The 2026 professional darts season has exploded into action, with six intense Players Championship events already completed. While the confetti from the World Championship barely settled, a new narrative is rapidly unfolding. This article dives into the initial standout performances, highlighting rising stars who are exceeding expectations and examining why some established names are experiencing surprisingly slow starts. For those short on time: expect to see fresh talent like Adam Gawlas and Kevin Doets making waves, alongside a promising Q-School graduate, while recent Ally Pally hero Justin Hood and former title-winner Jermaine Wattimena face unexpected early struggles. Even the legendary Peter Wright is navigating a challenging period.
The Darts Season Kicks Off at Breakneck Speed
The darts calendar moves at an relentless pace. No sooner is the World Championship trophy lifted than the Players Championship circuit begins its relentless journey across Europe. By the end of February, players have already endured six rigorous ‘floor’ events – demanding tests of skill, mental resilience, and sheer endurance. These early tournaments aren’t just about winning titles; they’re crucial indicators of a player’s current form and future trajectory. We’re focusing on those who have competed in all events, intentionally setting aside detailed discussions of Raymond van Barneveld and Dimitri Van den Bergh, whose early season challenges have been covered elsewhere.
Rising Stars Making Their Mark
Some players have started the year with a bang, proving that hard work and talent are paying off. These individuals, while perhaps not yet household names, are certainly catching the eye:
- Adam Gawlas: The Resurgent Czech Prodigy
Adam Gawlas, a 24-year-old talent from the Czech Republic, has long shown flashes of brilliance, famously reaching the UK Open semi-finals. However, his career hadn’t quite taken off as many expected, leading to him losing his coveted Tour Card at the end of 2024. His response has been nothing short of inspiring. After clinching a MODUS Super Series title, Gawlas has begun 2026 with renewed vigour, including a fantastic run to the semi-finals of the first Players Championship event in Germany and a series of confident performances in Euro Tour qualifiers. His early season form suggests a powerful comeback is underway. - Kevin Doets: The Consistent Dutch-Swedish Talent
Operating from the same management team as Gawlas, Kevin Doets, a Dutch-born player residing in Sweden, has delivered two exceptional quarter-final appearances. His performances in these crucial matches have been marked by quality and composure, hinting that with a little more luck, he could have advanced even further. Doets’ strong showing at the PDC World Darts Championship last year, where he reached the fourth round, further underscores that his upward trend is no accident but a testament to his consistent development. - The Scotsman “Razor” (aka “Sharpy”): Q-School Standout
A surprise graduate from Q-School, this Scotsman, known as ‘Razor’ or ‘Sharpy’, has wasted no time making an impact. He has already reached a quarter-final and secured over half a dozen victories in these early Pro Tour events. For new players, accumulating wins early is vital for building confidence and relieving pressure. His impressive start has also earned him significant recognition, leading to recent sponsorship deals with both Dunvegan Darts Management and Unicorn Darts, a clear sign of his growing reputation.
Unexpected Struggles for Familiar Faces
While some are soaring, others who enjoyed recent success are finding the early going tough. It’s a reminder that darts is an unforgiving sport, where form can fluctuate rapidly:
- Justin Hood: Post-Ally Pally Reality Check
Just a few months ago, Justin Hood was a fan favourite at Alexandra Palace, captivating audiences with his run to the World Championship quarter-finals and his charming personality. Yet, 2026 has not started with the same fireworks. With only four victories from six Players Championship appearances and not a single board win, his campaign is still searching for momentum. It’s worth remembering, however, that Hood wasn’t in stellar form leading up to his Ally Pally heroics. His current Pro Tour results, viewed through that lens, might be a more accurate reflection of his usual form, making them less perplexing. - Jermaine Wattimena: The Breakthrough Questioned?
Jermaine Wattimena, nicknamed ‘The Machine Gun’, finally broke a decade-long title drought last season, securing his maiden PDC title and enjoying his most successful year to date. This season, however, has felt distinctly subdued. Jermaine has slipped from main event contention back into a more familiar supporting role. Six events have yielded no board wins and two swift exits. This raises a crucial question: Was last season a genuine coming-of-age, proving he’d evolved into a major title contender, or merely a fleeting ‘purple patch’ that briefly elevated him above his usual standing? Early indicators, unfortunately, lean towards the latter, with recent comprehensive losses to Chris Dobey and Stephen Bunting adding to the concern. - Peter Wright: “Snakebite” Seeks a Turnaround
The charismatic two-time World Champion, Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright, has also endured a challenging start to 2026. Despite picking up a couple of wins, he has yet to progress beyond the Last 64 in any event, struggling to find solutions to his current difficulties. For his legions of dedicated fans, it’s disheartening to see such an illustrious and popular player grappling with form. Everyone in the darts world hopes to see ‘Snakebite’ rediscover his magic very soon.
Early Days, But Trends Emerge
It’s crucial to remember that this is still the very beginning of a long and expansive season. For the players mentioned – both those excelling and those struggling – the narrative remains fluid. There’s ample time for form to shift dramatically, for comebacks to ignite, and for new stars to emerge. It’s far too early to hit any genuine panic buttons, but these early trends certainly offer a fascinating glimpse into the unfolding drama of the 2026 Pro Tour.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
