The PDC is preparing for a major shake-up of its darts calendar in 2027, with several tournaments set to expand, prize money continuing to increase and a new major event being introduced.
Former world champion Mark Webster has welcomed the changes, particularly the extra opportunities they will create for players to earn money and compete at the highest level. However, the Welshman has also warned that the professional darts schedule is becoming increasingly packed.
Speaking in an extensive interview with Online Darts, Webster discussed the PDC’s plans, the growing popularity of the World Darts Championship and some of the recent decisions made by Luke Littler.
The former BDO world champion, who now works as a darts analyst, has watched the sport grow rapidly in recent years. While he believes the latest developments are positive, he recognises that players will have to manage an increasingly demanding schedule.
Players Championship Finals to Double in Size
One of the biggest changes planned for 2027 concerns the Players Championship Finals, which will expand from 64 participants to 128.
Webster believes the decision makes sense, particularly because the facilities are already available to accommodate a larger field.
“I can’t dislike that, to be fair. Yeah, I think it’s quite logical. I think we’ve been there many times, the facilities are there. It’s an easy thing,” he explained.
The expansion will give more players the opportunity to compete in the tournament, although Webster pointed out that it will retain an important difference from the UK Open.
“It does make it a little bit similar to the UK Open, but it isn’t open draw. So look, I like that.”
Despite speculation that the change could benefit Littler, Webster stressed that the world No. 1 will still have to earn his place through the qualification process.
Players will qualify based on the Players Championship rankings, meaning participation in the events will remain important.
“Everybody’s saying this has been made for Luke Littler to go in. Luke Littler’s still got to play. He’s still got to play some events,” Webster said.
The Welshman expects the expanded field to make qualification more accessible while giving additional players a chance to experience the tournament.
“Obviously they’re going to have to play a little bit less now. You don’t need as much to get in, but it’ll be good down there. It’s a good atmosphere down there. It’ll have that sort of feel. More players get an opportunity, but it can only be a good thing.”
European Championship Set for £1 Million Prize Fund
The European Championship will also receive a significant upgrade in 2027.
The tournament will expand from 32 to 48 players and run across a full week, while its total prize fund will rise to £1 million.
Webster is pleased to see the European Tour receiving greater recognition, particularly as the PDC continues to expand its presence across the continent.
“Obviously the European Tour has been thriving. I think there’s an additional one in France. It’s lengthening in that sense. It’s lengthening the tournament. It can only be a good thing,” he said.
He also believes increasing the European Championship field to 48 players is a sensible move, given that this is the standard number of competitors at European Tour events.
“I think 48 logically makes sense because that’s what the Tour is. It’s a 48-person tournament. I’d heard rumours it was happening. I’m glad it’s happening.”
Although the European Championship is already an established major, Webster believes the additional days and increased prize money will make it an even bigger occasion.
“It’s a major anyway, but it’s got those added days. It feels like a bigger major now. Like you said, the additional prize money, big for the players, should make them dedicate themselves to European Tour as well.”
The changes could encourage more professionals to prioritise European Tour events as they compete for ranking money and opportunities to qualify for major tournaments.
New European Open Major to Take Place in Salzburg
The PDC will also introduce a new ranking tournament, the European Open, in Salzburg in 2027.
The event is expected to follow a format similar to the UK Open, creating opportunities for amateur players from continental Europe to test themselves against established professionals.
Webster likes the idea, although he admitted that the growing number of tournaments is becoming a concern.
“Yeah, I think it’d be good for the players. I think we are cramming that calendar now,” he said.
Despite his concerns about the schedule, Webster believes the tournament could be particularly valuable for players who do not regularly qualify for the biggest events.
The competition will provide another route for players to compete, with European-based qualifiers expected to play an important role.
“Again, this is more looking at players who miss out on stuff. They’re going to definitely play if you’ve got a Tour Card. Then the qualifiers you have in the UK, they’re going to be European-based qualifiers. I like it. I do like that sort of open format. It’ll be interesting to see how that goes.”
For Webster, the new tournament represents another opportunity to broaden the sport’s reach and give more players a chance to make their mark.
Players Could Earn £110,000 and Still Lose Their Tour Card
The dramatic increase in prize money across professional darts was another major talking point during Webster’s interview.
The former world champion was asked about the possibility of players needing to earn approximately £120,000 during the relevant ranking period to retain their PDC Tour Cards in the future.
Webster admitted that the figures highlight just how competitive the sport has become.
“I really didn’t know. I think it’s brilliant, isn’t it? You could be earning £110,000, £100,000. There’s not enough. That’s a great living nowadays, but it’s not enough to keep you on Tour,” he explained.
Although earning such sums would represent a significant achievement for many players, the increasing standard of competition means that even substantial prize money may not guarantee a place on the professional circuit.
Webster believes the financial rewards available to players are better than ever, but maintaining a Tour Card remains a difficult challenge.
“But look, it’s competitive. It’s challenging. It’s a great living for the players now. It can still be challenging at the bottom, but huge opportunities, win a game and you’re kind of on the way then.”
He also reflected on the ambitions of former PDC chairman Barry Hearn, who had long spoken about the potential for darts to reach new commercial heights.
“So look, that is a remarkable start. I mean, Barry said he’d always get there and you didn’t sort of believe it, but we are there and it’s good to see.”
Webster even admitted that seeing the money now available to players sometimes makes him wish he were still competing.
“I think I’m a little bit bitter in the sense I’m not about playing anymore. I could still try and play, but look, I’m nowhere near good enough. But look, it’s competitive and we’ll see more stars come through for sure.”
World Darts Championship to Welcome 2,000 More Fans Per Session
The PDC’s expansion plans extend beyond the regular tour, with the World Darts Championship also set for a significant change.
The tournament at Alexandra Palace will move into a larger hall, increasing capacity by approximately 2,000 spectators per session.
Webster believes the move reflects the extraordinary popularity the event has achieved over the years.
“It’s incredible, isn’t it? It’s so popular, isn’t it? It’s ridiculous,” he said.
The analyst explained that demand for tickets stretches far beyond London, with fans regularly approaching him about attending the famous tournament.
“I mean, I live four hours away from Liverpool, London for the world, and I get people asking me for tickets up there. People just want to be a part of this event.”
The World Championship has become one of the biggest attractions on the sporting calendar during the festive period, drawing huge television audiences and supporters from across the world.
Webster believes its place in December and early January is now firmly established.
“It’s huge, isn’t it? It’s the best part of December and early January. OK, there’s loads of big football games on, but forget them. It’s all about the Ally Pally.”
Even with the additional seating, demand is expected to remain extremely high.
“And then going into the big room, it’s sold out in no time. I can’t wait to see what it’s like,” he added.
Webster also expects improvements to the television presentation, including a new open-plan studio designed to capture more of the atmosphere inside the venue.
“I think we’ve got a new sort of studio where we’re going to be, which is open plan, which will take in the atmosphere. It’s going to be refreshing. It’s going to be really good.”
He is confident that the extra spectators will make an already electric environment even more impressive.
“The atmosphere there is brilliant anyway, but those additional 2,000 fans are going to add to that.”
Webster Backs Luke Littler to Be Dangerous at the Grand Slam
Attention also turned to the remaining major tournaments of the season, with Littler’s form and tournament schedule among the key talking points.
The young Englishman will not compete in the Players Championship Finals, but Webster believes he could still be the player to beat at the Grand Slam of Darts if he rediscovers his best form.
“I do really think if Luke Littler gets back into form by the Grand Slam, as long as he doesn’t go out with a group, that’s hard to stop him,” Webster said.
He pointed to Littler’s ability to perform in longer matches as a major advantage, particularly once the tournament progresses beyond the group stage.
“It’s, I think it’s 10 legs for one round, then 16. It’s a real job to beat him, isn’t it? And generally you’d think he’s comfortable in that format.”
However, Littler’s absence from the Players Championship Finals means the Minehead tournament could offer other players an excellent opportunity to claim a major title.
Webster expects plenty of interest in the event, especially given the unpredictable nature of the draw.
“There’ll be a lot of eyes on Luke Littler, but then when he’s not in these events, Minehead, he’s not going to be in, it’s all open. The draw’s all over the place anyway, because it’s not on the world ranking, it’s on the Players Championship Finals. So it’ll just be a brilliant event to end the season before we go into the Worlds.”
With one of the sport’s biggest names missing, the competition could provide a genuine opening for several contenders to finish the season with a major victory.
‘I Think His Confidence Is Just a Little Bit Dented’
Webster also offered his thoughts on Littler’s decision to enter the World Youth Championship despite not attempting to qualify for the Players Championship Finals.
The decision attracted attention because of Littler’s status as a leading professional and his previous success at the highest level.
Webster suggested that the entry could be connected to the teenager’s recent performances and his desire to regain confidence.
“Yeah, do you know what? This is my opinion, I think his confidence is just a little bit dented at the minute. And I think he just wants to go and play and see if he can get himself through, play with his mates,” he said.
However, the Welshman was unsure whether Littler would eventually participate in the competition.
“And I’m not sure, he may not still play that event, but look, he’s entered it, hasn’t he? See what he wants. But yeah, I was thinking, he’s got to go to Minehead anyway, but if he goes there and he gets something from it, it’s his prerogative.”
Littler’s entry has sparked debate among darts fans, with some questioning whether a player of his standing should be eligible to compete in a youth competition.
Webster, however, believes the criticism is unnecessary because Littler has followed the existing rules.
“It’s caused a bit of a backlash, hasn’t it? Why is he allowed to enter? But they’re the rules, he’s done nothing wrong.”
His comments suggest that Littler should be free to decide which eligible tournaments he wants to enter, regardless of his achievements or reputation in the senior game.
Webster Expects a Busy 2027
With the Players Championship Finals expanding, the European Championship receiving a larger field and a £1 million prize fund, and the European Open joining the calendar, the PDC is preparing for another major period of growth.
The World Darts Championship will also welcome thousands of additional spectators across the tournament, underlining the sport’s growing appeal.
Webster is excited about what lies ahead, even if the increased number of events will create further demands on players and pundits.
“There’ll be plenty for me to do next year now. So yeah, I look forward to that. And yeah, I’m looking forward to the sort of extended European Championship and that European Open. So it’ll be a busy calendar for me as well.”
While Webster clearly supports the PDC’s ambition to expand the sport, his comments highlight an important challenge: ensuring that the growing financial rewards and new opportunities do not come at the expense of an already demanding playing schedule.
For players, 2027 promises more prize money, more major tournaments and more chances to compete. The challenge will be finding the right balance between taking advantage of those opportunities and managing the increasingly crowded darts calendar.
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