Luke Littler risks missing out on £600k tournament as darts world champion slips to dismal new Order of Merit position
Luke Littler Risks Missing £600k Players Championship Finals After Slipping in Order of Merit
Reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler faces a precarious situation after withdrawing from Players Championship 28 on September 30, 2025, due to an elbow niggle, potentially jeopardizing his spot in the £600,000 Players Championship Finals in Minehead from November 21-23. The 18-year-old “Nuke,” who sits tied 58th on the Players Championship Order of Merit (PCOM) with £21,000 in earnings—just £1,000 above the cutoff—now risks being overtaken by rivals like world No. 1 Luke Humphries (tied 63rd with £20,000), who could surge ahead with strong performances in the remaining events. This dismal slide in the PCOM, despite Littler’s major successes, stems from selective Pro Tour participation amid a grueling schedule, leaving him vulnerable as the top 64 qualify for Minehead.
The Withdrawal and PCOM Peril
Littler announced his absence via Instagram, prioritizing recovery for the World Grand Prix (October 6-12), but the move has amplified risks in the PCOM race. Previously at 51st after a PC 27 last-16 run (£2,500 added), his third withdrawal this month (after PC 25 and Hungarian Darts Trophy) has him clinging to qualification by a thread. Humphries, van Gerwen (75th), and others lurk, with seven events left where deep runs could displace him. Analysts warn it’s a “dangerous game,” as missing Minehead—despite £1M+ in major earnings—would be a blow for the Triple Crown holder.
The PCOM aggregates earnings from the 34 £125,000 Players Championship events (£15,000 to winners), solely determining Minehead entry. Littler’s strategy of prioritizing majors has exposed him here, unlike his secure PDC Order of Merit No. 2 spot.
| Player | PCOM Rank | Earnings (£) | Status |
|——–|———–|————–|——–|
| Luke Littler | Tied 58th | 21,000 | At risk; £1,000 buffer. |
| Luke Humphries | Tied 63rd | 20,000 | Chasing; could overtake with PC 28 win. |
| Michael van Gerwen | 75th | ~8,200 | Outside; needs surge. |
#### Minehead Stakes: £600k on the Line
The Players Championship Finals feature a £600,000 purse, with £120,000 to the winner—crucial for Order of Merit points and prestige. Littler reached the 2024 final (lost 11-7 to Humphries, £60,000), but exclusion would cap a frustrating Pro Tour year despite his world title (£500,000), Premier League (£275,000), and Matchplay (£200,000) hauls. PDC’s Barry Hearn views it as precautionary, but fans decry the “unthinkable” for a world champ.
Littler’s 2025: Majors vs. Pro Tour Balance
Littler’s dominance—youngest world champ (7-3 over van Gerwen), Triple Crown—contrasts his PCOM woes from limited entries (~12 of 27 events). Recent:
– **PC 27**: Last 16 (£2,500); elbow flared.
– **World Series Finals**: Semifinal.
| Event | Result | PCOM Earnings |
|——-|——–|—————|
| PC 27 | Last 16 | +£2,500 |
| World Grand Prix (Upcoming) | R1 vs. van Veen | Non-PCOM |
| Remaining PCs (29-34) | TBD | Critical for top 64 |
Reactions: Concern Mounts
X and media buzz with #LittlerMinehead, fans alarmed: “World champ missing Minehead? Disaster!” Wayne Mardle: “Smart rest, but math’s tight—Humphries closing in.” Littler eyes Grand Prix recovery; a deep run there won’t help PCOM, but remaining PCs must.
The £600k tournament beckons—Littler must rally or face the unthinkable.
