Introduction
The Premier League Darts 2024 season is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. This year’s line-up features some of the biggest names in the sport, including defending champion Michael van Gerwen, World Champion Luke Humphries, and rising star Luke Littler. In this ultimate guide, we will take a closer look at each player, their stats, and their chances in the tournament. Get ready for an exhilarating 17 weeks of action, starting from February 1, as we dive into the world of Premier League Darts 2024.
Michael van Gerwen: The Defending Champion
Michael van Gerwen returns as the defending champion, aiming to secure his record-extending eighth Premier League crown. Van Gerwen has been a dominant force in the darting world, and his previous successes make him one of the favorites in this year’s tournament. With a second-place finish at the UK Open and the Players Championship in 2023, he is determined to regain his top form and add to his impressive tally of major titles. Despite a shock quarter-final exit at the World Darts Championship, van Gerwen showed his resilience by bouncing back with a win over Luke Littler in the Dutch Masters final. Expect fireworks from this world-class player as he vies for another Premier League title.
Luke Humphries: The World Champion
Luke Humphries enters the Premier League Darts 2024 season as the world number one, following his remarkable victory at the World Darts Championship. The 2023 world champion had a stellar year, winning four majors in just three months, solidifying his position at the top of the world rankings. Humphries’ impressive performances earned him a spot in this year’s Premier League line-up, where he aims to continue his winning streak. With his incredible form and mental fortitude, Humphries is a force to be reckoned with and a strong contender for the title.
Luke Littler: The Rising Star
At just 17 years old, Luke Littler has taken the darting world by storm. After a sensational run at the World Darts Championship, where he became the youngest player in history to reach the final, Littler has earned his place in the Premier League Darts 2024 line-up. Despite falling short against Luke Humphries in the final, Littler’s incredible performance has catapulted him into the spotlight. He even managed to defeat Michael van Gerwen in the Bahrain Masters, showcasing his immense talent and potential. As a debutant in the Premier League, Littler is poised to make his mark and establish himself as a future star of the sport.
The Rest of the Line-Up
The Premier League Darts 2024 line-up is packed with talent, featuring former world champions and top-ranked players. Let’s take a closer look at the remaining players and their respective chances in the tournament.
Nathan Aspinall: The Contender
Nathan Aspinall, currently ranked fourth in the PDC Order of Merit, returns for his second consecutive Premier League appearance. Despite a disappointing early exit at the World Darts Championship, Aspinall showcased his potential by winning the World Matchplay and reaching the final of the World Series of Darts. With his recent success and determination, Aspinall is eager to make a mark in this year’s Premier League and improve upon his runner-up performance in 2020.
Gerwyn Price: The Iceman
Gerwyn Price, known as “The Iceman,” had a stellar run in last year’s Premier League, finishing as the runner-up. He also had notable successes at the World Grand Prix and the World Cup of Darts. However, Price’s journey at the World Darts Championship was cut short in the third round. Despite this setback, Price’s experience and skill make him a strong contender in the Premier League Darts 2024 season.
Rob Cross: The Former World Champion
Rob Cross, the 2018 world champion, returns to the Premier League after missing the past two editions. Despite losing in the finals of The Masters and the Grand Slam of Darts, Cross enjoyed victories at the New Zealand Darts Masters and the New South Wales Darts Masters. His impressive run to the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship further solidified his comeback. With renewed confidence, Cross is ready to make his mark in the Premier League once again.
Peter Wright: The Experienced Contender
Peter Wright, a fixture in the Premier League for over a decade, returns for his 11th consecutive appearance. Although he only reached the play-offs once since losing the 2017 final to Michael van Gerwen, Wright’s consistent performances cannot be overlooked. Despite a disappointing early exit at the World Darts Championship, Wright’s previous successes, including winning the European Championship, make him a formidable opponent in the Premier League Darts 2024 season.
Michael Smith: The Bully Boy
Michael Smith, also known as “Bully Boy,” had a mixed campaign as last year’s world champion. While he hit a stunning nine-darter on his way to the title, Smith’s only other notable performance came in reaching the semi-finals of the Premier League. However, his potential cannot be underestimated, and he will be eager to return to his brilliant best in the upcoming season.
The Premier League Darts 2024 Schedule
The 2024 Premier League Darts season promises an exciting 17 weeks of action, with each player battling it out for the top spot. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
Date | Venue |
---|---|
February 1 | Cardiff |
February 8 | Berlin |
February 15 | Glasgow |
February 22 | Newcastle |
March 1 | Exeter |
March 8 | Brighton |
March 15 | Nottingham |
March 22 | Dublin |
March 29 | Belfast |
April 5 | Manchester |
April 12 | Birmingham |
April 19 | Rotterdam |
April 26 | Liverpool |
May 3 | Aberdeen |
May 10 | Leeds |
May 17 | Sheffield |
May 23 | London (Play-offs) |
How to Watch Premier League Darts 2024
Premier League Darts 2024 will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports. Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Darts, available through NOW without a contract. Don’t miss a single throw as the world’s best players battle it out for darting glory.