The race for a coveted spot in the Premier League Darts 2027 is heating up, with established stars making bold claims and rising talents battling for recognition. Ross Smith has significantly bolstered his chances with two major titles this year, historically guaranteeing a place. However, Michael van Gerwen’s insistence on his inclusion, despite current ranking struggles, has sparked considerable debate. Meanwhile, a host of other top players are fighting to secure their spots, with three crucial majors still to play before the final lineup is decided.
Ross Smith: A Near Certainty for 2027?
Ross Smith has enjoyed an exceptional year, solidifying his position as a strong contender for the 2027 Premier League. He has secured two major titles this season: the European Championship and the World Series Finals. This achievement is particularly significant because no player who has won two majors in a single year has ever missed out on a Premier League spot the following season. This historical precedent puts Smith in an incredibly strong position.
Despite his impressive major wins, Smith’s recent World Championship performances have been less stellar, with first-round exits in the last two years. A solid run in the upcoming World Championship would undoubtedly seal his fate. Currently ranked 6th, he could easily climb higher, further strengthening his case.
Michael van Gerwen’s Bold Claim and the Ranking Dilemma
Dutch superstar Michael van Gerwen recently caused a stir by confidently stating during a live broadcast that he “will be in the Premier League for at least the next two years.” This declaration has fueled intense discussion, especially given his current form and ranking. While MVG is a legend of the sport, his ranking is currently slipping, and he faces the prospect of being outside the top 20 by the start of 2027 if his form doesn’t improve significantly.
Many are questioning the wisdom of such a public statement. If any other player in a similar ranking position had made this claim, it would likely be met with skepticism. The debate around MVG’s potential selection is complex:
- Some argue it could be an “honourable appearance” or a farewell tour, similar to what we’ve seen with other legends.
- However, the Premier League has evolved. It now features fewer players, no relegation, and is a much bigger, more popular product. Would MVG want to participate if he’s consistently being beaten?
There are strong arguments on both sides regarding whether his legacy and drawing power will outweigh his current ranking struggles for a 2027 spot.
Who Else Is In the Running? A Look at the Contenders
The field for the 2027 Premier League is incredibly competitive, with a mix of established names and rising stars vying for a coveted place. Based on previous predictions and current form, here’s a breakdown of the key contenders:
Strong Contenders (Likely Picks):
- Luke Littler: A breakout sensation with immense popularity and undeniable talent.
- Luke Humphries: A dominant force in recent times, consistently performing at the highest level.
- Gerwyn Price: A former world champion and consistently a top-tier player.
- Jonny Clayton: Known for his consistency and major title wins.
Players on the Bubble:
- Nathan Aspinall: Has had a solid year, though perhaps not spectacular in majors. His frequent encounters with Luke Littler have been a notable feature of his season. He needs to maintain strong form.
- Danny Noppert: Has slipped slightly in the rankings. Never having been in the Premier League, he needs a significant performance – at least a major final, or even a win – to be considered a strong candidate.
Players Needing a Strong Finish:
- James Wade: A major finalist this year, Wade often struggles with inconsistent finishes to the season. Avoiding a late-year slump, which has cost him places in the past two years, is crucial.
- Josh Rock & Stephen Bunting: Both appeared in this year’s Premier League but seem to be stabilizing or even slipping in form. Like Noppert, they urgently need to deliver a standout performance in the remaining majors to secure their spots.
Potential Outsiders & Rising Stars:
- Wessel Nijman: Started the year brilliantly with floor tournament wins and a Euro Tour title, but his form has since faded. He needs to make a significant impact in a major to enter the Premier League conversation.
- The Players Championship Finals: This condensed, three-day major is known for producing surprise winners, offering a potential dark horse candidate a late surge into contention.
The Road Ahead: Three Crucial Majors Remain
The debate for the 2027 Premier League lineup is far from over. With three major tournaments still to be played before the end of the year, including the highly lucrative World Championship, there’s ample opportunity for players to make their mark. The significant prize money at stake in these events can dramatically alter rankings and strengthen a player’s case for selection. Furthermore, potential format changes to the Premier League itself could influence future selections, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already exciting race.
Current Prediction for the 2027 Premier League Lineup:
Based on current form, historical precedent, and projected impact of upcoming events, our predicted eight players for the 2027 Premier League are:
- Luke Littler
- Luke Humphries
- Michael van Gerwen
- Jonny Clayton
- Gerwyn Price
- Ross Smith
- James Wade
- Nathan Aspinall
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
