Overview
- Four Germans are through: Martin Schindler meets Ryan Searle on December 28, Ricardo Pietreczko plays Andreas Harrysson on December 27, Gabriel Clemens faces Luke Humphries on December 28, and Arno Merk draws Michael van Gerwen later that night.
- PDC confirmed more than £3 million for 2026–2028 to bolster Global Affiliate Tours with higher regional prize money and direct pathways into Q School and the preliminary rounds of the World Masters, World Cup, Grand Slam and World Championship.
- The 2026 event features an expanded 128‑player field and a doubled £5 million purse, including £1 million to the champion.
- From 2027 the tournament shifts within Alexandra Palace to the larger Great Hall with roughly 5,000 seats per session, with a commitment to remain at the venue at least through 2031.
- Player Dom Taylor was removed after a positive doping test, later citing personal struggles and a relapse into substance use in a public statement.