The upcoming Players Championships 13 & 14 in Hildesheim, Germany (May 4-5), are set to be a surprising spectacle. While top-tier darts action is guaranteed, the entry list reveals a significant absence of many of the sport’s biggest names, including most Premier League players. Only Michael van Gerwen from the Premier League elite will be competing, opening an unprecedented door for promising Challenge Tour players to battle for a substantial £15,000 top prize and crucial ranking points. This event offers a unique chance to witness rising stars make their mark on the professional stage.
The world of professional darts is buzzing, but not just for the usual reasons. The Players Championships 13 & 14, taking place on May 4th and 5th at Halle 39 in Hildesheim, Germany, are drawing attention due to an unexpected twist: a large number of the sport’s most prominent figures will not be competing.
Where Are the Big Names? A Glimpse at the Missing Elite
Typically, Players Championship events attract a full roster of top professionals, eager to secure ranking points and prize money. However, this particular double-header in Hildesheim sees a striking number of elite players absent from the entry list. This includes many of the sport’s biggest stars, with only Michael van Gerwen confirmed from the Premier League Darts lineup.
Top Names Missing In Action:
The list of notable players absent from Hildesheim includes many Premier League Darts stars, alongside other top professionals:
- Luke Humphries (Reigning World Champion, Premier League Star)
- Luke Littler (Teenage Sensation, Premier League Star)
- Gerwyn Price (Former World Champion, Premier League Star)
- Nathan Aspinall (World Matchplay Champion, Premier League Star)
- Stephen Bunting (Masters Champion)
- Jonny Clayton (Former Premier League Champion)
- Josh Rock (Emerging Talent)
- Gian van Veen (Emerging Talent)
- Ryan Searle
- Daryl Gurney
- Carl Sneyd
- Oskar Lukasiak
The only Premier League player confirmed to be competing is the legendary Michael van Gerwen, making his presence a notable exception among the missing stars.
Opportunity Knocks: Challenge Tour Stars Step Up
With many established pros opting out, the door swings wide open for the next generation of talent. The highest-ranked players from the PDC’s secondary circuit, the Challenge Tour Order of Merit, have been invited to fill these coveted spots. This is a massive chance for these players to compete against professional tour card holders and gain invaluable experience and ranking points.
New Faces to Watch:
The following rising stars will be making their mark in Hildesheim:
- Joe Hunt
- Derek Coulson
- Tommy Lishman
- Martijn Dragt
- Jack Tweddell
- Nathan Potter
- Tommy Morris
- Daniel Klose
- Florian Preis
- Steve Lennon
- Ted Evetts
- Jack Aldridge
Their participation promises fresh matchups and the potential for new stars to emerge, making the event highly unpredictable and exciting for fans.
Prize Money and Tournament Format
Despite the changes in the player roster, the stakes remain incredibly high. Each Players Championship event boasts a substantial prize fund, crucial for players looking to climb the PDC Order of Merit and qualify for major tournaments.
- Winner’s Prize: £15,000 per tournament.
- Total Daily Prize Fund: £150,000.
The tournaments feature a fast-paced, knockout format designed for intense competition:
- Early Rounds (up to Quarter-Finals): Best of 11 legs
- Semi-Finals: Best of 13 legs
- Final: Best of 15 legs
This rapid-fire format ensures thrilling matches from start to finish, where every leg counts.
How to Follow the Action Live
Darts enthusiasts won’t miss a moment of the drama unfolding in Hildesheim. Both Players Championships 13 & 14 will be available for live streaming.
- Start Time: 13:00 local time (12:00 BST) on both May 4th and May 5th.
- Exclusive Coverage: Fans can watch live action from four different boards exclusively on PDCTV.
With an open field and a host of hungry new talents, these Players Championships are shaping up to be must-watch events, offering a unique glimpse into the future of professional darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
