World Darts Championship: All the drama, updates, analysis and finishes

It's the most wonderful time...of the year.

While the rest of us prepare to put the feet up for the festive period, the best dart-throwers in the world are in their busy season. For them, it's the most important time of the year. Keep up to date with every bit of it right here! Michael 'Bully-boy' Smith is the defending champion, having defeated Michael van Gerwen in last year's final but he isn't the favourite. That tag is on the shoulders of Briton Luke Humphries who, in the past year, has put together a set of stats that would frighten any opponent. But it'll take more than that to win the big one. Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson are all given a chance as of course is 2018 champion Rob Cross, who can be a very streaky player. There will be four Irish players competing at the iconic Alexandra palace venue in London, with Meath thrower Keane Barry our first man in action on Saturday night. Tipperary man Dylan Slevin on Sunday while Carlow's Steve Lennon and Limerick's William O'Connor are both in action next week. As ever, there will be loads of excitement beyond the oche, be-it over the walk-on-tunes, the punditry or even some on-stage controversies. Read more:

• "I can't speak. I CAN'T SPEAK!" - MVG and Bully Boy produce the greatest leg in darts history
• "Not sure I will ever play in this event again" - Gerwyn Price and his headphones knocked out of World Championships
• Can you name the darts player from their photo?
• Sky Sports apologise to viewers following Gerwyn Price gesture
• "One of the most incredible things I've ever seen" - Michael van Gerwen booed then stunned in stunning dart sequence
• Michael van Gerwen cuts across Michael Smith in moment of supreme sportsmanship during darts championship