The stage is set for a blockbuster conclusion to the World Darts Championship this Saturday, where Luke Littler will defend his crown against Dutch challenger Gian van Veen. However, just hours before the final, the sport's governing body has shifted focus by announcing a sweeping set of new regulations for the coming season.
New Rules for a New Season
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) confirmed the changes, which officially came into force on 31 December 2025. These amendments follow a review process involving both the PDC and the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA), with the final approval resting with the PDC Board of Directors. Players themselves can also submit issues for consideration.
The updates cover a wide range of tournaments and participation criteria, aiming to refine the structure of the professional game. The timing ensures they are active before the new competitive cycle begins.
Key Tournament Adjustments
Several high-profile competitions will see modifications. Notably, the Grand Slam of Darts will expand to a 48-player field, though the specific qualification criteria are yet to be detailed. For the World Cup, the PDC has clarified how nations without two world-ranked players can qualify.
In a significant move for women's darts, players from the Women's Series have been added to the Affiliate Membership category alongside Development Tour players. Furthermore, ranked eligible players will now be included for the Women's World Matchplay ahead of those qualifying via the Women's Series Rankings.
The European Tour draw procedure has been tweaked, with reserves now placed in the lowest grouping. For the World Darts Championship itself, agreed precedence for qualification and the draw for the 2025/2026 event have been formally included in the rules.
Qualifying School and Tour Updates
Substantial changes have been made to the UK and European Qualifying School process. Each First Stage day will now play down to 16 qualifiers, while each Final Stage day will produce two winners. A new system will replace Final Stage winners with the next in line from First Stage tables, ensuring 128 players compete each day for ranking points.
Players who lose their Tour Cards now have the option to take Challenge Tour Only status instead of competing at Q School. Entry fees are also increasing: Development Tour and Women's Series events will cost £30, while Challenge Tour fees rise to £60.
Furthermore, the eight highest eligible players from each Affiliate Tour will earn free entry to Q School, with the highest-ranked among them exempted to the Final Stage. The number of free and exempt places for the 2027 Q School for DT and CT top performers has been increased to 16.
Finally, in an exciting incentive for young talent, the finalists of the World Youth Championship will now qualify for the Grand Slam in the same year they reach the final, aligning the pathway more clearly with the senior tour.
All eyes may be on the Alexandra Palace stage this weekend, but these comprehensive rule changes signal the PDC's intent to evolve the sport's framework for 2026 and beyond.
