2024 PDC World Darts Championship tips: Luke Humphries, Michael Van Gerwen main pretenders for title
- Seb Sternik
- 14 December 2023
The greatest darting extravaganza is upon us this Friday evening as 96 players from every corner of the globe congregate at the world-famous Alexandra Palace in London.
Considering the amount of quality on show, many would argue that the forthcoming 31st edition of the PDC World Darts Championship has the potential to be the best tournament yet.
All eyes at the event will be on Luke Humphries who has stormed to the top of the outright odds after winning a hat-trick of televised events.
The Leeds United fan won the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and the Players Championship Finals on his way to Ally Pally.
The 28-year-old has been priced at 3/1 as he looks to add the senior crown to his 2019 PDC Youth World Championship title.
Humphries is not only playing solid darts, but he has also displayed a killer instinct in recent events.
For instance, the Englishman was 9-5 down in the Players Championship final against Michael van Gerwen, yet he rallied to win six straight legs and walk away with a stunning 11-9 victory.
Speaking of Van Gerwen, the three-time world champion is currently second-favourite with the bookmakers.
The Dutchman endured mixed form in recent months, though a strenuous playing and travel schedule certainly contributed to that.
Considering the last couple of weeks have been somewhat less hectic, that can only work in the 34-year-old’s favour as he bids for his fourth world crown and first since 2019.
Van Gerwen doesn’t have that same pressure on his shoulders as in previous tournaments and he is our selection to go all the way.
Outright odds – Top six contenders
Gerwyn Price has got his own backers and his odds of 11/2 certainly reflect that. The Welshman lost two major finals this year against Van Gerwen in the Premier League and Humphries at the World Grand Prix.
Nevertheless, the 2021 world champion hasn’t gone worse than the quarter-final stage in his last four appearances at the event.
Defending champion Michael Smith has been off the boil since winning this worlds 12 months ago.
Bully Boy is still priced at 12/1, though considering he failed to progress past the second round in his last three ranked televised events, we’ve got cold feet when it comes to backing Smith.
If you’re looking for a big price selection, Stephen Bunting offers enticing odds at 40/1. The Bullet was in fine form at the Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals as he reached the semi and quarter-finals respectively.
What’s more, Bunting has Ally Pally experience, making the semi-final back in 2021.
Another name to keep an eye on is 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler. The World Youth Champion has been touted as the next big thing by nearly every pundit and expert in the game.
Despite his age, Littler has the potential to do serious damage at the event. At 66/1 he will certainly feature on many betting slips over the next week or so.
The likes of Nathan Aspinall and James Wade are also popular dark horse picks, though our long-price selection is Damon Heta.
The fearless Aussie is a fan-favourite and, more importantly, is playing excellent darts in recent times.
Heta made four major quarter-finals this year and the 36-year-old certainly has the ability to upset the apple cart. At 80/1, he also offers plenty of value in the betting.
Suggested bets
Nap – Michael Van Gerwen to win 4/1 (Planet Boost Odds)
Dark Horse – Damon Heta to win 80/1
