Key events
Profile: Michael van Gerwen
Nickname: Strong Mike/MvG
World order: No 3
Hometown: Vlijmen, Netherlands
Major titles: 48 and counting
PDC Worlds Best: Winner 2014, 2017 and 2019
Walk-in music: Seven Nation Army
A decade ago Van Gerwen was in Luke Littler’s position; Heir apparent to Phil Taylor’s throne, who seemed fit to lift the world title every year. It feels almost disappointing to have won three Ally Pally crowns alone; Van Gerwen sometimes erred on the side of his ruthless stick here, winning as many finals as he did.
He also said that Littler would compete with the flying Dutchman at his absolute best. Even Van Gerwen is still only 35, and it is time for him to be more suitable for the title of the world championship, and like Ronnie O’Sullivan did in snooker. Way MvG slowed the electric form of Callan Rydz in the last eight frames well for his chance.
Road to the semi-final: R2 beat James Hurrell 3-0, R3 beat Brendan Dolan 4-2, R4 beat Jeffrey de Graaf 4-2, QF beat Callan Rydz 5-3.
Profile: Chris Dobey
Surname: Hollywood
World order: No 15
Hometown: Bedlington
Major titles: Masters 2023
PDC Worlds Best: Semis 2025
Walk in the music: Let’s compare the Rhumble
Much like in tennis, Dobey is part of the “Next Gen” group, whose gradual rise through the shooting world has been overshadowed by Littler’s rapid ascent. He is four years old to rebound in the world’s top 10 next year, earning to reach the first semi-finals here, losing painfully in the quarter-finals in 2023 and 2024.
Dobey, who earned the nickname “Hollywood” because of the recklessness with which he plays tennis as an amateur, won his first PDC Masters title in 2023, but struggled in his first Premier League campaign that same year. Like his football team, Newcastle, Dobey remains determined to one day break into the elite.
Road to the semi-final: R2 beat Alexander Merkx 3-1, R3 bt Josh Rock 4-2, R4 bt Kevin Doets 4-3, QF bt Gerwyn Price 5-3.
Will we see the fugitive tonight? There have already been two in this year’s tournament, but both players managed to deliver one – Christian Kist and Damon Heta – to lose the match.
The beginning
Welcome to Alexander Palace, London. In 92 matches played over just four days, we’ve seen shocking results, unexpected comebacks, nine-shooters and all-time classics. Ninety-six players stood in the Sally Pally oche; only four remain in contention. Four former world champions – Luke Humphries, Michael Smith, Peter Wright and Gerwyn Price – all fell, dropping out of the final four.
The only winner is still in the field; Michael van GerwenNara gave him the clear fourth title of the seeker of the shining world. He starts as a favorite against Chris Dobey, who is in his first world semi-final defeat to Price – but no 15th seed often brings the best shot to Palace, and he should not be underestimated.
When the match was made, most observers expected a Luke v Luke semi-final, in a repeat of last year’s epic final. But Humphries was overwhelmed by a resurgent Wright, who then failed to replicate the same magic against Stephen Bunting. It’s a Bullet that looks unappealing to work Luke Littler would have stayed the nightbut after a decade of disappointment at the PDC worlds, Bunting has rarely looked in better form.
The semi-final line-up is complete: a determined champion against the sharp old stage, and a probable, capable one against the wounded former king of the Palace. Fate hints at a Littler v Van Gerwen final and the passing of the torch, but things are so rarely predictable when the lights go down and the arrows start flying.
7.40pm GMT: [15] Christopher Dobey v Michael van Gerwen [3]
9.30pm GMT: [8] Stephen Bunting v Lucas Littler [4]