The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has confirmed a major overhaul of the seeding rules for this year's European Tour, a decision set to have an immediate impact on the sport's top stars, including teenage sensation Luke Littler and world champion Luke Humphries.
What is the new PDC rule change?
The change directly addresses the first-round seeding process at European Tour events. Previously, seeding was determined by the Main Order of Merit, which often protected higher-ranked, established players from facing tough opponents early on. This system was criticised for disadvantaging players who qualified via the Pro Tour Order of Merit—those performing consistently well in floor events but who were lower in the overall world rankings.
Under the new regulations, players who qualify through the Pro Tour will now be granted seeded status for the first round. This means they will be matched against unseeded opponents, and the main Order of Merit will no longer influence this part of the draw. The PDC stated this amendment rectifies issues raised following last year's controversial format adjustments.
Why did players complain about the old system?
The rule change comes after significant backlash from professionals who argued the previous format made it financially and competitively difficult to progress. Irish player William O'Connor was vocal, telling Off the Ball about the economic strain. "If I go over to a tournament this week and it costs me whatever to go and if I don't win any games, I'm down money," he said. "I've got bills to pay at home... it's almost impossible to live off darts, unless you're really good at it."
He highlighted the European Tour's critical role for lower-ranked players: "We are goosed. The European Tours are such a huge part of the Pro Tour... we haven't a chance. How do you break into the top 32?"
World number eight Ryan Searle, despite his high ranking, also criticised the old rules after missing out on seeded protection last year despite consistent form. In January 2025, he took to social media to question: "What is the point of the ProTour Order of Merit? The one that shows the true form and consistency of players. Asking for a friend."
What are the consequences of the new seeding rules?
The shift is designed to reward consistency on the Pro Tour circuit. It should, in theory, give in-form players a better chance of advancing to the latter stages on television. This could lead to more unpredictable and intriguing early-round matches on the European Tour.
For stars like Luke Littler, who has already qualified for the opening event, the change means the early-round draw could now feature different, potentially less predictable opponents. The move is widely seen as a victory for the sport's rank-and-file players seeking a fairer pathway to success and financial stability.
The first event under the new rules will be the Poland Darts Open, commencing in February at the EXPO Krakow. Gerwyn Price is the defending champion after his 8-7 victory over Stephen Bunting in last year's final. The winner in Poland will take home £35,000 in prize money.
