Get ready for an unprecedented spectacle! The 2027 World Darts Championship is set to be the biggest and most diverse yet, boasting a staggering £5 million prize fund and welcoming at least 128 players from across the globe. This edition marks a revolutionary expansion of qualification pathways, notably guaranteeing two groundbreaking spots for African players, significantly increasing opportunities for Asian talent, and offering more places than ever before for women and youth. It’s a true celebration of darts’ global growth, ensuring a truly inclusive and thrilling tournament for fans worldwide.
The Grand Stage: Prize Fund and Player Pool
The 2027 World Darts Championship is not just a tournament; it’s a monumental event with a colossal £5 million total prize fund on the line. At least 128 elite players will compete for the ultimate glory, making it one of the most lucrative and competitive events in the darts calendar.
Qualification Unpacked: Pathways to the Pinnacle
Securing a spot at the World Championship is a dream for every darts player. The 2027 edition features a multi-tiered qualification system designed to identify the very best talent globally:
- Top Tier: The leading 40 players from the main PDC Order of Merit automatically secure their place.
- ProTour Powerhouses: An additional 40 spots are awarded to the highest-ranked players from the ProTour Order of Merit who haven’t already qualified.
- Global Gateway: The remaining 48 places are fiercely contested through international qualifiers, opening the door to talent from emerging regions and diverse circuits.
Africa’s Moment: A Groundbreaking Opportunity
Perhaps the most exciting development for the 2027 Championship is the historic inclusion of two guaranteed places for African players. This landmark decision underscores darts’ commitment to global expansion and inclusivity. These coveted spots will be allocated through the African Darts Group, with qualifiers held in both North Africa and Southern Africa, ensuring representation from across the continent.
Asia’s Ascendancy: A Surge in Spots
Asian darts has been on a meteoric rise, and the 2027 World Championship reflects this growth with an impressive number of dedicated qualification slots. Players from Asia now have multiple routes to the main stage:
- PDC Asian Tour: The top 5 highest-ranked players on this circuit will qualify directly.
- Asian Championship: Both finalists from the Asian Championship will earn a spot.
- National Champions: The PDC China champion, alongside the winners of dedicated qualifiers in India and Japan, will also secure direct entry.
Expanding Horizons: Other Key Qualification Routes
Beyond the major tours, several other circuits and regions offer pathways to the World Championship, highlighting the sport’s widespread appeal:
- Championship Darts Corporation (CDC): Five places are available for players from this prominent circuit.
- Nordic & Baltic Region: Three dedicated slots are reserved for players from this growing darts region.
A Spotlight on Diversity: Women and Youth on the Oche
The 2027 Championship is also making significant strides in promoting diversity, offering enhanced opportunities for both female and youth players to compete at the highest level:
Women in Darts: Four Elite Spots
Female darts players will have a stronger presence than ever, with four places reserved for them:
- The winner of the prestigious Women’s World Matchplay secures automatic qualification.
- The top three players on the Women’s Series Order of Merit will also earn their place.
Nurturing Future Stars: Youth Qualification
The future of darts is bright, and the Championship ensures young talent gets a chance to shine:
- The top three players from the Development Tour Order of Merit qualify.
- The top three players from the Challenge Tour Order of Merit also secure a spot.
- The reigning PDC World Youth Champion receives an assured berth.
- At least two additional players will qualify through the Tour Card Holder Qualifier.
With its expanded qualification, record prize money, and commitment to inclusivity, the 2027 World Darts Championship promises to be a truly global and unforgettable event, showcasing the very best talent from every corner of the darts world.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
