The PDC Q-School 2026 is reaching its climax, and a select group of players — those exempt from the brutal initial stages — are about to step into the final arena. This weekend, hundreds will fight for precious Tour Cards, aiming to secure their place among the darting elite. We highlight nine prominent names, from rising stars to seasoned champions, each with a unique story and immense pressure to succeed. For them, Q-School isn’t just a tournament; it’s the gateway to professional darts, where dreams are made or shattered in an instant.
While hundreds of hopefuls are battling through the grueling opening rounds of the 2026 PDC Q-School in Milton Keynes and Kalkar, a different kind of drama is unfolding. A privileged group of players, already exempt from these early stages, are now preparing to join the fray. These are the “exempt operators” – rested, observing, and calculating, knowing that their exemption only delays the ultimate test.
This final stage is where the stakes are incredibly high. The margins between success and failure are tiny, and for many, failure means a year in the darting wilderness. We shine a spotlight on some of the most recognizable names poised to enter this critical phase, each vying for a coveted Tour Card.
The Final Gauntlet: Who’s Ready to Prove Themselves?
Rising Stars & Fresh Faces
- Jack Tweddell: Freshly crowned ADC Global Champion, Tweddell brings incredible momentum. His recent triumph over Jonny Haines has set the tone for what could be a breakthrough year. The Swindon native understands this is his chance to transition from a respected amateur to a full-time professional. **Confidence is high, but so is the pressure.**
- Charlie Manby: Still buzzing from a sensational debut at Alexandra Palace, Manby arrives with unwavering self-belief. A stellar Development Tour campaign was followed by an impressive Last 16 run at the World Championship, where he defeated big names like Cameron Menzies, Adam Sevada, and Ricky Evans before falling to finalist Gian van Veen. At just 20, Manby isn’t just a prospect; **he feels like a future certainty.**
- Adam Sevada: If North America is to produce another Tour Card holder this year, many eyes are on Sevada. His dominant CDC Tour season, including an unprecedented four consecutive titles, showcased his immense potential. The talent is undeniable; the question is whether consistent elite competition can further sharpen his game. **A strong Q-School could be a game-changer for him.**
Seasoned Veterans & Comeback Hopes
- Scott Waites: Experience, pedigree, and unfinished business define Scott Waites. As one of only two former PDC TV major champions in the entire Q-School field, Waites still dreams of a second act in professional darts. Averaging just under 90 on last year’s Pro Tour proves his ability is still there, even if consistency eluded him. **Never underestimate a former Grand Slam winner when a title is within reach.**
- Ted Evetts: Once hailed as a golden boy and a former World Youth Champion, Evetts never quite capitalized on his early promise. After a period of struggle, he’s spent the last year meticulously rebuilding his game. His third-place finish on the Challenge Tour was agonizingly close to automatic redemption. If “Super Ted” can rediscover the form that once dominated his peers, **this could be the week he reclaims his professional status.**
- José de Sousa: Once feared and revered, “The Special One” was among the elite. His fall from grace has been noticeable, but the echoes of his prime remain. A sub-90 Pro Tour average last season only tells part of the story; his once-prolific maximums still show glimpses of his destructive power. If de Sousa can reconnect with the ruthless finisher he once was, **Kalkar could witness a spectacular resurrection.**
- Andreas Harrysson: Momentum is firmly on Harrysson’s side. He arrives in Germany having made history as the first Swede to reach the World Championship Last 16. This wasn’t a fluke; topping the PDC Nordic & Baltic Tour secured his Ally Pally spot, and victims like Ross Smith and Ricardo Pietreczko can attest to his dangerous form. **On his day, “Dirty Harry” is a force to be reckoned with.**
- Andy Baetens: While Belgium’s World Championship campaign was tough, Baetens emerged with his dignity intact, pushing Dirk van Duijvenbode to a final-set decider. This performance reminded everyone of the class he possesses. As a former Lakeside Champion, he hasn’t forgotten how to win. **If he can combine his pedigree with consistent form, a return to the big stage is well within reach.**
The Road Ahead
For these players, and hundreds more, the next few days will be a crucible of emotion, skill, and sheer determination. Every dart thrown carries the weight of a year, or even a career. The PDC Tour Card is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a passport to the elite, a chance to live a dream. Who will rise, and who will fall? The darting world waits with bated breath.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
