The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace has faced an unexpected challenge this year: a swarm of wasps disrupting players’ matches. Dutch debutant Jurjen van der Velde became the most high-profile victim when he brought bug spray on stage ahead of his first-round match against compatriot Danny Noppert, only to lose 3-1.

Van der Velde’s Bug Spray Drama

Van der Velde, 23, attempted to take precautions against the “Ally Pally wasps” by liberally spraying insect repellent before his match. Despite his efforts, a wasp appeared near his face during the second set, prompting him to swat it away. At one point, he used a flannel to wipe tears from his eyes, though this was reportedly due to tournament nerves rather than the insecticide.

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) joked on social media:

“Unconfirmed whether Jurjen Van der Velde is emotional or has sprayed bug spray in his eyes.”

Wasp Disruptions Across the Tournament

Van der Velde is not the only player affected. Earlier, Finnish debutant Teemu Harju had a wasp land in his shirt collar during his match against Alan Soutar, who eventually won in a sudden-death leg. Other players, including Chris Dobey, have had to dodge the insects mid-throw, adding an unusual twist to the high-pressure tournament.

Expert Explanation

Professor Seirian Sumner, a world-leading wasp expert at University College London, explained the likely cause:

“These are queen wasps, potentially nesting in lofts, outbuildings, or the grounds around Alexandra Palace. The venue is surrounded by 196 acres of natural land, which makes encounters with wildlife inevitable.”

While Alexandra Palace’s historic setting and expansive grounds make it an iconic venue for darts, they also make it a hotspot for unexpected wildlife interruptions, including this year’s wasp sightings.

Looking Ahead

Players will need to maintain focus despite the buzzing distractions as the PDC World Championship 2026 continues. With high-stakes matches and top seeds competing, dodging wasps has become an unusual part of the Alexandra Palace experience.