Get ready for intense darts action! The Players Championship tournaments are a crucial part of the PDC calendar, offering fast-paced, high-stakes ‘floor darts’ where careers can be made and broken. For fans worldwide, the best and often only way to catch every dart live, from the opening throw to the final, is through a PDCTV subscription. These events, unlike televised majors, are streamed globally, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the rapid-fire competition and the battle for vital ranking points.
Unveiling the Players Championship: What You Need to Know
While they might not have the grand stage lights of major televised events, the Players Championship tournaments are incredibly significant in the world of professional darts. These are ‘ProTour’ events, crucial for players aiming to climb the rankings and qualify for bigger competitions.
Why These Events Matter:
- Crucial Ranking Points: Players earn vital points that contribute to their standing on the PDC Order of Merit.
- Qualification Pathways: Strong performances can secure spots in prestigious televised majors like the World Matchplay or Grand Slam of Darts.
- Early Season Form: With two back-to-back days of intense competition, these events are where players quickly build rhythm and demonstrate their form, often leading to dramatic shifts in momentum.
- High Stakes, Fast Pace: Known as ‘floor darts,’ these tournaments feature multiple boards running simultaneously, rapid-fire rounds, and top players under constant pressure from their very first match.
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Players Championship Events Live
For dedicated darts fans, knowing how to watch these pivotal tournaments is key. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to catch all the action:
The Primary Hub: PDCTV
PDCTV is your go-to platform for live coverage of Players Championship events. A subscription typically grants you access to action from four different boards for each tournament day, covering every round right through to the final.
- Worldwide Availability: Unlike some televised events which have territorial restrictions due to broadcast deals, ProTour events like the Players Championship are available to watch live worldwide on PDCTV.
- Subscription Options: PDCTV offers various subscription packages, which can vary by region. Check their official website for the best option for you.
Alternative Viewing: Licensed Bookmakers
You can often find selected boards streamed live through various licensed bookmakers’ platforms.
- Access Requirements: Typically, these streams require you to have an active account and meet specific access rules set by the bookmaker (e.g., having a small balance or placing a recent bet).
- Limited Coverage: Keep in mind that bookmaker streams usually offer more limited coverage compared to PDCTV, often focusing on fewer boards.
Regional Viewing Information
While PDCTV offers global access, here are some specific notes for viewers in certain regions:
- United Kingdom: Players Championship events are generally not shown on standard UK TV channels as they are floor tournaments, not televised majors. PDCTV is the best way to watch live from the opening round.
- United States: Viewers in the USA can easily watch live via PDCTV, which carries all the ProTour streams.
- Australia: Australian fans can also tune in via PDCTV. As these are ProTour floor events, streaming is typically the only way to follow the entire draw live. For example, if an event starts at 13:00 GMT, this translates to 00:00 (midnight) the next day in Sydney/Melbourne (AEDT).
Experience the Thrill of Floor Darts
Don’t underestimate the excitement of floor darts. Without the roaring crowds and elaborate stage setups, the focus is purely on skill and nerve. This format:
- Moves Quickly: Multiple matches unfold simultaneously, leading to rapid rounds and constant drama.
- Tests the Best: Top players are under immediate pressure, facing strong competition from the very first match.
- Shapes the Season: Early-season form can swing dramatically in a single afternoon, making every dart thrown incredibly important for a player’s trajectory.
Upcoming Action: Players Championship Events
Players Championship events, such as the upcoming Players Championship 3 and 4, typically start around 13:00 GMT. Be sure to check the official PDC schedule for exact timings of all upcoming events and prepare for non-stop darts entertainment!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
