prize money increases next year, we're also pleased to be able to take the European Tour to two new destinations and the Premier League to Belgium, consolidating our continued growth in Europe."

With more than 135 playing days on the PDC calendar, 2026 will be the most intense darts year ever. The increase in prize money to more than £25 million reflects not only the financial health of the PDC, but also the global growth of darts in sport and entertainment.