2026 International Darts Open
| 2026 International Darts Open | |
|---|---|
| Tournament information | |
| Dates | 12–21 June 2026 |
| Venue | Alexandra Palace |
| Location | London, England |
| Organisation(s) | International Darts Federation (IDF) |
| Format | Sets Final – best of 11 sets |
| Prize fund | $2,500,000 |
| Winner's share | $500,000 |
The 2026 International Darts Open is an upcoming professional darts tournament organised by the International Darts Federation (IDF). The event was officially announced on 3 March 2026 and is scheduled to take place from 12 to 21 June 2026.
The tournament will be staged under IDF sanction and will form part of the 2026 IDF darts season. Apex Energy was confirmed as the tournament’s title sponsor, marking the company’s first involvement as a title partner for a major international darts event. The competition will feature a 128-player knockout field, with prize money contributing to the IDF Order of Merit.[1][2]
Overview
Venue
On 10 March 2026, the International Darts Federation confirmed that the tournament will be held at Alexandra Palace in London, England.[3]
Alexandra Palace was selected due to its capacity, broadcast infrastructure, and established association with major professional darts events. The 2026 International Darts Open will mark the first time the tournament has been staged at the venue.
Format
The tournament format and match structure were confirmed on 1 April 2026.[4]
All matches will be played as games of 501 using a set format. Match lengths will increase as the tournament progresses, culminating in a best-of-11-sets final. All matches must be won by finishing on a double.
Prize money
On 1 April 2026, the IDF confirmed a total prize fund of $2,500,000, with all prize money counting toward the IDF Order of Merit.[5]
The tournament winner will receive $500,000, with remaining prize money distributed across the field based on finishing position. A full prize money breakdown is scheduled to be published prior to the start of the tournament.[6]
Players
Field composition
The 128-player field was confirmed on 18 April 2026.[7]
| Qualification route | Players |
|---|---|
| IDF Order of Merit (Top 32) | 32 |
| Pro Tour qualifiers | 48 |
| International qualifiers | 32 |
| Host nation qualifiers | 16 |
| Total | 128 |
Seeding
The top 32 players from the IDF Order of Merit following the April 2026 rankings cutoff will be seeded for the tournament.[8]
Seeded players will be placed in the draw to avoid meeting one another until the later stages of the competition, in accordance with IDF draw regulations.[9]
Qualification
Qualification events will be held across multiple regions between April and May 2026, with places allocated through international tours and regional circuits.[10]
Host nation qualifying places will be awarded through UK-based IDF events held during the 2025–26 season.[11]
References
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "IDF Announces 2026 International Darts Open." Official IDF press release, 3 March 2026.
- ↑ Apex Energy. "Apex Energy Named Title Sponsor of the 2026 International Darts Open." Apex Energy media release, 3 March 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "Alexandra Palace Selected as Host Venue for 2026 International Darts Open." Official IDF announcement, 10 March 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "Format and Match Structure Confirmed for 2026 International Darts Open." Official IDF statement, 1 April 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "Prize Fund Details Announced for 2026 International Darts Open." Official IDF release, 1 April 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "Prize Money Distribution Framework for Major IDF Events." IDF competition guidelines, April 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "128-Player Field Confirmed for 2026 International Darts Open." IDF competition update, 18 April 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "Seeding Regulations for Major IDF Tournaments." IDF rulebook, 2026 edition.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "Draw and Bracket Procedures." IDF technical regulations, 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "International Qualification Events Schedule Released." IDF tour bulletin, April 2026.
- ↑ International Darts Federation. "Host Nation Allocation Criteria." IDF domestic competition notice, April 2026.