The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has announced a significant rule change for the European Tour, altering how players are seeded in the first round. The new system, which takes effect from the upcoming season, rewards consistent performers on the Pro Tour by granting them seeded status based on the Pro Tour Order of Merit, rather than the Main Order of Merit.
Under the previous format, first-round seeding was determined by the Main Order of Merit, protecting higher-ranked players but making it harder for lower-ranked but in-form players to advance. The change means that qualifiers from the Pro Tour Order of Merit will now face unseeded opponents, while the top 16 from the world rankings remain exempt until the second round.
The adjustment follows complaints from players who argued that the former system disadvantaged those with strong floor form but lower world rankings. William O'Connor voiced concerns last year, telling Off the Ball that the cost of attending European Tour events without guaranteed prize money made it difficult for players outside the top tier to make a living. Ryan Searle also criticised the rules in January 2025, questioning the value of the Pro Tour Order of Merit.
The first event of the new season, the Poland Darts Open, is scheduled for February at EXPO Krakow. World champion Luke Littler has already qualified, with the winner set to receive £35,000. Gerwyn Price is the defending champion after defeating Stephen Bunting in last year's final.
