Having read a poster online about some events the PDC host, it got me thinking about what events in general are out there. From total amateurs, to those wishing to progress to the top ranks, and in between.
So the pinnacle, I think it's fair to say, is the Pro Tour. Most aspiring players would like to play at this level. The prize money is the highest here, as is TV exposure and the potential to be a full time professional darts player.
As far a I can see, there are 6 routes to get there.
1. Q School - This is the simplest way to get to the Pro Tour. The event is open to absolutely anyone, regardless of their ability. The only stipulation is that you must be 16 years old or over to enter. Every year around 10-15 spots are available at each of the two venues. One in the UK and one in Germany. There are two stages. Most start in stage one, and if they win enough games over 3 days, or make the quarter final of each day's competitions, then you go through to stage 2. Then in stage 2, will be those that have just lost their Tour card, plus those that have performed well in the Challenge Tour and Development Tour Order of Merits. Either win one of the 4 stage 2 events, or win enough games over the stage 2 events and you qualify. I've made that seem very easy, which clearly it's not, but you only have to be at your best for 7 days, rather than over a whole season. Any player not receiving a Tour card, can play on the Challenge Tour and try that route.
2. Challenge Tour - There are a couple of routes via the Challenge Tour. The most straightforward, is to finish in the top 2 positions on the Order of Merit table and the place is yours. The second, which has happened several times, is to win or perform well at tournaments on the Pro Tour. If a player pulls out of a Pro Tour (floor) event, then the next places are offered based on your position on the Challenge Tour. Many Challenge Tour players played, last season, on the Pro Tour, with some performing particularly well. Some players have accumulated enough prize money to make the top 64 in the Pro Tour, and therefore, an automatic place. Connor Scutt did just that this year By taking chances on the Pro Tour also gives players a chance to qualify for the Players Championship Finals, which has a larger prize pot and TV exposure. By Scutt qualifying automatically, Christian Kist benefitted from finishing 3rd on the Challenge Tour Order of Merit and was awarded a Pro Tour Card.
3. Development Tour - This tour is designed for players aged between 16-24. Unlike the Challenge Tour, there are no places offered to on the Pro Tour, for those performing well during the season. The reason for this, is that players on the Pro Tour are allowed to enter, as long as they are not ranked in the current top 32 on the Pro Tour order of Merit. So, for example Luke Littler couldn't play due to his rank, but Wessel Nijman and Keane Barry could, as they were lower ranked. The top 2 on the Order of Merit get a Tour card, however, if the top two contains a player already with a Tour card, then it goes to the next place. Due to this, the player in 5th place, Sebastian Bialecki, was awarded a card.
4. UK Open - Another competition open to any player over the age of 16. There are several qualifying events held around the UK, where the prize for winning an event, is to play at the UK Open. If a qualifier is good enough, they can progress through the rounds and even appear on TV, where the prize money is sizeable. The other benefit of the UK Open, is that,from the 3rd round onwards, the draw is random, so you could avoid certain players and make a run deep into the competition. A win, or runner-up position, may be good enough for automatic qualification for Tour card, based on the Order of Merit. Sounds a bit of a 'Hail Mary', but amateur players have progressed well here in the past, such as Rob Cross and Graham Hall.
5. World Championships - Again, this is a long shot, but a decent run here could earn enough to be placed in the top 64 on the Order of Merit. However you would still have to wait until the next year, before you can play on the Pro Tour properly. If you did win or was runner- up, then there will be other opportunities such as the Grand Slam. This is a route that is probably more applicable to non-UK and European players, as it gives a chance, albeit slim, to qualify for the Pro Tour, without having to relocate or constantly travel. I'm unaware that this has happened in the past, but there is a lot of quality around the world, and a surprise is possible.
6. World Series - A possible route for non-UK players, in the same kind of vein as the UK Open and World Championships. Players from the particular country, in which the World Series event is held, can qualify to play in the tournament proper. Some players have performed quite well, none more so than Damon Heta, who won an Australian Series. Although the World Series is unranked, there is opportunity for invitation places for other events, which can help towards Order of Merit prize money.
So, these are the routes in order to join the PDC Tour. Players will need quite a lot of good fortune, and bags of ability, however many have made the grade and moved on to become top players in the world.
I will continue this with other routes into winning prize money and TV appearances, without having to go through the PDC.
