Every January, the darting world erupts in debate over the Premier League Darts selections. For 2026, the decisions have once again sparked strong opinions, with fans questioning why top talents like Ryan Searle, Gary Anderson, and Danny Noppert were seemingly overlooked, while others like Stephen Bunting made the cut. The PDC faces the challenge of balancing pure rankings with market appeal and ‘return on investment,’ leading to an annual storm of ‘snubs’ and surprises that leaves many players and fans feeling unheard, despite the league’s unique invitational format.
The Annual Darting Debate: Why Premier League Selections Always Spark Outcry
It’s a familiar ritual every January: the announcement of the Premier League Darts lineup ignites a firestorm of discussion and, often, discontent among fans and players alike. While some see it as a celebration of the sport’s biggest stars, others view it as a frustrating exercise in perceived snubs and questionable choices.
Who Missed Out? The Key Players and Their Cases
This year, the debate is as fervent as ever, with several high-profile players finding themselves on the outside looking in. Here’s a closer look at some of the most talked-about omissions:
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Ryan Searle vs. Stephen Bunting: The Order of Merit Conundrum
Many argued that Ryan Searle deserved a spot. He’s currently within the Top 8 of the Order of Merit, largely thanks to a strong run in a major tournament. This suggests a compelling case based on recent performance and ranking.
However, the PDC opted for Stephen Bunting. The rationale? Perhaps it comes down to passion and commitment. Searle, known as “Heavy Metal,” has openly stated he “doesn’t care” much about darts, a sentiment the selectors might have taken literally. Bunting, on the other hand, is seen as someone who “lives and breathes” the sport, potentially making him a more attractive pick for an invitational event.
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Gary Anderson: The Legend’s Absence
The absence of two-time world champion Gary Anderson has also raised eyebrows. While some believe he should have been chosen over Gerwyn Price, rumors suggest Anderson might have declined the invitation himself. His inclusion would undoubtedly have been popular, but if he wasn’t keen, the PDC would naturally look elsewhere.
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Danny Noppert: “What More Can He Do?”
Perhaps the most poignant question comes from darting commentator Wayne Mardle regarding Danny Noppert: “What has he got to do?” Noppert consistently performs well, yet again missed out. The unofficial answer seems to be: start the new year in the Top 4 of the world rankings to make selection undeniable.
The Perennial Challengers: Aspinall, Dobey, and Wade
Further down the Order of Merit, we find players who have featured in previous Premier League editions but were excluded this year:
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Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey
Nathan Aspinall (ranked 13th) and Chris Dobey (ranked 14th) both participated last year. Aspinall recently halted a worrying slide by reaching the Players’ Championship Finals, demonstrating renewed form. While their fans might feel aggrieved, being outside the top 8 makes their exclusion less surprising for an elite invitational event.
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James Wade: The Missed Opportunity
World No. 11 James Wade expressed feeling “lost” after his snub. His best chance for selection hinged on a deep run at the World Championship – a quarter-final appearance, well within his capabilities, could have propelled him into the top 6, making him much harder to ignore. As that didn’t happen, his non-selection, while disappointing for him, is understandable.
Beyond the Top Tier: Unrealistic Expectations and The Beau Greaves Factor
The calls for inclusion aren’t limited to those just outside the top 8. In recent years, players far down the rankings have voiced their disappointment, highlighting a misunderstanding of the Premier League’s selection criteria:
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Past Controversies: Mike de Decker (ranked ~23rd) and Adrian Lewis (ranked ~19th) both had advocates for their inclusion in previous years, despite their lower rankings. While history and record matter, they typically don’t override significant ranking disparities for this event.
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The Beau Greaves Phenomenon: A “Missed Opportunity”? The most intriguing debate this year surrounds Beau Greaves. Despite being ranked around 106th, darting legend John Lowe MBE received numerous messages from fans advocating for her inclusion, claiming the PDC “missed a golden opportunity.”
Greaves’ impact on women’s darts is undeniable, and her presence would undoubtedly showcase the women’s game. However, including a player ranked so far down, especially when former PDC world champions are not selected, would be incredibly difficult to justify within the existing framework of the Premier League. Her continued presence and success on the main tour and in major events will naturally elevate the women’s game over time.
The PDC’s Rationale: More Than Just Rankings
The PDC has consistently defended its selection process, and for good reason. The Premier League is fundamentally different from other tournaments:
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A Blend of Merit and Appeal: It’s designed to combine the current Top 4 players from the Order of Merit with a selection of other players who promise a “return on investment.” This isn’t just about who’s throwing best; it’s about creating an entertaining, commercially viable spectacle.
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“Return on Investment” Explained: This crucial factor involves a holistic assessment of a player’s impact throughout the year. It includes:
- Ticket sales and merchandise: Do fans flock to see them?
- Fan engagement: The noise and atmosphere they generate.
- Social media presence: Their reach and influence.
- Sponsor interest: Attracting commercial partners.
These elements collectively contribute to the league’s overall success, and the PDC makes choices based on this broader picture, not just individual darting averages.
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A Unique Event: Unlike many other major tournaments that are strictly ranking-points only, the Premier League is an invitational tournament. While it’s understandable for fans and players to disagree with specific choices, the PDC’s primary goal is to curate an exciting and engaging show that appeals to a wide audience.
Ultimately, the Premier League Darts will always spark debate. With a limited number of spots and a wealth of talent, it’s simply impossible to keep everyone happy. The PDC walks a tightrope between sporting merit and commercial appeal, and while they don’t always get it “right” in everyone’s eyes, their approach ensures a unique and highly anticipated event on the darting calendar.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
