The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has officially unveiled the star-studded line-up for the 2026 Premier League Darts season, promising an electrifying competition. While the world’s top four players – reigning World Champion Luke Littler, world number two Luke Humphries, newly crowned European Champion Gian van Veen, and three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen – were guaranteed their spots, the allocation of wildcards delivered some exciting news. Rising star Josh Rock is set to make his highly anticipated debut, joined by Gian van Veen who also makes his first appearance. Veterans Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Stephen Bunting complete the elite eight, ensuring a thrilling blend of youth, experience, and explosive talent.
The Elite Four: Automatic Qualifiers
As per tradition, the top four players in the PDC World Rankings following the 2025 World Championship automatically secure their places in the prestigious Premier League. This year, the quartet represents the pinnacle of darts:
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Luke Littler: The Reigning World Champion and World Number One
After an incredible 2025 season culminating in his first World Championship title, Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler enters the Premier League as the sport’s undisputed top player. His meteoric rise and dominant performances have cemented his position, making him a formidable contender for the Premier League crown.
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Luke Humphries: The Defending Premier League Champion
Luke ‘Cool Hand Luke’ Humphries, currently ranked world number two, returns to defend his Premier League title. Following his impressive 2024 World Championship victory and consistent major tournament successes, Humphries has proven his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages.
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Gian van Veen: European Champion and World Championship Finalist
Making his highly anticipated debut, the Dutchman Gian van Veen has enjoyed a breakthrough 2025. He impressively claimed the European Championship title and reached the World Championship final, where he faced Luke Littler. His inclusion marks him as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
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Michael van Gerwen: The Mighty Veteran
Despite recent challenges in the latter stages of major tournaments, the inclusion of three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen was never in doubt. ‘Mighty Mike’ brings unparalleled experience and an explosive game that consistently makes him a fan favourite and a threat to any opponent.
Wildcard Wonders: The Special Invites
Beyond the automatic qualifiers, the PDC strategically awards four wildcards to players who have demonstrated exceptional performance or possess a unique flair that enhances the tournament’s excitement. This year’s selections promise drama and spectacle:
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Jonny Clayton: The Ferret’s Fightback
Ranked fifth in the world, Jonny ‘The Ferret’ Clayton has earned his spot through consistent results. While not always in peak form, the Welshman has shown signs of resurgence, delivering strong performances that justify his place among the elite.
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Stephen Bunting: The People’s Champion’s Redemption
Stephen ‘The Bullet’ Bunting, affectionately known as the ‘People’s Champion’, makes a return to the Premier League. Despite a challenging history in the competition, Bunting’s performances stabilised significantly in mid-2025, proving he still has what it takes to compete with the best.
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Josh Rock: The Debutant Dynamo
One of the most exciting additions is Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock. Known for his spectacular, high-scoring game and immense talent, Rock’s debut is eagerly awaited. He represents the future of darts and is sure to bring fireworks to the oche.
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Gerwyn Price: The Iceman’s Resilience
Despite being ranked 12th in the world – the lowest among the chosen players – Gerwyn ‘The Iceman’ Price’s inclusion is a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion. The former World Champion and world number one consistently demonstrates he can challenge and defeat the very best, making him a dangerous wildcard.
Who Missed Out?
Naturally, with only eight coveted spots, some notable names will be absent from the 2026 Premier League:
- Gary Anderson (#6 in the world): The two-time World Champion effectively ruled himself out with prior statements, indicating he wasn’t seeking a spot.
- Ryan Searle (#8 in the world): His omission is unsurprising, as his ranking heavily relied on a strong World Championship performance rather than consistent major titles throughout the year.
- Danny Noppert and James Wade: Both players will miss out again after failing to impress at the recent World Championship.
The Premier League Format and Stakes
The Premier League Darts is a unique invitational tournament, distinct from the ranking events on the PDC tour. It features the sport’s top players competing over several weeks in different cities, culminating in a play-off final. While the prize money is substantial, it does not contribute to the PDC Order of Merit, which determines a player’s world ranking.
It is, however, the tournament with the second-highest prize fund in darts, surpassed only by the PDC World Championship itself. The financial rewards for success are significant:
- Winner: £350,000
- Runner-Up: £170,000
- Semi-Finalists: £110,000 each
- 5th Place: £95,000
- 6th Place: £90,000
- 7th Place: £85,000
- 8th Place: £80,000
This blend of the world’s best, rising stars, and a high-stakes format ensures the Premier League Darts remains one of the most compelling and unmissable events on the sporting calendar.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
