Life After Q School: The Complete Guide to Your Next Steps

 It's getting to the time of year, where players want to try their hand at Q School. Many go with the hope of gaining that elusive Tour Card, however only a small amount will actually get one. So, what options are there for those not fortunate to get a Tour Card, and what other avenues are available?

Q School is brutal and brilliant. If you miss out on a Tour Card, your darts journey doesn’t stop. In fact, this is where most players’ real development begins. The PDC system, WDF system, and independent pathways like ADC/MODUS give you multiple ways to keep improving, earn money, gain exposure, and even qualify for televised majors.

Below is the complete guide to what your next 12–24 months can look like, covering all major routes and their pros and cons for the 2025–26 season.

1) PDC Challenge Tour

What it is
The Challenge Tour is the PDC’s official second tier — for all Q School entrants who don’t win a Tour Card. It offers 24 events, £360k total prize money, and acts as the reserve list that feeds top-ups into Players Championship events. The top two in the Order of Merit win Tour Cards, while the highest non-qualified player also earns a World Championship place.

Pros
• Most direct route back toward a Tour Card
• High-standard opposition, very close to Pro Tour level
• Regular top-ups into Players Championships keep you sharp and active

Cons
• Travel and hotel costs across multiple double-header weekends
• No TV coverage (ProTour-style setup only)

2) PDC Development Tour (Ages 16–24)

What it is
A youth pathway for players aged 16–24 who aren’t inside the top 64 on the main PDC ranking list. With 24 events and £360k prize fund, this tour leads directly into the World Youth Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, Tour Cards for the top two, and World Championship places for the top performers.

Pros
• Affordable entry (£25 per event; automatic junior PDPA membership after 5 events)
• Multiple major pathways (World Youth, Ally Pally, Grand Slam)
• Ideal competitive environment for rapid improvement

Cons
• Strict age and ranking eligibility
• Travel required across several UK weekends

3) PDC Women’s Series

What it is
A dedicated 24-event series for women aged 16+ (outside the top 64 of the main PDC ranking). The Women’s Series Order of Merit directly qualifies players for the World Championship, Grand Slam, and seeds the Women’s World Matchplay, whose winner also qualifies for both majors.

Pros
• Direct route to major televised tournaments
• Continually rising standard and visibility
• Matchplay winner gets automatic GS & WC spots

Cons
• Prize money per event is lower than Challenge/Development
• Top end of the field is incredibly strong

4) WDF Tour

What it is
A global grassroots circuit feeding into the Lakeside WDF World Championship, with a total prize fund of £221k (£50k to the men’s champion, £25k to the women’s). Ranking events happen worldwide, with Lakeside broadcast on S4C and YouTube.

Pros
• Accessible anywhere with huge global footprint
• Lakeside retains prestige and offers a genuine world title opportunity
• Flexible schedule

Cons
• Progression to PDC isn’t automatic; success is recognised but not rewarded with a Tour Card
• Media exposure varies depending on event

5) ADC Pathway → MODUS Super Series

What it is
ADC ranking events happen locally across the UK and internationally. Players collect points and can qualify for the MODUS Super Series. This is a weekly televised studio darts featuring non-Tour Card professionals. The new ADC Global Championship has been expanded to £150,000 total prize fund, with £60,000 to the winner.

Pros
• Weekly televised exposure (Pluto TV, YouTube, etc.)
• Great match-play reps under studio lights
• The ADC Global Championship offers one of the biggest non-PDC paydays available

Cons
• MODUS weeks are invite/qualification-based.You must earn your place
• Not a PDC ranking ladder, so no direct route to Ally Pally or Pro Tour

Side-by-Side Comparison (Quick Reference)

Challenge Tour – Best for pushing toward Tour Card quickly; top-ups into Players Champs, solid prize money.
Development Tour – For ages 16–24; Tour Cards, World Youth, Grand Slam and Ally Pally routes.
Women’s Series – Dedicated pathway to World Matchplay, Grand Slam and Ally Pally.
WDF Tour – Global accessibility and Lakeside World Championship opportunity.
ADC → MODUS – TV exposure, earnings potential, and competitive reps.

PDC World Championships - Six facts you may not know!

 With the PDC World Championship fast approaching, I thought I would take a look at some of the quirkier facts about the tournament. I've certainly learned a thing or two. 

1. Sibling Rivalry

Several sets of siblings have played at the PDC World Championship. Ronny and Kim Huybrechts of Belgium actually played each other in 2014. Austrian players Rowby-John and Rusty-Jake Rodriguez have also appeared. Uniquely is Al and Deta Hedman. The only brother and sister to appear at the event. Al Hedman represented Jamaica, while sister, Deta represented England.

2. Age Not A Factor

Although Luke Littler is the most famous young player at the PDC Championship, the record for the youngest player goes to the Australian, Mitchell Clegg He won the 2007 Oceanic Masters title at the age of just 15 years, 345 days,thus becoming the youngest player ever to qualify for the PDC World Championship. 

On the flip side the oldest player to win a World Championship was Phil Taylor in 2013. The oldest to play in a PDC World Championships is Asian darts legend Paul Lim, who was 67 when he competed in the 2022 event. 

3. Nine-Darters

There have been 16 nine-dart finishes at the PDC World Championships.  Only Raymond van Barneveld of the Netherlands, has hit two in the competition. 

Another Dutchman, Jelle Klaasen, has the unfortunate record as the only player to have two World Championship nine-darters, hit against him.

4. A Global Tournament

Since its inception in 1994, the PDC World Championship has seen (or will see) representatives from nearly 50 nationalities. Europe lead the way, with 27 nationalities, and Asia have had 10. All other continents (except Antarctica, of course) have had representatives.  Some countries you may not have expected include Barbados, Jamaica ,Zimbabwe and South Korea.

The 2026 edition will feature debut appearances from Kenya and Argentina, as the darts world expands even more.

5. England Dominates

As far as PDC World Championship finals are concerned, the English are by far the biggest representatives with 42 out of 64 finalists are English. Phil Taylor alone makes up 19 of these!

Next come Netherlands with 9 and Scotland just behind on 8. 

Canada, Australia and Wales make up the rest of final representative nations. 

6. Cross-Overs

Some players have been successful in other sports apart from darts. Perhaps the most well-known is Gerwyn Price, who played professional rugbu union, prior to taking up full time darts. 

However he is not the only multi-talented player:

Mensur Suljovic played competitive table tennis in Austria before turning to darts.

Devon Petersen was part of a professional dance crew in South Africa

Laurence Ryder played semi-professional rugby league in Australia.

So there you have it, some facts to share or test your friends with. I hope you enjoed reading them .I'm sure I'll be back with more soon!

8 Players Who Could Surprise at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship

 he PDC World Championship starts on 11th December, and while the favourites will naturally dominate the headlines, every year there are players outside the top bracket who produce big moments, cause early upsets, or go on unexpected runs. This tournament is perfect for that.A long format, set play, the pressure of Ally Pally, and the fact that many players peak at exactly the right time.

Here are eight players who may not be included in the title conversations but could easily make a serious impact this year.

Connor Scutt
A heavy scorer who impressed at the recent Grand Slam of Darts. He’s had a steady season but appears to be hitting form at just the right time. His draw could put him up against Gary Anderson and Jermaine Wattimena, and neither match is beyond him if he settles early. Scutt is dangerous when his scoring phase kicks in, and if the doubles follow, he could go further than many expect.

Dom Taylor
Another big scorer who seems to get punished every time he posts a ton-plus average. His recent loss to Andrew Gilding at the Players Championship Finals summed up his year  with the match in his hands,  missed doubles cost him. Still, when he’s flowing, he can trouble anyone. A potential run-in with Jonny Clayton or Michael Smith awaits, but on his day he has every chance.

James Hurrell
Hurrell enjoyed an excellent Players Championship outing recently and has shown real quality throughout the season. He has openly talked about working on his fitness, and that seems to have improved his consistency and confidence. A potential match with Dirk van Duijvenbode looks tough on paper, but in terms of form, Hurrell absolutely has a chance to progress.

Mervyn King
King could be an interesting outsider this year. He opens with a tricky match against Ian White, but if he comes through that, the path ahead may be kinder than expected. His regular success on the Modus Super Series has helped him maintain that “stage sharpness,” and a possible meeting with Rob Cross is far from unwinnable. If King starts well, the draw really could open up for him.

Bradley Brooks
Brooks finds himself in the same eighth of the draw as Luke Littler, which will deter most players – but he isn’t like most. A former World Youth Champion with genuine 100+ average potential, Brooks plays with confidence and very little fear. If he gets on a roll, he could set up a thrilling clash with Littler. On his day, he’s capable of putting anyone under real pressure.

Charlie Manby
One of the most exciting debutants in the field. Fresh from winning Champions Week at the Modus Super Series, Manby arrives with momentum and belief. He is capable of hitting massive averages when he finds his rhythm. If he can handle the Ally Pally nerves and come through a tricky opener against Cameron Menzies, the draw beyond that could allow him to go deep.

Matthew Dennant
Another debutant, but one who already carries himself like a seasoned pro. Dennant has been steady throughout the year and looks comfortable at Pro Tour level. With Challenge Tour and Modus Super Series experience behind him, he has the temperament for Ally Pally. He faces Kevin Doets first, then potentially Mike De Decker .Neither in their best form ,so Dennant has a realistic opportunity to progress.

Justin Hood
Hood is one of those dangerous floaters who can beat big names if he finds his game. His win over Damon Heta at the Players Championship Finals proved he can rise to the occasion. A strong Pro Tour season and appearances on the European Tour give him plenty of experience. If he overcomes Nick Kenny, he might face Danny Noppert next, but Hood has shown he can lift his level against top opponents.

These eight players may not be top of the betting lists, but each has the game, mindset and pathway to make a real impression. The World Championship always delivers surprises, and don’t be shocked if one or more of these names helps create them.

Thursday Night Round Robin – A Tough One Mentally

 Another Thursday night wrapped up, and this one was a real test of patience. The numbers tell the story quite well:

• Average: 43.92

• First 9 Average: 56.55

• 100+ Scores: 8

• Legs Won: 1

• Legs Lost: 10

The scoring patches were actually decent.A  56.55 first-9 average shows that when I get going, the darts still come out straight and with intent. But once again, the big issue was the same: doubles. They continue to desert me, and at the moment they’re costing me match after match.

I’m going through a strange phase where I’m massively overthinking everything on the oche. Grip, stance, follow-through, tempo… all the things you shouldn’t be thinking about mid-game. Every now and again I relax naturally and the throw feels smooth, but the moment I realise I’m throwing well, I tighten up again. That mental battle is exhausting.

What frustrates me most is that I know the player I am. At home, in practice, and even in isolated legs in matches, I throw like someone with a 60-average game in the tank. But right now, my head is getting in the way more than anything physical. The darts are fine. My mechanics are fine. The mindset is the issue.

But this is part of the sport. Every player at any level goes through these patches.Periods where nothing feels natural and the doubles feel impossible. The important thing is to ride it out, keep putting the work in, and find ways to bring that calmer, freer practice throw into competition.

I’ll be working doubles hard over the next few days. The moment they start landing again, everything else will lift with them.

This spell will pass. It always does.

ADC GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2025/26 — QUICK GUIDE

The ADC Global Championship is the flagship event of the Amateur Darts Circuit, bringing together 56 players from around the world for the richest prize fund in amateur darts. Every match is broadcast live through the MODUS Super Series on Pluto TV, giving amateur players true TV-level exposure.

Inaugural Champion (2024)

The first-ever ADC Global Championship took place in 2024, and Devon Petersen made history by becoming the inaugural champion. His victory set the tone for what is now one of the most exciting non-professional championships in the sport.

Prize Fund

Total prize pool: £150,000
Winner: £60,000
Runner-up: approx. £20,000
Semi-finals: approx. £8,000
Quarter-finals: approx. £4,000
Prize money is paid out throughout the field, making it a financially significant event even for early exits.

How to Qualify

Players can qualify through multiple routes across different regions.

UK & Ireland

Regional ADC titles
Major ADC Open winners
MODUS Super Series event winners
National ranking positions
Last-chance knockout qualifiers

International Pathways

Qualification varies by region but typically includes national ADC rankings, regional championships, standout invitations, and global member qualifiers. Participating regions include Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America, and emerging Middle Eastern setups.

Tournament Format

Stage 1 – Group Stage (56 players)
8 groups of 7, round-robin, best of 7 legs. Top 4 from each group progress.

Stage 2 – Second Group Phase (32 players)
8 groups of 4, usually double round-robin, best of 7 legs. Only the group winners go through.

Stage 3 – Finals (Last 8)
Quarter-finals (best of 11), semi-finals (best of 13), final (best of 17).

Where to Watch

All matches are shown live on:
MODUS Super Series
Pluto TV (free worldwide)

This gives amateur players unprecedented exposure on a professional broadcast platform, complete with walk-ons, interviews, and full production value.

Why It Matters

It’s one of the highest-paying amateur events in darts. It’s global. It’s televised. And it provides a genuine stepping stone towards the PDC or WDF professional systems. For many players, qualification alone is a huge achievement. 

I will write a preview once we get to Stage 3 and the final 8 competitors.

Wednesday Under 55 Average Comp – December 3rd Round-Up

Another Wednesday night, another chance to put some practice into competition  and this time there were definite signs of progress.

I played in the Under 55 Average Competition, and although I went out in the quarter-finals, there were a lot of positives to take. My scoring felt sharper, and I actually hit a 79 first-9-dart average in my opening match, easily one of my best starts in recent weeks.

What really pleased me was how relaxed I felt compared to previous tournaments. I wasn’t fighting my throw or overthinking too much, and that showed in the way the darts were grouping. My overall average for the night was 44.86, which, while not spectacular, reflected a much steadier rhythm.

If there was one frustration, it was finishing. The doubles didn’t come as easily as I’d like, a familiar story for most of us! But the scoring foundation was there, and that’s what I’m taking forward. I hit ten 100+ scores and two 140+ scores, so was happy with that. 

The plan now is to carry that confidence into Thursday’s Open Competition and, hopefully, be a bit more clinical on the outer ring. If I can combine that same relaxed mindset with a sharper eye on doubles, I’ll be moving in the right direction.

Step by step  it’s coming together.

How Do You Know Which Darts Are Right for You?

Choosing the right set of darts can feel like guesswork at first. With so many weights, barrel shapes, shaft lengths and flight styles available, it’s easy to wonder whether there’s a simple way to figure out what suits you. The truth is that darts are extremely personal: the way you throw, grip and feel the dart matters far more than what any pro uses.

I’ve gone through this myself. I’ve tried different designs, shapes and styles, but I always seem to drift back to my scalloped Mervyn King darts. They just fit the way I grip the dart  right in the middle of the barrel and give me a sense of control I struggle to find with anything else. That in itself tells you something: the 'right' darts aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the most popular. They’re the ones that feel natural in your hand.

Weight – the Starting Point

Most players settle somewhere between 18g and 26g, but the important part is how the dart behaves when you release it.

• If you tend to throw quickly, a lighter dart might suit you because it won’t drag through the air.

• If your throw is slower or more deliberate, a slightly heavier dart often feels steadier.

There’s no magic number. You simply want a dart that lands where you expect it to land without feeling like you’re forcing it.

Barrel Shape and Grip – Matching Your Hold

This is where things become much more individual. Some players hold right at the front, some in the middle, some at the rear. The barrel should support that natural grip.

• Front-grippers often prefer darts with more shape or grip at the nose.

• Rear-grippers might like a design that tapers backwards.

• Middle-grippers (like me) often get on well with a scallop or a ringed grip in the central section.

If you pick up a dart and feel your fingers naturally lock in without slipping or readjusting, that’s usually a good sign.

Shaft and Flight – Fine-Tuning the Flight Path

Once you’ve found a barrel you like, the shaft length and flight size help influence how the dart moves through the air.

• Shorter shafts can make the dart behave quicker and are often chosen by players with a snappier motion.

• Longer shafts and bigger flights can add stability and help straighten the dart in flight.

This is the part that’s often overlooked but can completely change how the dart behaves, even if the barrel stays the same. Sometimes swapping to a different flight shape solves an issue you thought was caused by the dart itself.

So… Is There a Way to 'Know' Which Darts Are Right?

Not instantly. But there is a pattern:

• Choose a comfortable weight to start.

• Let your natural grip guide the barrel shape.

• Use shafts and flights to tidy up the flight path.

• Stick with a setup long enough to develop confidence before making big changes.

It’s also worth paying attention to what you reach for without thinking. I’ve tried plenty of darts, yet I always go back to the Mervyn Kings. That alone tells me they suit my hand, my grip, and my throw. Very often, the dart you feel most relaxed with ends up being the right one.

Final Thought

The perfect dart doesn’t exist, but the perfect dart for you does. It’s the one that feels natural, doesn’t force you into an unfamiliar grip, and allows you to forget about the equipment and simply throw. That’s when the good darts start to follow.