Introduction

Premier League Darts is one of the most prestigious events in the darts calendar, attracting top players from around the world. However, despite its significance, it does not impact the Professional Darts Corporation's (PDC) Order of Merit. This article delves into why this is the case and examines the current standings of key players like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.

Why Premier League Darts Doesn't Affect the Order of Merit

The Premier League Darts is not classified as a ranking event. This means that the prize money earned by players during the tournament is not counted towards the PDC Order of Merit, which is determined over a two-year period based on earnings from ranking events.

Luke Humphries' Triumph in the 2025 Premier League Darts

Luke Humphries secured his first Premier League Darts title by defeating Luke Littler 11-8 in the final held at the O2 Arena in London. Despite this victory, Humphries' position in the PDC Order of Merit remains unchanged.

Current Standings in the PDC Order of Merit

• Luke Humphries: £1,873,750 (1st)
• Luke Littler: £1,300,500 (2nd)
• Michael van Gerwen: £734,750 (3rd)

Humphries has a significant lead over Littler, with a difference of £573,750. This gap is largely due to Humphries' substantial earnings from ranking events in the second half of 2023, where he amassed £563,250.

Upcoming Major Events

There are five major darts events scheduled before the 2026 World Darts Championship in December. These tournaments will play a crucial role in shaping the Order of Merit, offering players opportunities to accumulate ranking points and prize money.

When Can Humphries and Littler Be Caught?

Given the substantial lead Humphries and Littler have over the rest of the field, it is unlikely that any other player will surpass them before the next World Championship. The winner of the 2026 World Darts Championship will receive £1,000,000, which could significantly alter the standings.

Conclusion

While Premier League Darts is a highlight of the darts season, it does not influence the PDC Order of Merit. The focus remains on ranking events, where players like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler continue to dominate. As the season progresses, the battle for the top spot will intensify, especially with the upcoming major tournaments.

Related Topics

• Darts Rankings
• Major Darts Events
• Player Earnings