Wigan is set to host a thrilling two-day darts spectacle on June 16-17, as the PDC Pro Tour brings Players Championships 21 and 22 to the Robin Park Leisure Centre. Top players, including world number two Luke Humphries (for PC22) and European Champion Gian van Veen, will compete for a substantial £15,000 top prize in each event. The action begins daily at 13:00 BST, promising intense competition and high drama for darts fans worldwide.
Wigan Welcomes Elite Darts Talent for Double-Header
The 2026 PDC Pro Tour season continues its exciting journey with a crucial double-header event in Wigan. The Robin Park Leisure Centre will be the epicenter of darts action on June 16th and 17th, as Players Championships 21 and 22 unfold.
High Stakes: £15,000 Up for Grabs in Each Event
Each of the two Players Championship tournaments offers a hefty £15,000 top prize, making these events incredibly important for players aiming to climb the rankings and secure their spot in major televised tournaments. With a total prize fund of £30,000 for the winners across both days, the competition promises to be fierce.
Who’s Playing? A Field of 128 Elite Competitors
A strong field of 128 players will participate in each event. This includes a mix of established professionals and rising stars:
- PDC Tour Card Holders: These are the professional players who have earned a coveted Tour Card, allowing them to compete full-time on the PDC Pro Tour.
- PDPA Associate Members: Talented players who are members of the Professional Darts Players Association and have qualified to compete in these events alongside the Tour Card holders.
Among the high-profile participants expected are:
- Luke Humphries: The world number two, known for his explosive scoring and championship pedigree. (Note: He is scheduled to play only PC22).
- Gian van Veen: The reigning European Champion, a rapidly rising star in the darts world.
- Wessel Nijman: A formidable Dutch player who has already secured five Players Championship titles in 2026, looking to add more to his impressive tally.
Key Details for Fans: When and How to Follow
The darts action kicks off promptly at 13:00 BST (British Summer Time) on both June 16th and 17th. While there are no external links to provide, fans can typically follow the events through official PDC channels and dedicated darts news websites for live score updates and results. Highlights and key moments are often shared on social media platforms, providing a glimpse into the day’s most exciting matches and ‘under the radar’ stories.
Notable Absences and Exciting Newcomers
As is common in the demanding Pro Tour schedule, some familiar faces will be absent from these particular events. This opens up opportunities for other players to step up and make their mark.
Tour Card Holders Absent:
- Nathan Aspinall
- Matthias Ehlers
- Luke Littler
- Stefaan Henderyck
- Gary Anderson
- Mensur Suljovic
- Michael van Gerwen
- Oskar Lukasiak
- James Wade
- Luke Humphries (absent for PC21 only, expected for PC22)
- Joe Cullen (absent for PC21 only, expected for PC22)
Non-Tour Card Holders Competing:
These players will be aiming to gain valuable experience and potentially cause an upset:
- Joe Hunt
- Derek Coulson
- Tommy Lishman
- Daniel Ayres
- Tommy Morris
- Christopher Wickenden
- Nathan Potter
- Aden Kirk
- Harry Ward
- Henry Coates (competing for PC21 only)
- Jack Aldridge (competing for PC21 only)
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
