On the latest episode of the DartsNews Podcast, co-hosts Kieran Wood and Nicolas Gayer selected their winners and losers of the 2026 darts season so far, sparking debate with some surprising picks. The conversation highlighted dominant headline acts, quieter success stories, and big names struggling early in the year.
Wood named Luke Littler as a clear winner, citing his World Championship, World Masters, World Series events, and European Tour titles, though noting he hasn't won in the Premier League yet. Beau Greaves was also highlighted for her dominance on the Women's Series, strong ProTour start, and a history-making nine-darter. Beyond the spotlight, Wood pointed to Tom Bissell, who has risen to 19th on the ProTour Order of Merit after aiming to retain his Tour Card. Gayer focused on emerging talents like Adam Gawlas, who reached the semi-finals of Players Championship 1 and qualified for multiple European Tour events, and Cristo Reyes, who has returned to tour after several years away. A German revival was noted, with Max Hopp not losing a first-round match on the Players Championship circuit, Lukas Wenig performing consistently, and Gabriel Clemens rediscovering rhythm after switching equipment, hitting a nine-darter and reaching a ProTour quarter-final.
Turning to losers, Wood grouped Peter Wright and Raymond van Barneveld, calling them "really bad so far" in 2026, with Gayer suggesting Van Barneveld doesn't look like he wants to be there anymore. Wood controversially included Danny Noppert, citing early World Championship exit, missing Premier League selection, and early exits in World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi, with steady but not spectacular ProTour results. Gayer agreed in context, though the podcast discussion occurred before Noppert reached the UK Open quarter-finals. Other struggles highlighted were Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won one match after an initial 103 average and lost ten with mid-70s averages, and Martin Schindler, who started with a 66 average defeat but later showed recovery with a 104 average.
