Alexandra Palace will host its most expansive PDC World Darts Championship to date, with an unprecedented 128 competitors battling for the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy.
The tournament begins on Thursday 11 December and spans more than three weeks, culminating in the final on Friday 3 January.
The championship will pause for a festive intermission from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day, resuming competition on 27 December.
This year's expanded format represents the largest field ever assembled at the iconic north London venue.
Luke Littler became world champion earlier this year and is the hot favourite to defend his title
|PA
Players will compete for a share of the substantial £5 million prize pool, marking a significant milestone in the tournament's history.
The champion's cheque stands at £1 million, whilst the runner-up will claim £400,000 from the record prize fund.
Current world number one Luke Littler returns to defend his crown as the tournament's top seed.
The reigning champion enters as bookmakers' favourite following his recent ascent to the summit of the world rankings.
Former champion Luke Humphries, seeded second, has declared his intention to capture a second title.
Luke Humphries is desperate to win back his world title
| PAThe prize structure rewards progression through each round, with semifinalists earning £200,000 and quarterfinalists securing £100,000.
Players reaching the fourth round will receive £60,000, whilst third-round participants claim £35,000.
Second-round competitors earn £25,000, and first-round players receive £15,000. An additional £60,000 bonus awaits any player achieving a nine-dart finish.
The tournament marks a watershed moment with five women competitors participating at Alexandra Palace for the first time in the championship's history.
Among these pioneering players are Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock, who secured their places through international qualifying tournaments.
Lisa Ashton will face 28th seed Michael Smith, whilst Noa-Lynn van Leuven meets 30th seed Peter Wright. Gemma Hayter draws 11th seed Josh Rock in her opening match.
Sherrock faces 21st seed Dave Chisnall, and Greaves encounters 22nd seed Daryl Gurney. These first-round matches represent a significant step forward for women's participation in the sport's premier championship.
The Queen of the Palace Fallon Sherrock will return to the Ally Pally
| PAThe tournament field comprises 40 players who qualified through the main PDC Order of Merit, determined by prize money accumulated over two years.
The highest-ranked 32 competitors advance directly to the second round, whilst positions 33 to 40 enter at the opening stage.
Another 40 participants earned their spots via the ProTour Order of Merit, based on performances in smaller, untelevised competitions. These qualifiers all begin their campaigns in the first round.
The remaining 48 places went to international qualifiers from regional tours and global events, ensuring worldwide representation. This diverse qualification system creates a comprehensive field that balances elite talent with emerging players from across the globe.