For years, North American darts players have battled for limited spots at the sport’s biggest event. Now, thanks to the expanded 2026 Paddy Power sponsored PDC World Darts Championship, players from Canada and the United States have their clearest, most rewarding pathway yet to reach Alexandra Palace and compete for the £1 million winners prize - with some very attractive pots of gold on offer even if you fail to reach that rainbow.
The annual darting extravaganza will see a record-breaking 128-player field with a significant boost for North American hopefuls. A total of five guaranteed places are now on offer via the successful Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) circuit - North America’s official professional tour affiliated with the PDC.
So, how do players qualify? Well, if you haven’t got a PDC Tour Card - these are your avenues:
PDC North American Championship Winner:
The champion of this flagship event earns a direct ticket to Alexandra Palace. The North American Championship typically takes place in the autumn (although they call it the fall) and is open to top CDC performers, showcasing the region’s best talent in a high-stakes showdown.
CDC Continental Cup Winner:
The Continental Cup crowns the overall CDC tour champion. This event, usually staged at the end of the CDC season, rewards consistent excellence across the year with a World Championship berth.
CDC Cross-Border Challenge Winner:
A newer addition to the calendar, this event pits top Canadian players against their American counterparts, with the winner earning a World Championship place. It does exactly what it says on the tin - highlights the continents rich cross-border darting rivalry.
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Top-Ranked CDC American:
The highest-ranked American player on the CDC Tour Order of Merit who hasn’t already qualified through another route secures a place at Ally Pally.
Top-Ranked CDC Canadian:
Similarly, the top Canadian in the CDC Order of Merit who is not otherwise qualified also claims a spot in the field.
This structure offers a balance of rewards: one-off event winners can punch their ticket with a big performance on the day, while players who deliver consistently throughout the CDC season are equally recognised. Seems fair. The expanded qualification also ensures representation from both sides of the border, with at least one Canadian guaranteed to feature.
For North American players, the pathway has never been clearer or more enticing. Five golden tickets to Alexandra Palace are now within reach - and with them, the chance to join the elite on the sport’s grandest stage. With the World Darts Championship field expanding and the CDC tour growing stronger, darts across the pond is set for a thrilling chapter.
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