Darts fans, get ready. One of the sport’s most exciting events is right around the corner – and Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI) fans have every chance to believe they can spring a surprise. The 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts returns, and it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable showdown.
From 12th to 15th June, Frankfurt’s iconic Eissporthalle will become the battleground for 40 nations competing in this unique and beloved tournament. Unlike the individual-focused majors, this one’s all about national pride and teamwork. It’s the only PDC tournament where every match is played in doubles format, making for unpredictable, fast-paced action.
With a £450,000 prize fund on the line, including £80,000 for the winners, there’s more than just pride at stake. Irish fans will be thrilled to know that both ROI and NI will be suiting up to represent on the world stage. Could this be the year either nation makes a deep run?
Let’s dive into how teams qualify, who’s representing Ireland and NI, and what odds you can secure with Tonybet ahead of the tournament.
Supporting the Irish? Put your money down with Tonybet.
How do you qualify?
The World Cup of Darts offers a unique blend of global reach and competitive integrity. Here’s how it all works.
Automatic qualification
Nations automatically qualify if they have at least two players ranked on the PDC Order of Merit (as of 13th May 2025). These countries don’t need to go through any extra qualifiers as their spots are guaranteed. Team pairings are based on those same rankings.
For countries including England, Wales, Scotland, and, of course, Northern Ireland, this process is straightforward. ROI, with at least two players active in the PDC circuit, also benefits from this route.
Regional qualifiers
For other parts of the world, including Asia, the Caribbean, and the Nordic and Baltic regions, qualification involves regional tournaments. These are competitive in their own right and help ensure that the event remains global, not just Eurocentric.
It’s also a great way for emerging darts nations such as Guyana, China and the Philippines to earn their spot and make their mark on the big stage.
Team selection
In most cases, the top two ranked players represent their country. If a nation doesn’t have two players in the rankings, national qualifiers or local selection tournaments are used.
This format ensures that, whether it’s an established darts powerhouse or an emerging team, each country sends their best and most in-form talent.
The format
The World Cup’s format was revamped in 2023 and returns with even more spice:
- The top four nations, based on combined rankings, are seeded straight into the second round.
- The remaining 36 teams are drawn into 12 groups of three. Each group winner moves on to the knockout stage.
- All matches are played in doubles – even in the final. It’s about teamwork, chemistry and nerves of steel.
- The group stage features best-of-seven legs, while later rounds extend to nine or 11 legs, ratcheting up the intensity.
ROI and NI top talent take centre stage
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland heads into the 2025 edition with high expectations and a potent duo.
- Josh Rock: Still only in his early 20s, Rock quickly emerged as one of the PDC’s most exciting young stars. He’s known for his scoring power, quick pace and fearless attitude. If he gets going, he can beat anyone on his day, and he is a player who can keep his cool in high-pressure situations.
- Daryl Gurney: A former major winner, Gurney brings invaluable experience having spent years at the top. His calm demeanour, tactical nous and chemistry with Rock make this NI team well-balanced. “Superchin” knows what it takes to compete on the big stage, and his leadership will be key. Expect Gurney, who is well-known for his antics, to ruffle a few feathers on stage.
Their combination of youth and experience could prove lethal. Northern Ireland are among the top four seeded teams this year – a testament to the form and consistency of both men on tour. They’ll skip the group stage and go straight into the knockouts, a luxury that cannot be overstated.
Could this be the year they go all the way?
Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland may not be seeded, but they are certainly capable of causing a few problems whoever they are drawn against.
- William O’Connor: A World Cup finalist back in 2019, O’Connor is one of the most battle-tested players on tour. He’s gritty, reliable under pressure, and often thrives in the doubles format. O’Connor is the ultimate team player, and if he finds his rhythm, he’s a darts player who can heavily frustrate opponents.
- Keane Barry: Young, hungry and incredibly fast on the oche, Barry is one of the most exciting talents to come out of Ireland in the past few years. He can also hit big scores and plays without fear. Barry’s enthusiasm combined with O’Connor’s steadiness could be the perfect match.
ROI’s team chemistry and versatility are their biggest weapons. Don’t be surprised if they top their group and advance into the deeper stages. They’ve done it before – and they’re hungry to do it again.
Take a look at the full World Cup of Darts markets with Tonybet.
Betting odds (Tonybet)
Below are Tonybet’s odds (subject to change), as of today:
- England remain the clear outright favourites at 4/9, led by Premier League champion Luke Humphries and PDC World champion Luke Littler.
- Wales are second favourites at 5/1, while the Netherlands are third favourites to win the tournament at 11/1.
- NI are 20/1, suggesting real outsider value for punters who believe in Rock and Gurney’s magic.
- ROI sit a little further back, hovering at 66/1, but this is a format that lends itself to upsets.
The double format means that a pair in perfect sync can outgun even the world’s best individual players. That’s what makes ROI and NI dangerous. They’re not just talented – they also have cohesion.
If both sides advance past their groups and the brackets align, a potential quarter-final or semi-final meeting between them isn’t off the cards. Imagine that: a Celtic derby under the lights in Frankfurt. Goosebumps.
Why Irish fans should be buzzing
There’s something uniquely electric about watching your nation compete – especially in a format like this. It’s not just individual brilliance that matters – team play, camaraderie and momentum are also key.
Here’s why ROI and NI fans should be excited:
- Both teams have real pedigree. NI are seeded and carry form. ROI have been finalists before and have two in-form players.
- Doubles format always brings drama. There’s no hiding. Miss a double, leave your partner stranded – it’s high stakes, every leg.
- New nations can upset the odds. Whether it’s Croatia, Guyana or Bahrain, the global field makes every round interesting. Upsets are almost guaranteed.
- Tonybet markets offer value. Both ROI and NI are listed as outsiders – but with clear upside. Punters looking for long-shot glory may be tempted.
With NI the dark horses in the competition, and with ROI blending youth and experience, both Irish teams have reasons to dream.
Could we see a giant-killing run to the final from one of the underdogs? We’ll find out from 12th to 15th June in Frankfurt.
In the meantime, fans are encouraged to follow Tonybet for the latest outright odds, match previews and in-play betting opportunities. Whether you’re watching from Dublin, Belfast, or anywhere in between, it’s time to rally behind the green jerseys.
