The world of professional darts is facing a critical turning point as top players increasingly choose lucrative exhibition matches over official ProTour events. The recent withdrawal of darts veteran Ricky Evans from a Players Championship event – his first absence in 520 consecutive tournaments – to play an exhibition in Belgium has ignited a fiery debate. Evans, along with other high-profile players like Gary Anderson and Joe Cullen, opted for guaranteed appearance fees, starkly contrasting with the ProTour’s “winner-take-all” structure where first-round losers receive no prize money. This trend raises serious questions about the financial viability of the ProTour for players, its perceived value, and the future direction of the sport.
Ricky Evans’ Unprecedented Withdrawal
The recent Players Championship 16 (PC16) saw a significant moment for darts veteran Ricky Evans. For the first time since he earned his tour card in 2013, Evans withdrew from a ProTour event, ending an astonishing streak of 520 consecutive appearances. This remarkable run included navigating COVID-19 restrictions, travel challenges, and personal health issues – yet none of these stopped him. What did? A darts exhibition in Belgium, held on the same night as PC16.
The decision is particularly striking given that PC16 was in Leicester, just 28 miles from Evans’ hometown of Kettering. His choice to travel to Belgium instead highlights a crucial financial incentive: exhibitions offer a guaranteed appearance fee, a stark contrast to the ProTour where a first-round exit means £0 in prize money.
This year has been tough for Evans. He currently sits 117th in the Players Championship race (where the top 64 qualify for finals) and is outside the qualification spots for major tournaments like the Grand Prix, World Matchplay, European Championship, and even the prestigious World Championship. Historically, strong performances at the World Championship have been vital for him to retain his tour card and ranking, making his decision to skip a ranking event even more poignant.
The Financial Dilemma: ProTour vs. Exhibitions
Evans wasn’t alone in his choice. Other prominent tour card holders, including Gary Anderson, Joe Cullen, Chris Dobey, and Mario Vandenbogaerde, also appeared at the same Belgian exhibition, opting out of PC16. This collective decision by five established players to prioritize an exhibition over a ranking event raises serious questions about the financial structure of the ProTour.
Consider these key differences:
- ProTour Events: First-round losers receive £0 prize money. There are no allowances for travel or accommodation, meaning players bear these costs entirely, even if they lose immediately.
- Exhibitions: Players receive a guaranteed appearance fee, often making them a more financially secure option, regardless of performance pressure.
Gary Anderson, known for openly stating his reluctance to participate in Euro Tours due to travel demands, evidently finds exhibitions financially worthwhile, even those requiring international travel. Chris Dobey, who won the Belgian exhibition, likely enjoyed a profitable and less stressful evening compared to the competitive ProTour environment.
The Broader Impact on the Darts Landscape
This growing trend of withdrawals sparks a wider debate within the darts community:
- Does it devalue the ProTour? With top players frequently absent, does the ProTour lose its competitive edge and appeal for fans and sponsors?
- Does it create opportunities for others? While some argue it opens doors for emerging talent, the overall strength of the field might diminish.
The PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) has largely remained silent on the recent surge in withdrawals. In the past, PDC Chairman Matt Porter has commented on players managing their schedules and prioritizing rest. However, the current situation suggests players are actively choosing exhibition income over participation in official ProTour and even Euro Tour events.
These official events are broadcast on PDC TV, and the increasing number of withdrawals could potentially impact viewership figures. If fans tune in expecting to see their favourite stars and find them missing, it could lead to disengagement.
What’s Next? Potential Changes for the ProTour
The critical question is whether the PDC will intervene. If players begin withdrawing from major televised events shown on Sky Sports or other prominent channels, it’s highly probable the PDC will take action. They might consider implementing new rules, such as:
- Minimum Entry Requirements: For example, requiring players to attend a certain percentage of ProTour events (e.g., over half or a third of the 33 annual events) to qualify for the Players Championship Finals or other significant tournaments.
While widespread changes are unlikely to be introduced mid-season, the darts world will be closely watching for any announcements regarding the 2027 season and beyond. This ongoing debate about player welfare, financial incentives, and the integrity of the ProTour will undoubtedly continue to be a hot topic across social media and darts news outlets.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
