The 2026 UK Open: A Darts Extravaganza Awaits
The 2026 UK Open is set to dazzle fans from March 6-8 at Butlins Minehead. Known affectionately as the “FA Cup of Darts,” this tournament marks its 24th staging, with the winner pocketing a substantial £120,000. This event promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent, drama, and unexpected twists—all key elements that make the UK Open a must-watch on the darting calendar.
Defending Champion and Tournament Format
Defending champion Luke Littler is back to defend his title after his impressive 11-2 victory over James Wade in the 2025 final. One of the unique aspects of the UK Open is its open draw format. With a 160-player field, big names like Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries won’t enter the tournament until after Friday night, meaning Littler could potentially face them early on. The draw, conducted on stage after the conclusion of each round, adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Fast-Paced Action at Butlins Minehead
The UK Open utilizes a multi-board room alongside a second stage, creating a fast-paced environment that fans love. This format ensures that multiple matches can be played simultaneously, making every session packed with action and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. It’s a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that sets it apart from other tournaments, making it one of the most popular events on the darting calendar.
Where to Watch the UK Open
Fans won’t miss a moment of the action, as the main event will be broadcast live starting Friday. For those wanting to catch the multi-board room and Stage Two, these will be available on PDCTV through a subscription. It’s essential for fans to have an account, making sure they can enjoy every dart thrown throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, the main stage will continue to be the focus come Sunday, highlighting the thrilling quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.
Viewing Options for Different Regions
For viewers in the UK, ITV4 remains the go-to channel for watching the UK Open. With afternoon sessions kicking off at 12:00 PM and evening sessions starting at 7:00 PM on all three days, darts fans will have ample opportunity to catch their favorite players in action. The weekend lineup features popular commentators like Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster, further enhancing the viewing experience with their unique insights and on-air chemistry.
Expectations for the ITV Broadcast Team
The weekend schedule is confirmed, with ITV4 and their streaming platform, ITVX, set to cover the event comprehensively. Led by Pete Graves, fans can look forward to an engaging broadcast, especially with the likes of Wayne Mardle and Chris Mason collaborating on-screen. Their dynamic relationship, strengthened by years of playful rivalry, adds a layer of entertainment that will resonate with viewers.
International Broadcasting Details
For viewers in the United States and Australia, PDCTV will offer live coverage of the tournament as well. However, it’s always wise to check local listings as platforms like Peacock in the US and Stan Sport in Australia also have rights to broadcast select tournaments. Being aware of these options ensures that fans don’t miss any crucial moments from the event.
Official Schedule for the UK Open 2026
Planning to catch every match? Here’s the breakdown for the 2026 UK Open schedule:
| Date | Round | Time |
| Friday, March 6 | First Round | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday, March 6 | Second Round | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday, March 6 | Third Round | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Friday, March 6 | Fourth Round | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Saturday, March 7 | Fifth Round | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday, March 7 | Sixth Round | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sunday, March 8 | Quarter-Finals | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday, March 8 | Semi-Finals & Final | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
