The 2026 European Championship has dramatically reshaped the PDC rankings, setting the stage for major upcoming tournaments like the Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals. Ross Smith, the newly crowned champion, has rocketed to a career-high sixth, significantly boosting his Premier League and World Championship prospects. Stephen Bunting also climbed into the top ten, while former world champion Gary Anderson saw a notable drop. Ritchie Edhouse experienced the most significant fall, highlighting the fierce competition and the immediate impact of prize money on player standings.
The New King: Ross Smith’s Ascent
Following a sensational performance at the 2026 European Championship, Ross Smith has emerged as the biggest climber at the top of the PDC Order of Merit. ‘Smudger’ secured the coveted title by defeating Germany’s number one, Martin Schindler, in a thrilling final held in front of a passionate home crowd in Dortmund.
This monumental victory has propelled Smith to a career-high sixth position in the PDC Order of Merit. In doing so, he has impressively overtaken seasoned players such as James Wade and rising star Josh Rock. This significant leap not only solidifies his standing among the elite but also strengthens his case for a coveted spot in next year’s Premier League Darts. Furthermore, his form suggests he could be a serious contender at the World Darts Championship, which kicks off in December.
Other Notable Climbers
Stephen Bunting Breaks into the Top Ten
Another player enjoying a significant upward trajectory is Stephen Bunting. The former Masters champion has made an impressive move, climbing four places to secure the ninth spot in the world rankings. This rise comes after his strong run to the quarter-finals of the European Championship, where he ultimately fell to Welshman Gerwyn Price. Bunting’s journey to the last eight included a convincing win over Kim Huybrechts earlier in the tournament.
The Sliders: Who Lost Ground?
Gary Anderson’s Dip Out of the Top Ten
While some players celebrated gains, others faced a tougher outcome. Former world champion Gary Anderson has moved out of the world’s top ten. ‘The Flying Scotsman’ did not qualify for this year’s European Championship, which meant he couldn’t defend or add to his ranking points. Consequently, he has dropped five places in the Order of Merit, falling from ninth to 14th.
Ritchie Edhouse’s Steep Fall
One of the most significant drops in the standings was experienced by Ritchie Edhouse. His ranking was heavily impacted as the prize money from his 2024 European Championship victory, which was contributing to his two-year rolling ranking total, expired. This expiration meant a substantial loss of points, causing Edhouse to plummet 22 places in the Order of Merit, landing at 55th. This illustrates the brutal nature of the PDC ranking system, where past successes must continually be defended or replaced with new achievements.
What’s Next for the Darts World?
The darts season continues at a relentless pace. Many players will be intensely focused on climbing back up the rankings during this week’s Players Championship double-header. With the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts fast approaching, every point earned is crucial, and the battle for ranking positions remains as fierce as ever.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
