The Bahrain Darts Masters: A Thrilling Kickoff to the 2026 Darts Season

The buzz is palpable as the Bahrain Darts Masters gets underway this Thursday, January 15, marking a thrilling start to the 2026 darts season. This two-day tournament promises an electrifying showcase of skill, precision, and competition as 16 formidable players vie for the title at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

Event Overview

The Bahrain Darts Masters features an exciting lineup of players, including both PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) representatives and rising stars from the Asian circuit. The event will kick off with the first round on Thursday at 6 PM GMT, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final on Friday, concluding a fast-paced weekend of darts.

Star Player: Luke Littler

One of the standout participants this year is the young sensation, Luke Littler, who recently made headlines by becoming the first player in over a decade to secure back-to-back world championship titles, a feat previously accomplished by Gary Anderson. After an exuberant celebration, reportedly involving £150 worth of pizza and only four hours of sleep, the teenager is looking to continue his reign of dominance in Bahrain.

Littler’s last victory showcased his formidable talent as he thrashed Gian van Veen 7-1 in the world championship final, netting a £1 million prize. Fans will be eager to see if this rising star can claim another title at the Bahrain Darts Masters.

The Tournament Field

The tournament features eight PDC stars and eight competitors hailing from Asia. The PDC lineup includes notable names like:

• Stephen Bunting (looking to defend his 2025 title)
• Luke Humphries
• Gian van Veen
• Michael van Gerwen
• Danny Noppert
• Gerwyn Price
• Nathan Aspinall

The Asian representatives bring fresh talent to the mix, comprising:

• Alexis Toylo
• Lourence Ilagan
• Motomu Sakai
• Ryusei Azemoto
• Paul Lim
• Man Lok Leung
• Abdulla Saeed
• Baseem Mahmood

This blend of experience and emerging talent adds an exciting dynamic to the tournament.

Prize Money Breakdown

Competitive spirits will be fueled by a substantial prize fund of £100,000, with the winner taking home £30,000. The prize allocation reflects the stakes for players as they aim to advance through the rounds:

• Winner: £30,000
• Runner-up: £16,000
• Semi-finalists: £10,000
• Quarter-finalists: £5,000
• First round: £1,750

With such attractive rewards on the line, the pressure will be high, and every dart thrown could be pivotal.

Broadcasting Information

For avid fans in the UK, the tournament will be televised for free on ITV, making it accessible for everyone to tune in and witness the action live. Viewers outside Great Britain can catch the matches on DAZN or PDCTV, ensuring darts enthusiasts across the globe can partake in the excitement.

Schedule of Events

Here’s a concise schedule for those eager to keep track of the matches:

• Thursday, January 15: First Round – 6 PM GMT
• Friday, January 16:
  • Quarter-finals – 5 PM GMT
  • Semi-finals – 8 PM GMT
  • Final – Time TBD

What to Expect

With a rich mix of experienced professionals and ambitious newcomers, the Bahrain Darts Masters is set to deliver thrilling matches filled with high-scoring finishes and nail-biting moments. The tournament not only serves as a platform for showcasing incredible darting talent but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead.

As the competitors take their stance, the world will be watching closely, eager to see who will emerge victorious from this exhilarating gathering of darting prowess.