2025 was a great year for darts, with the Premier League producing many memorable moments.
Thankfully, the wait is almost over, as the newest edition begins this week in Newcastle, for Night 1.
2026 Premier League Darts Night 1 draw
Here is the draw for the quarterfinal round on Night 1 of the 2026 PL.
MORE: 2026 Premier League Darts schedule, scores, results and updated table
Night 1 - Ultilita Arena, Newcastle (February 5)
- Josh Rock vs Jonny Clayton
- Luke Littler vs Gian van Veen
- Luke Humphries vs Gerwyn Price
- Stephen Bunting vs Michael van Gerwen
2026 Premier League Darts table ahead of Night 1
| Player | Nights Won | Matches Won | Legs Difference | Points |
| Luke Littler | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Luke Humphries | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gian van Veen | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Michael van Gerwen | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jonny Clayton | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gerwyn Price | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stephen Bunting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Night 1 match predictions
It's a fresh start for players who are looking to set the tone early.
*Semifinals and final listed below are my predictions based on the quarterfinals
MORE: 2026 Premier League of Darts: Get to know the 8 participants
Quarterfinal 1: Josh Rock vs. Jonny Clayton
Winner: Josh Rock, 6-3
Rock will look to grab a win in his first career PL match.
He'll play Wales' Jonny Clayton, whom he beat last year at the 2025 World Cup.
Quarterfinal 2: Luke Littler vs. Gian van Veen
Winner: Luke Littler, 6-4
Van Veen is coming off an incredible year, and he's practically been able to beat anyone recently, except for Littler.
It'll be an exciting match to watch in week #1, but until Littler shows any signs of slowing down, I think he'll continue to beat van Veen.
Quarterfinal 3: Luke Humphries vs. Gerwyn Price
Winner: Luke Humphries, 6-5
Humphries has been in great form over the last few weeks, especially at the World Masters.
He's appeared to tweak a couple of things with his game, and it has worked well so far.
Price is also in solid form after an early exit at the WC, but Humphries should have the edge if he continues to maintain his recent form.
Quarterfinal 4: Stephen Bunting vs Michael van Gerwen
Winner: Stephen Bunting, 6-4
Bunting has heard all of the criticism a player can get, so he'll have a chip on his shoulder this PL campaign, after a rough return to the PL in 2025.
He should have a great shot at starting the 2026 PL with a win, as MVG's form has been inconsistent over the past 12 months.
MORE: Michael van Gerwen hints at potentially pairing with Gian van Veen at 2026 World Cup of Darts
Semifinals 1: Josh Rock vs. Luke Littler
Winner: Luke Littler, 6-3
Littler and Rock could face each other for the second time in less than a week.
It didn't go well for Rock at the World Masters, and although I see him playing better in this potential clash, Littler should be able to keep his undefeated record against Rock alive.
Semifinals 2: Luke Humphries vs. Stephen Bunting
Winner: Luke Humphries, 6-2
If Humphries can get past the tough task of Price in the quarterfinals, he should have no problem with Bunting, unless 'The Bullet' produces something special.
Final: Luke Littler vs. Luke Humphries
Winner: Luke Humphries, 6-5
It seems like a boring prediction, but I don't see how there isn't a Luke/Luke final this week.
They both were incredible at the World Masters, and as of now, I feel like Price is the only player who can create chaos in this format.
I do have Humphries getting over the hump this time around, as he could have a chance at revenge after losing to Littler in the World Masters Final on Sunday.
MORE: Watch: Luke Humphries hits epic 9-darter at 2026 World Masters
2026 Premier League Darts table (if the results above occur)
| Player | Nights Won | Matches Won | Points |
| Luke Humphries | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Luke Littler | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Josh Rock | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Stephen Bunting | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Michael van Gerwen | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jonny Clayton | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gerwyn Price | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gian van Veen | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Three storylines to watch during Night 1
Here are the main storylines to look out for on Night 1.
Luke Littler vs. Gian van Veen WC rematch
We've seen the two play since Littler destroyed van Veen in the 2026 WC final, but this feels like a more anticipated match with it being van Veen's first PL match, as well as the fact that it's in a packed arena.
Will there be a Luke vs. Luke final?
Littler and Humphries are on a collision course to meet in the final, but will they be able to overcome their difficult Night 1 quarterfinal opponents?
Can Stephen Bunting flip the script?
Bunting has a lot of work to do to get back on track after a rough past 12 months.
More darts articles:
- Luke Littler contract details: Teenage phenom signs richest endorsement deal in darts history
- PDC announces darts schedule for 2026: World Championship, Premier League and more
- Ranking the best PDC Darts moments from 2025: 9-darters to shocking upsets
- 7 darts players who could be in Premier League Darts one day

1 hour ago
2
English (US)