The darts world is abuzz as several of its biggest names, including reigning World Champion Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries, will be conspicuously absent from the upcoming Players Championship 7 & 8 in Leicester. This double-header, taking place on March 30-31 at the Mattioli Arena, presents a golden opportunity for rising stars and Challenge Tour players to make their mark and secure vital ranking points, even as titans like Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton prepare to compete.
Darts Shocker: Top Stars Skip Leicester Double-Header!
The road to Leicester’s Mattioli Arena for the latest Players Championship events is marked by a surprising number of high-profile withdrawals. For many fans, the biggest news is the continued absence of darts sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler.
Littler’s Continued Absence and Other Key Withdrawals
Despite his triumph at the Players Championship Finals last November, World Champion Luke Littler has maintained a curious distance from the ProTour floor circuit in 2026. His decision to skip these events adds to a noticeable pattern of non-appearances, raising questions among fans about his strategy for the season.
He’s not alone on the sidelines. Luke Humphries, the current world number one, has also limited his ProTour involvement this season. While he did secure silverware in Wigan, his sporadic appearances mean he’ll be missing from Leicester.
Adding to the list of Premier League stars opting out, Gerwyn Price will also be absent, though his withdrawal is specific to the opening event, Players Championship 7. “The Iceman” is expected to feature in Players Championship 8.
These significant absences create a unique dynamic and a wealth of opportunities for other players:
- Luke Littler: World Champion and Players Championship Finals winner, continues his non-participation in floor events.
- Luke Humphries: Current world number one, opts out after limited ProTour involvement this season.
- Gerwyn Price: Absent for Players Championship 7 only, expected to return for PC8.
- Maximilian Czerwinski & Pero Ljubic: Other Tour Card holders also missing from the line-up.
A Golden Opportunity for Rising Talent
The vacancies left by these darting giants pave the way for a new wave of competitors. A group of ambitious Challenge Tour aspirants and PDPA Associate Members will step in, eager to seize this chance to compete against the sport’s elite, gain valuable experience, and potentially climb the PDC Order of Merit. This mirrors a trend seen throughout the early stages of the season, where new faces have had more chances to shine.
Who IS Competing? The Field Remains Strong
Despite the notable withdrawals, the Players Championships 7 and 8, scheduled for March 30-31, boast a robust competitive field. 128 competitors are confirmed for each event, promising two days of intense darts action. The mix of established PDC Tour Card holders and hungry Associate Members ensures unpredictability and depth.
Among the high-calibre players confirmed to be in attendance are:
- Jonny Clayton: A consistent performer and Premier League frontrunner.
- Michael van Gerwen: The Dutch titan, always a formidable presence on the oche.
- Gerwyn Price: Set to compete in Players Championship 8, and currently leading the Players Championship Order of Merit.
- Wessel Nijman: In excellent form and close behind Price in the Order of Merit, making him a player to watch.
- Other prominent names include Gary Anderson, Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting, Dave Chisnall, Rob Cross, Joe Cullen, Chris Dobey, Damon Heta, Josh Rock, Michael Smith, Ross Smith, Peter Wright, and Raymond van Barneveld.
These events are crucial for players looking to accumulate ranking points for the main PDC Order of Merit and qualify for major televised tournaments later in the year.
Event Details and Coverage
Play for both Players Championship 7 and 8 will commence at 13:00 BST on each day (Saturday, March 30th and Sunday, March 31st). Darts fans worldwide can follow all the action through comprehensive multi-board coverage streamed via PDCTV and various bookmaker platforms. This ensures that, regardless of who is missing, the relentless pace and excitement of the ProTour circuit continue unabated.
The full list of 128 players competing includes a diverse range of talent, from seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, all vying for victory in Leicester.
Non-Tour Card Holders Competing: Joe Hunt, Martijn Dragt, Jack Tweddell, Steve Lennon, Tommy Morris (PC7 only).
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
