Top 50 Darts Players Rankings
| Rank | Player | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Humphries | £1,804,250 |
| 2 | Michael Smith | £890,000 |
| 3 | Michael van Gerwen | £815,500 |
| 4 | Luke Littler | £618,500 |
| 5 | Rob Cross | £571,750 |
| 6 | Dave Chisnall | £538,500 |
| 7 | Jonny Clayton | £509,000 |
| 8 | Stephen Bunting | £486,000 |
| 9 | Damon Heta | £484,000 |
| 10 | Gerwyn Price | £480,500 |
| 11 | Dimitri Van den Bergh | £474,250 |
| 12 | Nathan Aspinall | £445,500 |
| 13 | Danny Noppert | £441,750 |
| 14 | Gary Anderson | £440,500 |
| 15 | Chris Dobey | £430,250 |
| 16 | James Wade | £426,750 |
| 17 | Peter Wright | £417,500 |
| 18 | Josh Rock | £415,000 |
| 19 | Ross Smith | £405,000 |
| 20 | Ryan Searle | £398,250 |
| 21 | Andrew Gilding | £385,500 |
| 22 | Martin Schindler | £375,000 |
| 23 | Joe Cullen | £367,250 |
| 24 | Mike De Decker | £356,000 |
| 25 | Dirk van Duijvenbode | £345,750 |
| 26 | Daryl Gurney | £324,250 |
| 27 | Gabriel Clemens | £304,750 |
| 28 | Gian van Veen | £284,000 |
| 29 | Ritchie Edhouse | £281,750 |
| 30 | Brendan Dolan | £271,500 |
| 31 | Krzysztof Ratajski | £267,750 |
| 32 | Raymond van Barneveld | £262,750 |
| 33 | Ryan Joyce | £254,500 |
| 34 | Ricardo Pietreczko | £245,750 |
| 35 | Luke Woodhouse | £242,750 |
| 36 | Jermaine Wattimena | £222,750 |
| 37 | Scott Williams | £210,750 |
| 38 | Martin Lukeman | £202,500 |
| 39 | Cameron Menzies | £185,500 |
| 40 | Jose de Sousa | £174,000 |
| 41 | Kim Huybrechts | £163,500 |
| 42 | Mickey Mansell | £143,250 |
| 43 | Callan Rydz | £142,000 |
| 44 | Madars Razma | £134,750 |
| 45 | Ricky Evans | £132,250 |
| 46 | Jim Williams | £128,750 |
| 47 | Richard Veenstra | £115,250 |
| 48 | William O’Connor | £114,500 |
| 49 | Niels Zonneveld | £113,750 |
| 50 | Alan Soutar | £113,000 |
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Order of Merit is a dynamic ranking system that determines the top darts players globally, based on their performance and prize earnings over a rolling two-year period. This ranking system is essential for seeding players in major tournaments like the World Darts Championship and the Premier League of Darts. Here, we delve into the history, significance, and structure of darts rankings, while also highlighting the achievements of the top 50 players as of December 2024.
History of Darts Rankings
The concept of player rankings in darts emerged in the late 20th century with the establishment of the World Darts Federation (WDF) in 1974. However, it was the creation of the PDC in 1992 that revolutionized the sport’s professional landscape. The PDC Order of Merit was introduced to ensure a structured and transparent system for ranking players based on their performance in official events.
Initially, rankings were determined by points awarded for tournament performance. Over time, the PDC transitioned to a prize money-based system, which better reflected players’ consistency and success on the professional circuit. This shift incentivized higher participation in major events and elevated the competitive standards of the sport.
How the Rankings Work
The PDC Order of Merit operates on a rolling two-year cycle. Players earn ranking points equivalent to the prize money they accumulate in sanctioned tournaments. The rankings are updated after each event, ensuring an accurate reflection of current form and achievements.
Key tournaments that contribute to the rankings include:
- World Darts Championship: The sport’s most prestigious event, offering the highest prize pool.
- UK Open: Often referred to as the “FA Cup of Darts,” this open-format tournament is a fan favorite.
- World Matchplay: Known for its unique legs-based format.
- Players Championship Finals: A showcase of the year’s best performers.
- European Tour Events: A series of tournaments held across Europe, providing opportunities for players to climb the rankings.
Importance of Rankings
The Order of Merit serves multiple purposes:
- Tournament Seeding: High-ranking players receive favorable draws in tournaments, reducing the likelihood of facing top competitors in early rounds.
- Qualification: Rankings determine eligibility for major events, including the World Championship.
- Sponsorship and Recognition: A player’s ranking significantly impacts their marketability and sponsorship opportunities.
Current Top 50 Players
As of December 2024, the top 50 players showcase a mix of established legends and rising stars. The top 10 players include:
- Luke Humphries: Leading the rankings with earnings of £1,804,250, Humphries has consistently excelled in major events.
- Michael Smith: The former World Champion holds the second spot with £890,000.
- Michael van Gerwen: A three-time World Champion, “MVG” remains a dominant force in the sport.
- Luke Littler: The 17-year-old prodigy has rapidly ascended to fourth place, earning £618,500 in less than a year.
- Rob Cross: The 2018 World Champion continues to showcase his class, earning £571,750.
- Dave Chisnall: Known for his power scoring, Chisnall ranks sixth with £538,500.
- Jonny Clayton: The “Ferret” has been a consistent performer, with earnings of £509,000.
- Stephen Bunting: A former Lakeside Champion, Bunting ranks eighth with £486,000.
- Damon Heta: The Australian star has made waves with £484,000 in prize money.
- Gerwyn Price: The 2021 World Champion rounds out the top 10 with £480,500.
Rising Stars
One of the most exciting aspects of the current rankings is the emergence of young talents. Luke Littler’s rapid rise to fourth place is a testament to his prodigious skill and composure under pressure. Similarly, Josh Rock (18th) and Gian van Veen (28th) have demonstrated that the future of darts is in safe hands.
Legends of the Game
The rankings also feature seasoned veterans like Gary Anderson (14th), James Wade (16th), and Peter Wright (17th). These players have been instrumental in elevating the sport’s profile and continue to compete at the highest level.
Geographic Diversity
While darts has traditionally been dominated by players from the UK and the Netherlands, recent years have seen increased global representation. Damon Heta (Australia), Jose de Sousa (Portugal, ranked 40th), and Kim Huybrechts (Belgium, ranked 41st) are notable examples of players bringing international flair to the sport.
Evolution of Prize Money
The prize money system has grown significantly over the years, reflecting the sport’s increasing popularity and commercial success. The 2024 World Darts Championship offered a record prize pool of £2.5 million, with the winner receiving £500,000. This growth has provided players with greater financial stability and incentivized top-level performance.
Impact of Rankings on the Sport
The Order of Merit has played a crucial role in professionalizing darts. It provides a clear pathway for aspiring players to progress through the ranks and compete on the biggest stages. The ranking system also adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans, who closely follow the battle for the top spots.
Looking Ahead
The future of darts rankings promises to be as dynamic as ever. With young talents challenging established stars and the sport expanding globally, the competition is set to intensify. Innovations in tournament formats and increased prize pools will further elevate the sport’s appeal.
