The PDC Darts World Championship kicks off on Thursday, 11 December, marking the largest edition of the tournament yet in terms of player participation and prize money.
With 128 players competing, all eyes are on the £1,000,000 prize awaiting the winner in January.
All attention over the next three weeks will be on Luke Littler, the top favorite to defend his title. Nonetheless, other players like Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price are in the mix for the Sid Waddell Trophy.
As the tournament begins at the Alexandra Palace on Thursday, check out our World Darts Championship betting tips below.
World Darts Championship betting tips: Our picks
I’m steering clear of the outright market, as I can’t envision anyone other than Littler taking home the trophy. However, with odds at 10/11, the value isn’t compelling, especially with Humphries, Van Veen, and Price performing well.
Luke Littler to hit a nine-dart finish at the tournament – 9/2
Calling Luke Littler merely ‘capable’ of a nine-darter underestimates him; he’s perhaps the only player actively seeking to hit one.
Throughout the year, Littler has achieved three nine-dart legs, and while that’s not one per tournament he’s played in, he’s known for bringing his best game to the biggest stages, and this event promises just that.
The list of players Littler has achieved a nine-dart leg against illustrates his ability to elevate when needed, featuring names like Michael van Gerwen, Josh Rock, Rob Cross, Nathan Aspinall, and Gerwyn Price.
Don’t expect him to squander a perfect leg in the early rounds; instead, consider waiting until the quarter-finals and beyond for better odds.
Gian van Veen to make the final – 6/1
Gian van Veen benefits from being in the opposite half of the draw from Littler, avoiding the best player in the world until the potential final, a significant advantage.
Van Veen’s draw until the quarter-finals is relatively unchallenging, with the best opponent being an off-form Dimitri van den Bergh, averaging just 92.39 this year.
A favorable start should help Van Veen get comfortable, so when facing Luke Humphries in a projected quarter-final, he will be in good rhythm, posing a challenge for Humphries.
Additionally, Van Veen enters the tournament in excellent form, averaging 96 this year and winning two of his last three tournaments.
Stephen Bunting to be knocked out in the second round – 10/3
This prediction is a risk, but if Stephen Bunting defeats Sebastian Bialecki and Richard Veenstra beats Nitan Kumar in round one, Bunting faces a real challenge in round two.
The former BDO World Champion has been struggling, losing to Veenstra in their recent match at the Player’s Championship in October, marking Veenstra’s second win in their last three meetings.
Bunting’s broader form raises concerns, as he’s lost six out of his last seven matches and nine of his last eleven, suggesting more than a simple rough patch.
Andy is a tipster with extensive experience predicting Golf tournaments across various platforms, having covered everything from the Asian Tour to the Masters. He’s also an avid football fan and an expert in European football.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
