2026 Premier League Darts Night 1 draw, match predictions and 3 storylines to watch

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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

PlayerNights WonMatches WonLegs DifferencePoints
Luke Littler0000
Luke Humphries0000
Gian van Veen0000
Michael van Gerwen0000
Josh Rock0000
Jonny Clayton0000
Gerwyn Price0000
Stephen Bunting0000

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)

PlayerNights WonMatches WonPoints
Luke Humphries135
Luke Littler023
Josh Rock012
Stephen Bunting012
Michael van Gerwen000
Jonny Clayton000
Gerwyn Price000
Gian van Veen000

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.

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