Kingdom Awaits Darts World’s Best

World Champion Littler Sets Sights on Bahrain Darts Masters

The darts world turns its eyes to Bahrain as the Kingdom kicks off 2026 in style, hosting the Bahrain Darts Masters on January 15 and 16 at Exhibition World Bahrain. Luke Littler’s back-to-back World Championship triumph adds extra excitement to the event, which opens the PDC World Series of Darts calendar. The tournament is organised by the Bahrain International Circuit in partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation and supported by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

Fresh from his second successive title at Alexandra Palace, Littler will arrive in Bahrain as the undisputed force in the sport. The 18-year-old Englishman produced a sensational display last weekend, overwhelming Dutch challenger Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy and become the first player since Gary Anderson in 2016 to win consecutive world titles. Widely known as Luke the Nuke, he arrives in Bahrain carrying the momentum of a dominant victory.

The Bahrain Darts Masters will feature eight elite PDC players facing Asia’s top talents, including two Bahraini qualifiers, in a knockout format that promises high-stakes drama. Littler’s presence further intensifies anticipation for the tournament.

He headlines a star-studded lineup that includes defending Bahrain Darts Masters champion Stephen Bunting, alongside former world champions Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price. Together, these five bring experience, silverware, and global appeal to the Kingdom.

Since its 2023 debut, the Bahrain Darts Masters has quickly become a key stop on the World Series circuit. Michael Smith won the inaugural title, followed by Littler’s breakthrough victory in 2024 and Bunting’s composed triumph last year. Each edition has delivered drama and quality, reinforcing Bahrain’s growing place on the global darts map.

With Littler arriving on the back of another emphatic world title and the sport entering a new year full of momentum, the stage is set for the Bahrain Darts Masters to deliver another compelling chapter in its young but rapidly expanding legacy.