Who Are The Dark Horses For The World Darts Championship 2025?
Darts has grown at a phenomenal rate over the past 12 months. The World Darts Championship 2024 saw Luke Littler put himself on the world stage by making it to the final of the tournament.
Littler defied the odds and came so close to clinching the sports biggest prize. Despite losing out in the final to a superb Luke Humphries, the teenage sensation has been a major focal point in the sports growth.
With there being just over one week until the latest instalment of the tournament gets underway, many people will be picking their ones to watch. Not necessarily the likes of Humphries or Littler, but other players who could make a name for themselves and surprise many on the grand stage.
Darts is the most competitive it has ever been with those competing going from strength to strength. With that being said, we dive into the dark horses for the World Darts Championship 2025.
Wessel Nijman
The 24 year old has had a strong year on the circuit. Nijman has shown that he has the ability to battle it out with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Nijman kicks off his tournament against Cameron Carolissen in the opening round and should he advance, he would go on to face Joe Cullen. The Dutchman sits the same side of the bracket as the likes of Gerwyn Price, Michael Van Gerwen and more.
Nijman has the ability to cause an upset and could ride a major wave of momentum should he overcome the first two rounds of the tournament. One to most certainly keep an eye on at Ally Pally.
Gian Van Veen
Another young Dutchman is among those that could perform very well at this tournament. Van Veen has majorly impressed in a number of TV Majors so far this year.
‘The Giant’ was crowned the winner of The PDC World Youth Championship in a thrilling match against Jurjen van der Velde in Minehead just some weeks ago.
Van Veen will face the winner of Ricardo Pietreczko vs Xiao-Chen Zong to kick off his campaign. The 22 year old could then face World Number 5 Rob Cross should both players advance from the second round.
Despite sitting in the same side of the bracket as Littler and Humphries, should Van Veen get firing at his best, the Dutchman is more than capable of producing a performance good enough to beat anyone.
Jonny Clayton
Nobody is really speaking about the World number seven as one to watch ahead of this tournament. Clayton would have to play at his absolute best, however his side of the bracket is a key reason for him to be a ‘dark horse’.
Clayton has never really hit his absolute best form at the World Championship. Reaching the quarter finals in 2023, the Ferrett has shown glimpses of his best at this tournament but has never consistently shined at Ally Pally.
However, Clayton is a player that is more than capable of surprising doubters, especially on a big stage. The 50 year old will open his campaign against either Mickey Mansell or Tomoya Goto.
Mansell performed well at the Grand Slam of Darts, however I expect Clayton to advance to the third round. Following a personal prediction, Clayton could then go on to face and defeat Daryl Gurney, before setting up an intriguing fourth round tie.
Clayton could find himself meeting one of Gary Anderson or Michael Van Gerwen in the Semi Final. People will have their reservations about the Welshman ahead of the trip to Ally Pally, but I do believe this could be a special tournament for The Ferrett.
The excitement for the tournament is well and truly building. Who will win the Sid Waddell trophy? Who will make a name for themselves in the sport?
With only 9 days to go, there is truly a buzz in the darting world about this year's tournament. This year's edition has the potential to be the greatest World Darts Championship of all time.