A few weeks ago our friend and colleague The Sporting News’ Alex Walsh decided to stick his neck out and name his 2026 Premier League eight. Bold move. There are still plenty of big TV majors to play, but credit where it’s due – some of Alex's picks are basically nailed on. Let’s take a look at Alex’s early runners and riders.
Luke Littler
The safest bet in sport right now. Unless Littler suddenly develops a phobia of trebles or takes up base jumping without a parachute, he’ll be in. He’s already World Champion and could well be world number one by selection time. You don’t leave the teenage phenomenon out of the biggest roadshow in darts.
THE CHAMP IS CROWNED: Play-Offs Highlights - 2024
Luke Humphries
Another certainty. Current world number one, reigning Premier League champion, and as good an ambassador as you’ll find. Cool Hand racks up trophies like Tesco Clubcard points. You can argue about the order, but the two Lukes will be first on the list.
Michael van Gerwen
It used to be impossible to imagine a Premier League without MVG. He’s dipped a little, sure – divorce proceedings will do that – but write him off at your peril. He’s still one of the greatest to ever throw a dart and box office wherever he plays. Phil Taylor may have the legacy, but in the GOAT conversation, it’s MVG who sits in that debate.
Stephen Bunting
The Bullet’s Premier League campaign this year kind of fell on its backside. Yet bafflingly, against nearly all of the same blokes on the World Series tour - topped the rankings. Add in the fact he’s one of the most likeable characters on tour, belts out his own walk-on, and throws in a well choreographed routine for good measure – he’s impossible to ignore.
James Wade
Trickier. Wadey’s darts are still plenty sharp, but his relationship with the PDC suits isn’t exactly hearts and flowers. He turned down the World Series in Australasia for Disneyland with the family, which might have dented his stock. Still, a top-four ranking would make him impossible to leave out.
Gerwyn Price
Gezzy is still box office, even if his ranking has slipped. He’s the one player who really gave the Lukes headaches last year. Add in his combustible personality and you’ve got the tungsten tackling equivalent of a motorway pile-up: chaotic, noisy, and impossible not to watch. Many would say he belongs in the line-up
Jonny Clayton
On his day classy, popular, and capable of brilliance and looks like he could win everything; on another, you’re not so sure. But the Welsh maestro has seemed to have rediscovered his best form of late. A big title between now and Christmas might swing it. His walk-on song, though, could do with an update. Right now, it screams Marty McFly performing years ahead of his time at the Enchantment Under The Sea dance.
Josh Rock
Another excellent shout. The World Cup win put him on the map, and the PDC clearly want him front and centre – hence the World Series Down Under invite. He’s young, passionate, explosive, and easy to market. If you want fresh blood, Rock offers litres of the stuff.
SIGN UP FOR A DARTS WORLD MEMBERSHIP TODAY!
The Maybes:
- Nathan Aspinall – Crowd favourite (especially the walk-on song), but a slump down the rankings mean he maty not return this time.
- Chris Dobey – Possibly been overtaken by too many candidates of late. He has also had multiple hances. Needs a TV major to force his way in.
- Rob Cross – Decorated, consistent, but has dipped recently. He is often overlooked.
- Peter Wright – A poor year by his standards. To be fair, Snakey will be the first to admit he’s not done enough for a call-up.
- Gary Anderson – Would have to sacrifice too many fishing hours for Premier League travel. Plus he has publicly dismissed the idea.
- Damon Heta – Incredibly marketable but needs a major or World final to justify his inclusion.
- Mike De Decker – Didn’t make the cut as the World Grand Prix Champ. Therefore, highly unlikely this time around.
- Gian van Veen – A future certainty, but probably not in 2026 unless he makes another huge impression.
So, Alex Walsh’s early eight? Sensible, realistic, and largely spot on. But darts being darts, expect at least one curveball before the line-up is announced. After all, if the Premier League was predictable, it wouldn’t create so much debate. Even in August.
Dark Horses:
We'll add a couple from leftfield to spice things up a little.
- Martin Schindler - PL places are often a mix between merit , commercial reality and an X factor. The wall may bring something new.
- Danny Noppert - The Freeze has worked his way up inot the higher reaches of the rankings. A burst of form or a title win and who knows?
At the start of December, DW will pick a class of 2026. Then if someone we didn’t mention bags the World title, expect an edit!
For the full stories and more in depth coverage of everything darts, together with the latest issues of their legendary publications, head on over to dartsworld.com