Darts start times vary depending on the specific tournament and session, but most major PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) evening sessions typically begin at 19:00 GMT (7:00 PM UK time). For premier events like the World Darts Championship, double-session days also include an afternoon session that usually starts at 12:30 GMT. These timings are strategically chosen to align with prime-time television broadcasting across Europe and the UK, ensuring maximum viewership for the sport’s high-stakes matches.
In this guide, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of start times for the most prestigious tournaments in the 2026 calendar, including the Premier League, World Matchplay, and the Grand Slam of Darts. We will explore how time zones affect international viewing, the typical duration of a darts “night,” and practical tips for fans attending live events. Whether you are tuning in from home or heading to the Alexandra Palace, understanding the rhythm of the darting schedule is essential for every fan.
Major Tournament Start Times 2026
The PDC calendar is anchored by several “Major” tournaments, each with its own traditional scheduling pattern. Most evening sessions across these events remain consistent to help fans maintain a viewing routine throughout the year.
For the World Darts Championship, the most celebrated event in the sport, matches are split into afternoon and evening brackets. Afternoon sessions typically commence at 12:30 GMT, while evening sessions start at 19:00 GMT. This dual-session format allows the PDC to fit in up to eight matches per day during the early rounds of the competition.
World Darts Championship Sessions
The “Ally Pally” schedule is rigorous, running from mid-December through the first week of January. During the 2025/2026 event, the final was held at 20:00 GMT on January 3, 2026, providing a singular prime-time slot for the tournament’s climax.
Premier League Darts Schedule
The Premier League Darts 2026 season follows a strict weekly format, taking place every Thursday night from February 5 to May 28. These events are almost exclusively evening sessions, with the first arrows usually thrown at 19:00 local time, regardless of whether the tour is in London, Berlin, or Rotterdam.
Premier League Darts Weekly Timing
The Premier League is unique because it travels to a different city in Europe every week. This “roadshow” format means that while the start time remains fixed at 19:00, fans in Central European Time (CET) zones will effectively be watching an hour “later” relative to UK viewers.
Each night of the Premier League features four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, and a final, all played in a single evening. This high-octane format usually concludes around 22:30 to 23:00, making it a perfect mid-week entertainment window for sports fans.
Nightly Order of Play
The order of play is released several days in advance, allowing fans to know exactly when their favorite player will take the stage. Generally, the biggest names in the sport, such as Luke Littler or Michael van Gerwen, are scheduled for the later quarter-final slots to keep the audience engaged until the end of the broadcast.
Broadcast Windows and Pre-show
Television coverage on networks like Sky Sports or ITV typically begins 30 to 60 minutes before the official match start time. This pre-show includes player interviews, statistical analysis, and atmospheric buildup from the arena, which is vital for setting the scene of the evening.
World Matchplay and Summer Darts
The World Matchplay, held annually at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, is often considered the second most important title in darts. Its start times are consistent with the summer “holiday” vibe of the seaside town, focusing heavily on evening entertainment.
The 2026 World Matchplay is scheduled for July 18–26. While the opening weekend often features afternoon sessions starting at 13:00, the majority of the tournament’s week-day matches are evening-only affairs beginning at 19:00.
Afternoon vs. Evening Sessions
The distinction between sessions is important for ticket holders; an afternoon ticket will not grant access to the evening matches. Afternoon sessions are often more relaxed, while evening sessions at the Winter Gardens are famous for their raucous, high-energy atmosphere.
Final Day Timings
The final day of the World Matchplay usually starts earlier to accommodate both the Women’s World Matchplay and the Men’s Final. Expect the women’s event to begin in the early afternoon, with the men’s final crowning a champion late Sunday evening.
International Darts and Time Zones
As darts grows globally, tournaments in the World Series of Darts take the sport to regions like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. This significantly impacts the “start time” for fans watching in Europe.
For instance, the US Darts Masters in New York (June 26–27, 2026) typically begins at 19:00 local time (EDT), which translates to a midnight start for fans in the UK. Conversely, events in Australia and New Zealand often require European fans to wake up in the early hours of the morning to catch the live action.
Watching from Australia and Asia
Events like the New Zealand Darts Masters (August 14–15) and Australian Darts Masters (August 21–22) start during the evening local time. This provides a prime viewing slot for the growing Asian and Oceanic fanbases but poses a challenge for the traditional European audience.
Impact on Player Performance
Traveling across time zones can affect player performance due to jet lag. The PDC usually schedules these international Masters events with several days of “buffer” time to allow players to acclimate to local start times before competing.
Grand Slam and Winter Majors
The Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals round out the autumn and winter schedule. These tournaments often utilize a group stage or multi-board format, which can lead to more fluid start times.
The Grand Slam of Darts 2026 (November 14–22) in Wolverhampton features a heavy schedule of double sessions. During the group stages, afternoon sessions typically start at 13:00, while evening sessions start at 19:00.
Knockout Stage Scheduling
Once the tournament moves into the knockout phases, the sessions lengthen as the match formats (number of legs required to win) increase. A Grand Slam quarter-final evening can start at 19:00 but may not finish until nearly midnight if multiple matches go to a tie-breaker.
European Championship Times
The European Championship (October 22–25, 2026) in Dortmund follows CET. For UK viewers, this means matches start at 18:00 GMT, an hour earlier than domestic tournaments, making it a popular “early evening” watch.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a live darts event requires more than just knowing when the first dart is thrown. To get the full experience, fans should plan to arrive well before the official start time.
- Opening Hours: Most arenas open their doors 60 to 90 minutes before the session start time.
- Prices: Ticket prices range from £30 for standard sessions to over £100 for hospitality or final-day seats.
- How to Get There: Major venues like the O2 (London) or Westfalenhalle (Dortmund) are well-connected by public transport. Always check local train schedules for late-night returns.
- What to Expect: A high-energy, party-like atmosphere with music, fancy dress, and loud chanting.
- Tips for Visitors: If you want a front-row seat for the “walk-on,” ensure you are in the arena at least 15 minutes before the session starts.
Seasonal Darts Calendar Overview 2026
The darts season is essentially a year-round cycle, but it peaks during specific months. Understanding this rhythm helps fans anticipate when the big “start times” will dominate their schedules.
| Month | Key Tournament | Typical Start Time (GMT/BST) |
| January | World Championship Final | 20:00 |
| Feb–May | Premier League (Thursdays) | 19:00 |
| March | UK Open | 11:00 (Multi-board) |
| July | World Matchplay | 13:00 / 19:00 |
| October | World Grand Prix | 18:00 / 19:00 |
| November | Grand Slam of Darts | 13:00 / 19:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the darts start tonight?
If it is a Thursday during the Premier League season (Feb–May), the darts almost always starts at 19:00 GMT/BST. For other days, check the PDC official calendar as start times vary by tournament.
What time is the World Darts Championship final?
The World Darts Championship final traditionally starts at 20:00 GMT. This is a standalone session designed for peak evening television audiences.
Do the darts always start at 7 PM?
While 19:00 (7 PM) is the standard for evening sessions, many tournaments have afternoon sessions that start at 12:30 or 13:00. Weekend matches and international events also have unique schedules.
What time do doors open for the darts?
Arena doors typically open 60 to 90 minutes before the first match. For the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, doors often open 90 minutes prior to allow fans to enjoy the hospitality village.
How long does a session of darts last?
An average evening session lasts between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, depending on the number of matches and how long each match takes to complete.
What time is the walk-on?
The first player walk-on usually occurs roughly 5 to 10 minutes after the official session start time. The most famous walk-ons are reserved for the final matches of the night.
Are there afternoon sessions for the Premier League?
No, the Premier League is exclusively an evening tournament. Matches are played on Thursday nights to maximize TV ratings and live attendance.
What time does darts start in Central European Time (CET)?
For most major UK-based tournaments, the 19:00 GMT start time is 20:00 CET. If the tournament is in Germany or the Netherlands, it will often start at 19:00 local time, which is 18:00 GMT.
Where can I find the daily order of play?
The PDC releases the specific “Order of Play” for each day on their official website and social media channels, usually 24–48 hours before the session.
Is the start time different for the Women’s World Matchplay?
Yes, the Women’s World Matchplay typically takes place during the afternoon session on the final Sunday of the World Matchplay event, usually starting around 13:00.
What is the latest a darts match can finish?
Matches can occasionally run past midnight if there are many long matches or tie-breakers, but the PDC generally aims to conclude evening sessions by 23:00.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 darts season has firmly established that the sport’s schedule is more than just a series of start times; it is a global entertainment product engineered for the digital age. By maintaining the traditional 19:00 evening start for core European fans while expanding into the high-growth markets of the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters and the US Darts Masters, the PDC has successfully balanced tradition with aggressive global expansion.
The record-breaking viewership of the 2025/2026 World Darts Championship, which saw Luke Littler retain his title on January 3, 2026, proved that the sport’s “prime-time” strategy remains its greatest asset. As the tour moves toward the 2026 Premier League Finals in London on May 28 and the subsequent World Series events, fans can expect the standard 7:00 PM UK start time to remain the golden rule of the darting calendar. This consistency, paired with the rapid rise of young superstars and significantly increased prize funds (reaching a total of £5,000,000 for the World Championship), ensures that professional darts continues its trajectory as one of the fastest-growing spectator sports in the world.
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