The 2026 PDC World Masters concludes today, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all taking place in what promises to be a day of high-quality entertainment.
Defending champion Luke Humphries will look to put behind him the difficulties he has faced at the business end of recent tournaments, while Josh Rock takes on Luke Littler, hoping it will be fourth time lucky against the two-time world champion after three spirit crushing defeats.
With £100,000 on offer for the winner from a £500,000 prize pot, the focus shifts to the quarter-finals as the remaining contenders eye a run to the title.
Humphries nine dart magic
Humphries boosted his confidence in defending his title with a stunning nine-darter in his second-round victory over Luke Woodhouse.
While it counts for little in the wider context, it did underline a steely determination that has been absent at recent major events.
Quarter-finals: Match ups and predictions
Chris Dobey v Gerwyn Price
Dobey and Price both came through their first-round matches comfortably before being pushed hard in second-round victories. Price has posted the stronger three-dart averages, recording ton-plus figures in both wins, although in set play that is less decisive.
If Price can maintain his doubling prowess, especially in clutch moments, he should get the win.
Prediction: Price 4-2
Luke Littler v Josh Rock
Both Littler and Rock arrive in fine form for this showdown, but the main obstacle for Rock may be the psychological scars left by his three previous meetings with ‘The Nuke’.
In each of those meetings he lost from winning positions. If he can put that behind him and maintain a positive mindset, he has the tools to push Littler all the way and finally claim a victory over the world champion.
Prediction: Rock 4-3
Gian van Veen v James Wade
Van Veen brings the heavier scoring, but Wade has taken their last three encounters and is a wily operator in set play. It’s a tight call, yet if Wade is to prevail his finishing must be clinical, with Van Veen expected to hold the advantage on the scoring side.
Prediction: Van Veen 4-2
Luke Humphries v Danny Noppert
Defending champion Humphries holds a 9–4 head-to-head advantage over his Dutch opponent, but he has not been his usual self in the latter stages of tournaments recently. He has been exceptional on the run to the quarter-finals, including that brilliant nine-darter, yet if his focus slips, Noppert could spring a surprise.
Prediction: Noppert 4-3
Semi-final and final predictions
Set play often favours players who can remain composed on the doubles, and on that basis Price and Wade may hold an advantage if they come through their quarter-finals.
However, it is hard to look beyond the winner of Rock v Littler as the player most likely to build the momentum needed to come through the draw and lift the title, with that clash sure to be a titanic battle.
It remains to be seen whether Humphries can rediscover the killer instinct that has been missing in recent times, but if he powers through his quarter-final he would also be firmly in the mix.
Who will win the title?
Whichever of Rock, Littler or Price emerges from the tougher top half could carry the crucial edge into the final and decide the title.
Title Winner: Josh Rock
Get odds to PDC World Masters with Bet Victor Online Casino
