With the Premier League Darts 2026 about to begin, Sky Sports pundits each picked their forecasts for who will start strongest, who could surge into Finals Night late, and who will lift the trophy.
Emma Paton
– Best start: Luke Littler — Paton expects the world champion to assert himself from the off.
– Also in contention: Gerwyn Price — she thinks Price can convert his form into a strong early run.
– Late surge: Jonny Clayton — a former winner who could fight his way back into the mix.
– Winner: Luke Littler — Paton sees Littler as the most likely champion despite last season’s setback.
Wayne Mardle
– Best start: Luke Littler and Luke Humphries — Mardle views both as the players to beat week after week.
– Late surge: Josh Rock — Mardle believes Rock could thrive under the Premier League’s regular demands.
– Winner: Luke Humphries — Mardle backs Humphries to come through and lift the trophy.
Mark Webster
– Best start: Gian van Veen and Josh Rock — Webster expects both to settle quickly and hit good form.
– Late surge: Jonny Clayton — experience gives Clayton a strong chance to force his way into the playoffs.
– Winner: Luke Littler — Webster rates Littler as the man to beat across the season.
John Part
– Best start: Luke Littler — Part predicts Littler will top the table early and pull clear.
– Late surge: Jonny Clayton — Part thinks Clayton could grind his way into the finals in the closing weeks.
– Winner: Luke Littler — Part expects Littler to reclaim the title by a comfortable margin.
Polly James
– Best start: Luke Littler — as double world champion, she believes Littler will hunt maximum points from the start.
– Late surge: Gerwyn Price — James sees Price fighting doggedly for a top-four finish.
– Winner: Luke Littler — she feels Littler has extra levels that set him apart.
Stuart Pyke
– Best start: Luke Littler — Pyke can’t see past Littler and highlights his big ambitions (nine-darter, record average).
– Late surge: Littler and Humphries, plus Gerwyn Price and debutant Gian van Veen — Pyke expects a competitive battle with Gian likely to impress.
– Winner: Luke Littler — Pyke also names Littler his favorite to win the season.
Summary
Across the panel there’s a clear leaning toward Luke Littler as the favourite to win Premier League Darts 2026 and to make the strongest early impact. Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price are common picks to mount late challenges, while Luke Humphries, Josh Rock and Gian van Veen are highlighted as players who could threaten at various stages of the campaign.