Luke Littler has insisted that the PDC World Darts Championship should stay at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) amid suggestions from Barry Hearn that Saudi Arabia want to host the event. 

Luke Littler has insisted that the PDC World Darts Championship should stay at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) amid suggestions from Barry Hearn that Saudi Arabia want to host the event.

 

 

 

Luke Littler — the 18‑year‑old darting sensation — has made his stance clear: the PDC World Darts Championship should stay at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally), despite suggestions from Barry Hearn and others that Saudi Arabia might host the event in future.

Littler’s position: preserving tradition, atmosphere and identity

For Littler, Ally Pally is more than just a venue — it’s part of the soul of the World Championship. Reports suggest he supports the idea of experimenting with new tournament formats or staging darts events in locations like Saudi Arabia, but he draws a firm line when it comes to the sport’s flagship event.

He sees the world championship’s traditions — the Christmas‑to‑New Year timing, the crowd, the setting — as integral to its appeal. Moving it away from Ally Pally would, in his view, risk undermining those intangible but potent qualities that make the tournament special.

Hearn, expansion and the Saudi proposition

Barry Hearn has openly floated the idea of relocating the world championship, citing growing demand and potential ticket revenue that would exceed what Ally Pally can accommodate. Hearn has also acknowledged that he’s spoken to Saudi interests, who have expressed eagerness to host darts events.

However, Hearn has also introduced caveats. One major sticking point is Saudi Arabia’s prohibition on alcohol — a staple of the lively, festive environment at darts events. He has reportedly asked his Saudi interlocutors, “Can we have alcohol?” and was told no — prompting him to say that without alcohol, darts would lose a core element of its identity.

PDC CEO Matt Porter, meanwhile, has stated publicly that relocating the world championship is not a priority, and that it would “take something very special” to justify abandoning Ally Pally.

Pros and cons: What’s at stake

Arguments in favor of staying at Alexandra Palace

1. Tradition & branding

For many fans, “the Worlds at Ally Pally” is a phrase loaded with meaning. It is as much part of the brand and narrative of the event as the players themselves.

2. Atmosphere & fan culture

The crowd, the party vibe, the fan village — much of this is enabled by a venue and environment familiar to fans and built up over many years.

3. Risk of “losing identity”

Moving to Saudi Arabia could alienate parts of the existing fanbase who see such a move as prioritising money over core values. The ban on alcohol, in particular, poses a real challenge to the atmosphere many associate with darts.

4. Operational advantages

Over years, the PDC has built infrastructure — from broadcasting setups to fan‑village logistics — around Ally Pally. A move would entail significant investment and uncertainty.

Arguments for exploring new venues / Saudi Arabia

1. Capacity & demand

The PDC believes it could sell far more tickets than are feasible at Ally Pally. Expanding or relocating could unlock higher revenues, more exposure, and potentially more prize money.

2. Strategic growth & new markets

Saudi Arabia and the Middle East are hungry for marquee sporting events; hosting darts there could accelerate the sport’s global expansion.

3. Financial incentives

Big investment and lucrative offers could make moving more attractive, especially if stakeholders see a long‑term upside.

4. Flexibility / “keeping options open”

Hearn and others argue it’s prudent to consider future possibilities rather than be locked into one location forever.

Outlook & likely outcome

Given current statements from the PDC leadership, it seems unlikely that the World Championship will move imminently. Porter has emphasised that a move isn’t a priority. Meanwhile, Hearn has effectively ruled out a shift to Saudi Arabia “for the time being,” largely because of the alcohol issue.

But the fact the idea remains on the table signals that nothing is guaranteed. As Littler’s rise has shown, the sport’s landscape can change quickly, and demand could push the PDC to revisit hard decisions.

In that sense, Littler’s insistence is not just about nostalgia — it’s a challenge to balance growth with preservation of identity. If the World Championship ever does relocate, it will require not only a compelling financial case but a convincing plan to preserve what has made “Ally Pally at Christmas” so special.

If you like, I can write a version with direct quotes or for publication in a journalistic style. Do you want me to polish it further?