Premier League Darts to be staged in FIFTH country as Barry Hearn reveals venue
Premier League Darts will head to Belgium next year after Barry Hearn confirmed a fifth host country. PDC president Hearn has revealed that Antwerp is being added to the fixture list for 2026.
This year's tournament saw the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany play host to stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. But Belgium has been growing in darting stature, with Belgian Open now on the European Tour and the Flanders Trophy being added to the calendar in 2024.
Players have enjoyed themselves and praised the Belgian crowd's behaviour. Sell-out venues have seen the demand for a spot on the Premier League fixture list grow.
Now their place confirmed. The news was announced as Humphries beat defending champion Littler 11-8 in Thursday's final at the O2 Arena.
Former Winmau World Masters champion Erik Clarys, who's now a commentator for Belgian broadcaster VTM, said: "I honestly didn't see this coming. But it shows just how popular darts has become in our country. I'm sure it's going to be a spectacular night."
Humphries will be the player defending the title, having come from 3-0 down to beat 18-year-old Littler. Cool Hand became only the fourth player to complete darts' Triple Crown.
Previously, only Gary Anderson, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen had won the World Championship, World Matchplay and the Premier League. "That one means the world to me. That's what I was missing. I have done it now," Humphries beamed.
"If I don't win another title, I'm happy because I've done the three hardest ones to do. I've joined an exclusive group of me, Gary Anderson, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
"To Phil Taylor, thank you so much. He has given me so much support. He has given me a lot of advice and an extra boost tonight. If he's watching, then thank you. I'm really happy with that win.
Which other country should Premier League Darts be held? Give us your pick in the comments section.
"I can retire now - I'm done! I want to search for more. This makes me want to be a better player. I've won eight major titles. Now it's important to finish the end of the season well.
"It wasn't our best game. We struggled. I love Luke to bits. He's one of my best mates on tour. He wasn't at his best. It was hard. We struggled to cope with the conditions."
Littler will be keen to bounce back in 2026, admitting to Sky Sports: "I had a little bit of a thing after the game - nobody likes losing - but I'm fine. I am glad to say the Premier League is over - it's been a tough 17 weeks. Happy it's over, and I came runner-up, but I will be back next year."
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