The PDC Players Championship Series: Inside the World of Elite Darts

Most people in New Zealand who play or watch darts—or who are just keen on the sport—know that professional competitions are televised, showcasing the incredible skill of top players. But what many don’t realize is that behind the scenes, these same pros compete in the PDC Players Championship Series, a high-stakes, non-televised circuit. So, what is this series, and why is it worth following even if it’s not on TV?

What is the PDC Players Championship Series?

The PDC Players Championship Series is part of the PDC Pro Tour and consists of multiple non-televised darts tournaments held each year. In 2025, the series features 34 tournaments—up from 30 in previous years. Each tournament offers a total of £125,000 in prize money, with £15,000 for the winner, £10,000 for the runner-up, and payouts extending down to players reaching the last 64.

Each tournament starts with 128 players in a knockout format, making the competition fierce and fast-paced.

So far this year, 25 tournaments have been completed across England, The Netherlands, and Germany, with just 9 remaining.

Incredible Highlights from 2025

Nine-Dart Finishes

The standard of darts in the Players Championship Series is extraordinary. In 25 tournaments this year, there have already been 23 nine-dart finishes, achieved by 17 different players. Notable performances include:

• Gary Anderson and Josh Rock, each hitting two nine-darters.

• Dirk van Duijvenbode and Ross Smith, each landing three nine-darters.

In Players Championship 20 (July, Leicester Arena), three nine-darters were hit in a single day by Josh Rock, Leon Weber, and Stephen Bunting—an unforgettable display of skill.

Dominant Performances

At Players Championship 16 in Hildesheim, Germany, Ross Smith delivered what the PDC called “one of the most dominant Players Championship victories ever seen.” He became just the third player in history to hit multiple nine-darters in the same event, joining legends Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. His path to victory included:

• Quarter-Final: 6-0 over Danny Noppert

• Semi-Final: 7-0 over Luke Woodhouse (averaging 105.21)

• Final: 8-0 over Brendan Dolan

Record-Breaking Averages

The highest match average of 2025 so far was 122.96, set by current World Champion Luke Littler at Players Championship 5 during a 6-1 quarter-final win over Damon Heta.

Multiple Winners

Among the 25 tournaments played this year, 20 different winners have emerged. Standout multiple winners include Chris Dobey, Damon Heta, Stephen Bunting (each with two wins), and Gerwyn Price (three wins).

Upcoming Tournaments & Players Championship Finals

The next Players Championship tournament will be held on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 in Hildesheim, Germany. The final tournament, Players Championship 34, will take place at the end of October in Wigan.

The top 64 players on the Players Championship Order of Merit—based on prize money won—will qualify for the 2025 Players Championship Finals in November. Current leaders include:

1. Gian van Veen (£73,500)

2. Gerwyn Price (£72,000)

3. Damon Heta (£71,000)

4. Stephen Bunting & Ross Smith (£68,500 each)

Watch the Best Darts in the World

If you want to see world-class darts at their finest, check YouTube after each tournament. The PDC Players Championship Series may not be televised, but the skill, precision, and excitement are second to none.