The World Darts Championship is by far the biggest annual event in the sport, and each year it always offers Indian representation in the early rounds.
The 2024/25 competition will take place between 15th December 2024 and 3rd January 2025. Just under three weeks of action will see 96 players battle it out, with one ultimately crowned the world champion and earning the title of the best darts player on the planet.
Here we will look at the leading contenders for the ultimate glory this year, as well as looking at a player that will represent India on the world stage.
The Favourites
Luke Humphries is the current holder of the World Darts Championship, and he is a strong favourite to turn that into back-to-back success following the turn of the year. Currently ranked number one in the world, Humphries is listed at 9/4 in the World Darts odds to capture the sport’s most sought-after trophy.
The Englishman’s potential success is far from certain, though, as he is only marginally ahead of the other favourites in darts betting. Michael van Gerwen is offered at 13/2 to win the competition for a fourth time – his experience is unrivalled when it comes to the active elite players. The Dutchman’s performances have been inconsistent throughout 2024, although he always seems to turn up at the Worlds’ as he has appeared in six of the past 12 grand finals at Alexandra Palace.
Another legendary star who could hamper Humphries’ winning hopes is two-time world champion Gary Anderson, who is offered at 16/1 to secure a hat-trick of successes. The Scotsman has not won a PDC major since 2018, but – like van Gerwen – he tends to save his best showings for the World Championship, as he has featured in five finals since 2011.
Rounding out the pool of realistic champions are Mike de Decker and Michael Smith, each listed at 22/1. De Decker is a Belgian player who has secured a breakthrough into the top level of the sport this year. He debuted in the World Championship in 2024 and went on to win his first major in the World Grand Prix in October. Smith, on the other hand, is another experienced player who has won the competition before and cannot be ruled out of replicating that success.
Nitin Kumar Will Represent India
While the most outstanding players will be expected to dominate the headlines at Alexandra Palace this year, a player of note for Asian and specifically Indian darts fans is Nitin Kumar.
The 38-year-old won the Indian qualifier to secure a place at the December event. His victory in the tournament held in Kolkata in October means that he will enter the World Darts Championship for a fourth time.
Kumar will begin his campaign in the first round, and it would represent a huge success if he can avoid defeat in his opening match-up. His presence at the London event – even if it is brief – could certainly even help to inspire the next generation of darting talent from India!
The World Championship promises to be a stunning spectacle yet again and regardless of who emerges as champion, India will play a starring role in the biggest meeting of the year.
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