This year's PDC World Championship promises to be one of the most exciting for quite some time. Over the season, particularly the latter part, there have been shocks and upsets, as a new crop of players emerge, and some of the stalwarts step up their game.
The fact Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are in the same half of the draw, there's now an opportunity for those in the other half, with many believing they can go deep in the competition.
I thought I'd pick 16 names out of the 96 competing and give a little rundown.
I've split them into four groups of four: (Favourites, Contenders, Dark Horse, Wild Card)
Favourites:
Luke Humphries
The defending champion seems to be coming into form at just the right time. He beat Luke Littler in the recent Players Championship Final and seems to have an uncanny habit of pulling off wins, even when not at his best. I would go as far to say he is the best match play player in the world. Having already won here, he will give have confidence in defending his crown.
Luke Littler
An unbelievable first season on the Pro Tour. Littler has won a hat full of titles and goes from strength to strength. Although he had a 'dip' in form mid-season, he came back strong to take the Grand Slam title in emphatic style with incredibly consistent high averages. He will want to go one better than last year, and will take a huge amount of beating.
Gary Anderson
Two time former champion, Anderson has avoided the two 'Lukes' in his half of the draw. His form this season has been top class, particularly on the Pro Tour floor events. He lost a thriller against Littler at the Grand Slam and was very unlucky to lose at the Players Championship, despite a 100+ average. The draw has been fairly kind, and he will hope to take full advantage.
Michael van Gerwen
Another player that is in the opposite half to Littler and Humphries. Despite not winning a TV title this year, I think it would be foolish to write off Michael van Gerwen. He has a fairly nice draw, and then could potentially face Gary Anderson in the 4th round. That could be a crucial clash, as either player would then fancy their chances of making the final. MVG has been there before and that will count for a lot, especially in the early stages. He will want to make his mark and is definitely still in with a chance.
Another player that is in the opposite half to Littler and Humphries. Despite not winning a TV title this year, I think it would be foolish to write off Michael van Gerwen. He has a fairly nice draw, and then could potentially face Gary Anderson in the 4th round. That could be a crucial clash, as either player would then fancy their chances of making the final. MVG has been there before and that will count for a lot, especially in the early stages. He will want to make his mark and is definitely still in with a chance.
Contenders
Wessels Nijman
Wessels Nijman has had a fantastic first year on the Pro Tour, including winning a Pro Tour event. On the PDC Development he has been near unstoppable picking up multiple titles and was the 2024 Order of Merit winner. When on form, Nijman is a regular 100+ average player. His heavy scoring is a big part of his game, and if he can produce this at Alexandra Palace, then he has a very big chance. He has been unlucky in several big events, losing with incredible averages. The slight doubt, can be big stage experience, but if he overcomes the nerves, he is a serious consideration.
Chris Dobey
On the Pro Tour floor events, Dobey has been very consistent and successful in 2024. So much so, that he finished top of the 2024 the Players Championship Order of Merit. Despite a poor Players Championship Finals, Dobey will come back ready to avenge last year's heartbreak when he let a 4-0 slip against Rob Cross. Dobey is a tough character and should be in the latter stages at least.
Gian Van Veen
Gian Van Veen has a tough quarter of the draw, but he will not be worried about that. He has gone from strength to strength this year and, at times, unplayable. He is a player capable of the big averages and has been getting more and more big stage experience. Winning the World Youth Championship last month will give him momentum. He will be tough to beat and could pose a problem.
Mike De Decker
This has been somewhat of a breakthrough year for the Belgian player. Many in the game have already mentioned what a good floor player De Decker is, so it was whether this could be transform this to the TV stage. This year has proved he can, most memorably by winning the World Grand Prix in October, beating Luke Humphries. Many have dipped him to go far in this competition, and I wouldn't argue. He is a class act.
Dark Horses
Martin Schindler
The German number one has a relatively kind draw. A player who still seems to be on the up can go deep into this competition. A solid player a regular on the TV stage these days, he may have a say in this competition. He avoids the favourites up to the quarter final stage and on his day can match anyone, so worth keeping an eye on.
Daryl Gurney
Daryl Gurney had a great Players Championship, showing some of his old form as he made the last 16 and recording a 108 average in the first round against Peter Wright. Although he has struggled at points during the season, losing his World Cup spot, for example, he seems to be on the up again. The draw is reasonably nice for him, and could be potentially be up against players at a similar crossroads, such as Johnny Clayton, Joe Cullen and Gerwyn Price. I wouldn't surprise me at all to see him make the quarter finals at least.
Dirk van Duijvenbode
A resurgence in form by van Duijvenbode in recent months, as brought him to the fore as a real prospect for the World Championships. His past two tournaments have been very solid and is proving a very difficult opponent, particularly on his own throw. He has a tough quarter, but no player would really want to be facing him. He is tenacious and focussed, and when things go his way can be unstoppable. I really look forward to seeing how he matches up against the more favoured players. He may just beat them all!
Nathan Aspinall
Aspinall has had a tricky year, with injury and dartitis. This has seen his ranking plummet and opportunity to play events restricted. However, there were signs of a recovery at the Players Championship Finals last month. Aside from last year, Aspinall performs well on this stage and he is a gritty player that will not give up. The draw is quite open in his quarter and he has a chance of making the later stages. If he gets that far, then he could spring a surprise, all the way to the final.
Surprises
Dave Chisnall
We all know Chisnall is a quality player and a very heavy scorer. His form hasn't been quite up to last year's, and is sometimes overlooked when trying to predict tournament winners. However, at his best, Chisnall can match anyone, especially with his propensity to hit 180s for fun. The draw looks ok for him, and he could forge a path through to the latter stages. From there who knows. Could be a big price finalist?
Danny Noppert
Like Chisnall above, there is no doubt of Noppert's quality. However he does have a tough quarter of the draw, with players including Luke Littler, Gian Van Veen and Rob Cross as potential opponents. What Noppert has in his armoury is composure and consistency. If his opponents are not at their best, Noppert will look to pounce on this. This year the form book has been ripped up and there is a chance that a few shock results may play into Noppert's hands.
Niko Springer
This might seem like a long shot, and maybe it is due to lack of big stage experience ,but I have been fortunate enough to have marked a few of his matches. Springer has been fighting Wessel Nijman all year on the PDC Development Tour, and has not been far away. Many are tipping Nijman for a big run at Alexandra Palace, so I believe Springer may also cause a few problems. He does have a tough quarter in the draw, but he is the sort of player that can hit 100+ averages regularly. If he keeps his nerve, any opponent should be wary. Amazingly he is 500/1. I'm definitely having a few pennies on him!
James Wade
James Wade has a wealth of World Championship experience, so should not feel the pressure. He has hit patches of great form and just needs to do that here. He is in the same quarter of the draw as Luke Humphries, so that will be tough, however Wade will not be overawed by any player. He may need to step up his averages a notch, but if Humphries does fall early, Wade could be there to pounce and go on a run.
