PDC Premier League Changing Format

PDC Premier League Changing Format

The PDC Premier league first graced our screens in 2005. Over the years, the format has changed, and players' qualification for the event has also changed.

One consistent is the top players by PDC order of merit automatically are offered a place in the tournament that lasts for 16 weeks, plus the play-off finals over four month period. With a total prize fund of £1M, the winner prize of £275,000 in 2022, every player wants to participate.

Like all sports, staged events rely on event sponsors. Many have come from the betting industry offering favourable odds in-match checkouts. A list of players to watch this year is long, and you can pick your favourites, too and place a few bets. What’s more, you may want to practice your luck at SkyCity online casino, while waiting to place your bets on darts tournaments and leagues. Plus, since the format is changing soon for the PDC Premier League again, you can have fun playing other games and betting while you wait for the new established rules for your favourite league.

Since 2005, the general format has been a round-robin. Every player plays just once every week and receives points for a clear win or draw, nothing for a loss. The number of players has also changed, initially eight and then ten, with two players being eliminated at week nine, also known as judgement night.

Although the PDC Premier League has one of the highest prize funds in darts, it is a non-ranking and doesn't count towards the PDC order of merit. In 2019 Gary Anderson had to withdraw from the competition, leaving just nine players. Speculation on social media was high on who should replace him? Although the top four players were players from the PDC Order of merit, the remaining six players were selected from their performance from the previous year, their performance at the World Championships and, indeed, box office players. Ex-World Champions that may not have made the initial cut were invited to play. With Gary Anderson's withdrawal, the PDC decided to introduce nine, 'Contenders'. Each contender played just once. They received an attendance fee plus a bonus if they won. This format seemed a hit with dart fans and was kept on the following year. However, the 'Contenders' were now renamed the Challengers.

 

Premier League Previous Challengers

Players like Luke Humphries and the 'Queen of the Palace' Fallon Sherrock were invited to play. Some fans were not happy with the selection, especially a non-PDC player Fallon Sherrock being picked. Fallon, however, has helped put lady's darts firmly on the map. She has gained world recognition with her famous two wins at the PDC World Darts Championships, the first lady to win two rounds at the event.

 

Premier League 2022

The significant change to the PDC Premier league again changed in 2022. The new event sponsor, Cazoo reverted to the eight-player format but with a twist to each weekly event.

The round-robin format was abandoned and each week became a mini-tournament, with an overall winner each night. Points are awarded based on the position. Five points are awarded for a night win, three points for the runner-up and two points for the semi-finalists. When players are tied on points, leg difference is used first as a tie-breaker. After that, the legs won against the throw and then the tournament average. In addition, a £10,000 bonus is given to the winner of the night.

After night 16, the top 4 players advance to the play-off finals. This change has brought a mixed reaction from dart fans, but at least it adds to the dynamics of the event.

Venues generally sell out fast, and with some seating up to 10,000 fans, darts have become a big hit with event fans and TV fans. More players are picking up the arrows for the first time, and with prize money now in the millions, it is not surprising that the PDC Q-School is full every year with new hopefuls.

 

Previous PDC Premier League Winners

The Premier League started in 2005 and plays in front of sell-out crowds in arena venues across the UK & Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany. This popular event will see a format change in 2022.

 

Year Winner Score   Score Runner-up
2022 TBC
0
-
0
TBC
2021 Jonny Clayton
11
-
5
Jose de Sousa
2020 Glen Durrant
11
-
8
Nathan Aspinall
2019 Michael van Gerwen 11 - 5 Rob Cross
2018 Michael van Gerwen 11 - 4 Michael Smith
2017 Michael van Gerwen
11
-
10
Peter Wright
2016 Michael van Gerwen
11
-
3
Phil Taylor
2015 Gary Anderson
11
-
7
Michael van Gerwen
2014 Raymond van Barneveld
10
-
6
Michael van Gerwen
2013 Michael van Gerwen
10
-
8
Phil Taylor
2012 Phil Taylor
10
-
7
Simon Whitlock
2011 Gary Anderson
10
-
4
Adrian Lewis
2010 Phil Taylor
10
-
8
James Wade
2009 James Wade
13
-
8
Mervyn King
2008 Phil Taylor
16
-
8
James Wade
2007 Phil Taylor
16
-
6
Terry Jenkins
2006 Phil Taylor
16
-
6
Roland Scholten
2005 Phil Taylor
16
-
4
Colin Lloyd

The Premier League final best of legs has changed over the years:
2005 - 2008 best of 31 legs
2009 - best of 25 legs
2010 - 2014 best of 19 legs
2015 - 2021 best of 21 legs
Format Changes to the Premier League take place in 2022