For those new to the world of darts, the concept of player rankings and darts ranking system can be a bit confusing. Whether you’re a casual fan or an aspiring player, understanding how darts rankings work is essential to following the sport.
Rankings not only determine the best players in the game, but they also influence tournament seedings and qualification. This article will break down the key ranking systems in darts and explain how players rise (or fall) in the rankings.
1. The PDC Ranking System: How Does It Work?
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) is the biggest governing body in professional darts. It organizes the most prestigious tournaments and manages a ranking system based on player earnings. Let’s take a closer look at how it all works.
a. PDC Order of Merit
The PDC Order of Merit is the primary ranking system used to track players’ success. This ranking is based on prize money earned over a rolling two-year period. The more money a player earns from PDC events, the higher they rank.
- How it works: Players accumulate prize money from televised and non-televised events. The PDC World Darts Championship, for example, offers the most prize money, which is why winning or going deep in this tournament significantly boosts a player’s ranking.
- Who benefits: The top players, who consistently perform well in major tournaments, rank higher on the PDC Order of Merit and are rewarded with better seedings in competitions.
b. PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit
Alongside the Order of Merit, the PDC operates the Pro Tour Order of Merit. This system ranks players based on their performances in Pro Tour events over the last 12 months. The Pro Tour includes Players Championship and European Tour events, which are crucial for players not ranked in the top 32 on the main Order of Merit.
- Why it’s important: This ranking gives lower-ranked players a pathway to qualify for major televised events. By performing well on the Pro Tour, they can earn enough money to rise into the main Order of Merit and secure places in bigger tournaments.
- Example: A player who consistently reaches the quarterfinals or beyond in Pro Tour events can dramatically improve their ranking and gain entry into elite tournaments.
c. PDC Challenge Tour and Development Tour
The PDC also provides opportunities for newer or younger players through its Challenge Tour and Development Tour. These are secondary circuits that help players gain valuable experience and ranking points.
- The Challenge Tour: Designed for players who do not have a full PDC Tour Card. The top performers can earn a spot on the Pro Tour.
- The Development Tour: Specifically for players aged 23 and under. It’s an excellent way for young talent to break into the professional circuit.
The best players from these tours can earn a PDC Tour Card, allowing them to compete on the Pro Tour and in some of the biggest tournaments in the world.
2. The World Darts Federation (WDF) Ranking System
In addition to the PDC, the World Darts Federation (WDF) runs its own ranking system. The WDF is the governing body for the amateur side of the sport, although it still features some highly competitive tournaments.
- How it works: Players earn points based on their performances in WDF-sanctioned tournaments. Major WDF events offer more ranking points, and like the PDC, players who consistently perform well rise to the top of the rankings.
- Purpose: The WDF rankings are mainly used for players competing in the WDF circuit, such as in the WDF World Championship or other regional events.
- Differences from PDC: While the WDF offers an alternative pathway for players, it is typically seen as the amateur counterpart to the PDC’s professional circuit. However, both ranking systems allow players to qualify for major tournaments in their respective organizations.
3. The Role of Major Tournaments in Rankings
At the heart of any ranking system in darts are the major tournaments. Performing well in these events is essential for maintaining or improving a player’s ranking. Let’s look at some of the key events that influence the rankings:
a. PDC World Darts Championship
This is the crown jewel of the darts calendar. With the biggest prize pool, this event offers the most ranking points. Winning the PDC World Darts Championship, or even reaching the latter stages, can result in a huge boost in the rankings. Many players’ careers have been defined by their performances in this tournament.
b. UK Open
Known as the “FA Cup of Darts,” the UK Open is an important ranking event. The tournament is open to all PDC Tour Card holders and even some amateur qualifiers, making it highly competitive.
c. World Matchplay
Another prestigious PDC event, the World Matchplay takes place annually and features the top players from the PDC Order of Merit. Winning this event earns players a substantial amount of prize money, boosting their rankings significantly.
d. Grand Slam of Darts
This unique event pits players from both the PDC and WDF against each other. While it doesn’t contribute directly to the rankings for WDF players, it allows cross-organization competition and has a significant impact on PDC rankings.
4. PDC Tour Cards: The Key to Competing
A PDC Tour Card is a player’s ticket to the professional darts circuit. Tour Card holders are eligible to compete in Pro Tour events and gain ranking points. Securing a Tour Card is critical for any player aiming to break into the higher ranks.
- How to get a Tour Card: The top 64 players in the PDC Order of Merit automatically retain their Tour Cards for the following season. Players outside the top 64 can earn one through the annual Q-School event or by performing well in Development or Challenge Tour events.
Tour Card holders benefit from:
- Entry to Pro Tour events like the Players Championship.
- The chance to earn significant prize money and rise in the rankings.
5. Climbing the Rankings: Promotion and Relegation
Darts rankings aren’t static—players rise and fall depending on their performances in tournaments over time. Success in ranking events will boost a player’s standings, while poor performances or inactivity can result in a drop.
- Promotion: Players who consistently perform well in ranking events rise to the top, gaining better seeding and direct qualification for major tournaments.
- Relegation: Conversely, players who don’t earn enough prize money or points will fall down the rankings. If a player drops out of the top 64, they may lose their Tour Card and have to re-earn it through qualifying events.
6. Why Rankings Matter in Darts
Rankings are not just a measure of success—they determine the future opportunities for players. A higher ranking ensures entry to top tournaments, where the big prize money is, and can lead to better sponsorship deals. For emerging players, the ranking system offers a clear path to becoming a professional, while for established pros, it’s a way to maintain their elite status.
- Seeding in tournaments: The higher a player’s ranking, the better their seeding, which can lead to a more favorable draw in tournaments.
- Qualification: Some tournaments have limited entry, and only players ranked in the top 32 or top 64 may qualify automatically.
Conclusion on darts ranking system
Understanding the darts ranking system is crucial for anyone following or participating in the sport. The PDC’s Order of Merit and Pro Tour Order of Merit are vital for determining the top players and their seeding in major tournaments, while the WDF offers an alternative for amateur players. Whether you’re watching the top professionals or aiming to break into the circuit yourself, the darts ranking system plays a pivotal role in shaping the competitive landscape of the game. Consistency, strong performances, and strategic participation in the right events are the key ingredients for climbing the darts rankings.
