Darts

World Cup of Darts 2025 Preview

3 months ago

| BY News Team

The 2025 World Cup of Darts returns for its 15th edition, staged at Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle from 12–15 June.

A record 40 nations will contest the title, with the top four – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – receiving byes into the second round.

We preview the action below.

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Who are the favourites?

Team England spearheads this year’s tournament with a potentially electric duo: Luke Humphries (defending champion) and World Champion Luke Littler, currently the world’s No. 1 and No 2. They’re clear pre‑tournament favourites, priced around 1/2 .

Wales fields former title‑holders Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price (9/2), while Scotland sends experienced pair Gary Anderson and Peter Wright (12/1), and Northern Ireland is represented by Josh Rock alongside Daryl Gurney (18/1).

Among other leading nations, the Netherlands – a fifth seed, priced 12/1 – will need to battle through Group A with Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen, following the absence of Michael van Gerwen. Argentina makes its World Cup début, while India returns after a decade’s hiatus.

If you’re a keen Darts enjoyer, check out our all-you-need-to-know guide on the World Championship

What is the format of the World Cup of Darts?

Each match is played in doubles format, with players alternating through every three darts. The tournament begins with 12 groups of three teams (comprising 36 nations). Only group winners progress to join the four seeded countries in the round of 16.

Match lengths escalate through the event:

Group stage: Best of seven legs
Second round / Quarter / Semi‑finals: Best of 15 legs
Final: Best of 19 legs

All matches are sudden‑death doubles – no singles this year, emphasising the importance of partnership and teamwork.

When are the matches?

The action unfolds over four days:

Thursday, 12 June (18:00 local / 17:00 BST): Opening group games
Friday, 13 June: Group fixtures continue with a midday session (12:00 local / 11:00 BST) followed by an evening session (18:00 local / 17:00 BST)
Saturday, 14 June: Round of 16 plays out across afternoon (13:00 local / 12:00 BST) and evening (19:00 local / 18:00 BST) sessions
Sunday, 15 June: Quarter‑finals commence at 13:00 local / 12:00 BST; both semi‑finals and the final take place during a 18:00 local / 17:00 BST session

What is the prize money?

A total prize pot of £450,000 is available.

The winning team will earn a combined £80,000, with the runners-up taking £50,000.

All teams in the group stage are guaranteed at least £4,000, while teams in the knockout rounds will earn a minimum of £9,000.

Conclusion

England’s strong pairing of Humphries and Littler will take centre-stage in this field. As they seek to extend England’s record with a sixth World Cup crown, the doubles-only format ensures intense pressure and drama ahead of the 15th iteration of the tournament.

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