The Toughest Vault 18 Venues in the South West – According to the Q4QS Database

 

Where are the hardest places to win a Vault 18 title?

It's a question I've heard several times, and like most debates in darts, everyone has an opinion.

Some players will tell you Bristol is the toughest place to play. Others swear by Gloucestershire, while players from Somerset and Worcestershire would no doubt argue that their local venues are every bit as competitive.

Rather than relying on opinion, I thought I'd let the Q4QS database do the talking.

Before looking at the rankings, it's important to explain exactly what you're looking at.

Tournament Strength isn't the same as tournament average

One of the biggest misconceptions in darts statistics is that a high winning average automatically means a strong tournament.

It doesn't.

The Q4QS Tournament Strength Index isn't designed to measure how well the winner played. Instead, it measures the overall quality of the field taking part. A tournament packed with highly-rated players will score highly, even if conditions mean averages are slightly lower than normal.

In simple terms...

Tournament Average tells you how well players performed.

Tournament Strength tells you how difficult the tournament was to win.

That's what makes it such an interesting statistic.

The table below shows the highest Tournament Strength Index recorded by each venue currently appearing in the Q4QS database. While these are benchmark figures rather than long-term venue averages, they provide an excellent indication of which venues are capable of producing exceptionally strong fields.

Q4QS South West Vault 18 Venue Rankings

Rank	Venue	County	Highest Tournament Strength
1	Bengeworth Club	Worcestershire	71.06
2	Sartan Club	Bristol	70.25
3	Yeovil Labour Club	Somerset	68.75
4	Bridley Moor & Batchley SC	Worcestershire	68.31
5	Magpies Social Club	Gloucestershire	68.02
6	North Star Club	Wiltshire	67.02
7	GWRSA Club	Oxfordshire	66.79
8	Choughs Hotel	Somerset	66.78
9	Faringdon Town FC	Oxfordshire	66.65
10	The Academy	Hampshire	66.37
11	Bretforton Sports Club	Worcestershire	66.31
12	Hangar61	Bristol	63.33

Figures based on the highest Tournament Strength Index currently recorded for each venue in the Q4QS database.

Worcestershire quietly leads the way

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the county at the top.

While Bristol has long been regarded as one of England's darts hotbeds, Worcestershire boasts three venues inside the current Top 15, including the Bengeworth Club, which holds the highest Tournament Strength recorded in the database.

Anyone who has played at Bengeworth will know exactly why.

Strong local players, regular visitors and a consistently competitive field make every draw a genuine test.

Bristol continues to deliver

It would be impossible to write this article without mentioning Bristol.

The Sartan Club continues to justify its reputation as one of the country's premier grassroots venues, while Hangar61 has established itself as another excellent destination for competitive Vault 18 darts.

What stands out isn't just the quality of the leading players, but the depth throughout the field.

Winning in Bristol rarely comes easily.

A healthy spread across the South West

One of the most encouraging aspects of these rankings is how geographically diverse they are.

Somerset is represented by Yeovil Labour Club and Choughs Hotel.

Gloucestershire has the ever-improving Magpies Social Club.

Wiltshire's North Star Club continues to attract quality entries.

Oxfordshire appears twice, while Hampshire also makes the list.

That's fantastic news for grassroots darts.

Players no longer need to travel huge distances to find strong competition. Across the South West there are now numerous venues capable of producing fields packed with county players, experienced competitors and ambitious youngsters.

The standard keeps rising

Perhaps that's the biggest story of all.

The purpose of the Tournament Strength Index isn't simply to rank venues.

It's to track the overall health of grassroots darts.

Looking at these figures, one conclusion feels unavoidable.

The standard is improving.

More players are competing regularly.

More venues are attracting stronger entries.

And more tournaments are becoming genuinely difficult to win.

For anyone looking to test themselves against quality opposition, these venues represent some of the very best the South West has to offer.

As the Q4QS database continues to grow, I'll be revisiting these rankings using long-term venue averages to see which clubs consistently attract the strongest fields.

For now, though, these venues have set the benchmark.

And judging by the quality on display week after week, earning a Vault 18 title at any of them is an achievement to be proud of.

Country Spotlight: Finland

 

I now have a weekly feature on Quest For Q School called Country Spotlight.

Each week I explore a different darts nation from around the world. Some are developing rapidly, while others have built decades of success through strong domestic competition and international achievement.

This week, the spotlight turns to Finland.

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Where is Finland?

Situated in Northern Europe, Finland borders Sweden, Norway and Russia, with thousands of lakes, vast forests and a population of around 5.6 million.

While ice hockey remains the country's national sporting passion, darts has steadily established itself as one of Finland's fastest-growing indoor sports.

Today, Finnish players compete regularly across both the WDF and PDC Nordic & Baltic circuits, earning a reputation for consistency and technical quality.

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A Strong Darts Culture

Finland has one of the longest-established darts communities in the Nordic region.

The Finnish Darts Organisation has helped build a competitive domestic structure, with ranking tournaments held throughout the year and a steady flow of players progressing into international competition.

The country has also hosted numerous Nordic & Baltic Tour weekends, giving local players valuable opportunities to compete against some of Europe's best.

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Finland on the International Stage

Finland has regularly featured in the PDC World Cup of Darts, WDF Europe Cup and WDF World Cup.

Several Finnish players have enjoyed success on the international stage, while the strength of the domestic game continues to produce new talent capable of challenging across Europe.

The country has earned a reputation for producing technically strong, consistent players who are comfortable competing against higher-ranked opposition.

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Players to Watch

When discussing Finnish darts, it is impossible not to start with Marko Kantele.

For more than two decades he has been one of Finland's most recognisable players, representing his country at numerous international events including the PDC World Cup of Darts. His experience on both the PDC and WDF circuits has helped raise the profile of Finnish darts and inspire the next generation of players. Although his current Q4QS sample is limited, his contribution to Finnish darts extends far beyond statistics.

One of the country's leading current performers is Jani Haavisto. The Q4QS database records 70 matches, with 51 victories and an outstanding 72.9% win rate. His 85.62 Q4QS Average and best recorded average of 95.83 place him among Finland's strongest current players, while recent victories over players such as Jonas Masalin and Andreas Harrysson demonstrate his quality.

Another player making a major impact is Teemu Harju. Across 59 recorded matches, he has won 36, producing a Q4QS Average of 82.29 with a superb best average of 100.07. His victories over players including Darius Labanauskas, Radek Szagański and Ben Robb show he is capable of competing with high-calibre opposition.

One of the most successful Finnish players currently in the Q4QS database is Kirsi Viinikainen. Across 97 recorded matches, she has won 72, reaching a remarkable 74.2% win rate with a Q4QS Average of 75.00. Her performances on the PDC Women's Series and WDF circuit underline Finland's growing strength in the women's game.

Other notable Finnish players include Kim Viljanen, who has enjoyed an excellent start to his Q4QS record with 5 wins from 7 matches, and experienced international Miika Mustaniemi, another regular competitor on the PDC Nordic & Baltic Tour.

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Why Finland Matters

Finland has become one of the benchmark nations for darts in Northern Europe.

A strong domestic structure, experienced international players and a commitment to player development have helped the country remain consistently competitive on the WDF and PDC circuits.

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Looking Ahead

The future remains bright.

With established stars continuing to compete and younger players emerging through the domestic system, Finland looks well placed to remain one of the Nordic region's leading darts nations.

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Q4QS Darts Nation Rating

Current Strength: 8.5/10

Participation: 8/10

International Success: 8/10

Future Potential: 8.5/10

Overall Q4QS Nation Rating: 8.25/10

Finland combines experience with depth. Its long-established darts structure and regular international representation make it one of the strongest nations in the Nordic & Baltic region.

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Useful Links

Finnish Darts Organisation

https://www.darts.fi

World Darts Federation

https://dartswdf.com

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Coming Next...

The Country Spotlight series continues next week as we visit another darts nation from around the world.

Yesterday's Results Round-Up – Thursday 30 July 2026

 

Another busy night of grassroots darts saw 47 tournaments added to the Q4QS database, with Thursday's calendar once again dominated by Vault 18 events alongside popular local round robins across the South West and beyond. From Worcester to Yeovil, Hangar61 to Plymouth, there were plenty of standout performances and memorable stories.

South West Spotlight

John Brown claims Hangar61 title

One of the strongest local fields of the evening assembled at Hangar61, Patchway, and it was John Brown who came through to claim the Thursday Night Round Robin title with a 3-1 victory over Liam Moore in the final.

Brown won nine matches on the night and continued his excellent recent run of form, but there was another moment that will be remembered for some time.

Ashton Brown produced a spectacular nine-dart finish during his quarter-final against Nathan Treadgold. Despite achieving darts' perfect leg, Ashton was edged out by Treadgold in a memorable contest that became one of the talking points of the evening. It was a reminder that even perfection doesn't always guarantee victory in a high-quality field.

Antony Butler impresses in Worcester

At Vault 18.0 @ The Cue Corner, Worcester, Antony Butler produced one of the standout displays of the night. He defeated Steve Sewell 3-0 in the final and recorded a superb 103.66 average, while also producing another 100.20 average during the competition.

Mike Harper victorious in Yeovil

There was more South West success at Yeovil Labour Club, where Mike Harper lifted the Vault title with a 3-0 victory over Callum Harrison. Harper won eight matches during the evening and consistently produced the highest standard at the venue.

Scott Lawrey takes Plymouth honours

At Legends Lounge, Plymouth, Scott Lawrey defeated Andy Steed 3-1 in the final. Steed produced an excellent 98.02 average during the event, but Lawrey held his nerve to collect another Vault title.

Lee Evans continues winning run

Lee Evans added another title at Galaxy Sports Bar, Torquay, defeating Tristan Perry 3-0 in the final. It continues an excellent spell for Evans, who has been one of the most consistent performers on the South West circuit over recent weeks.

Tommy Sperring wins another Round Robin

At DartAsylum HQ, Tommy Sperring edged Charlie Grabham 4-3 in another entertaining final. Sperring's consistency continues to shine through, with yet another title added to his growing collection.

Standout Performances

Several players produced exceptional averages during Thursday's action:

• William Thomas – 111.33 (The Bird, Maesteg)
• Andy Smith – 108.22 (Cressex Social Club, High Wycombe)
• Shane Lawrence – 107.36 (Deers Leap Round Robin)
• Antony Butler – 103.66 (The Cue Corner, Worcester)
• Louis Melville – 103.66 (Shooter's SportsBar, Neath)

Closer to home, Miles O'Toole (96.97) and Nathan Treadgold (93.94) also produced excellent darts at Hangar61 despite narrowly missing out on the title.

Another Busy Night for Q4QS

With another 47 tournaments processed, the Q4QS database continues to build an ever-clearer picture of grassroots darts across the UK. Congratulations to all of Thursday's winners, and a special mention to Ashton Brown, whose nine-dart leg at Hangar61 provided one of the standout moments of the week.

Yesterday's Results Round-Up – Wednesday 29 July 2026

 

Wednesday was another busy evening for grassroots darts, with 56 tournaments added to the Q4QS database. Vault events dominated the schedule, while local leagues, round robins and Champions of Champions qualifiers ensured there was plenty of action across the country.

From a South West perspective it was another excellent night, with strong performances in Stonehouse, Torquay, Bodmin, Ilfracombe and Bishopsworth producing some outstanding darts.

South West Spotlight

Josh McCarthy produces a century average in Stonehouse

One of the performances of the night came at Vault 18.0 @ Magpies Social Club, Stonehouse, where Josh McCarthy defeated Shaun Vernall 3-2 in a high-quality final. McCarthy produced a superb 100.20 average, while Declan Cox also impressed with 95.04 during another excellent evening in Gloucestershire.

Neil Meneer edges Bodmin classic

There was plenty of quality at Vault 18.0 @ Bodmin Band & Social Club, where Neil Meneer defeated Jamie Kay 3-1 to lift the title. Although Kay fell just short in the final, his remarkable 115.62 average was the highest individual average recorded across all the South West events and one of the best performances anywhere in the country.

Connor Davies ends Robbie Long's winning run

At The Sartan Club, Bishopsworth, Connor Davies claimed another Vault title with a 3-1 victory over the in-form Robbie Long. Connor averaged 92.02 during the evening, while Zach Quinn also showed his class with a 93.94 average. It was another strong standard from one of the South West's most competitive weekly events.

Charlie Wiles triumphs in Torquay

Charlie Wiles claimed the title at Galaxy Sports Bar, Torquay, edging Richie Blaynee 3-2 in the final. Wiles averaged 86.46 during the evening to continue his excellent recent form.

Daniel Donovan wins in Ilfracombe

Further west, Daniel Donovan took victory at The Wellington Arms, Ilfracombe, defeating Andy Steed 3-1 in the final to add another Vault title to his record.

Chris Hurds breaks the 107 barrier

At Shooters Bar, Leominster, Chris Hurds produced one of the performances of the night. He lifted the title with a 3-1 win over Zac Griffiths and fired in a brilliant 107.36 average, the highest by an adult winner on the Q4QS featured graphic.

Performances of the Night

Several players produced exceptional averages during Wednesday's action:

• Jamie Kay – 115.62 (Bodmin)
• Chris Hurds – 107.36 (Leominster)
• Josh McCarthy – 100.20 (Stonehouse)
• Declan Cox – 95.04 (Stonehouse)
• Peter Barton – 93.94 (Burnham & Highbridge)

There were also impressive performances elsewhere from Kyle Jones (111.33), Adam Mould (107.36), Daniel Astbury (107.36), Matt Dennant (104.86) and Louis Melville (103.66), underlining the standard being achieved across the grassroots game.

Another Busy Night for Q4QS

With another 56 tournaments processed, the Q4QS database continues to grow, providing an increasingly detailed picture of grassroots darts throughout the UK. Congratulations to all of Wednesday's winners, and good luck to everyone competing again tonight.

Exciting Times Ahead? Why Luke Littler's Dominance Might Be Good News for Darts

 

Over the past few months there has been a small but noticeable backlash against Luke Littler.

Not because anyone doubts his ability. Quite the opposite.

The argument from some fans is that he has become too good. That if he continues to dominate, tournaments become predictable and some of the excitement disappears.

If that sounds familiar, it should.

Phil Taylor heard exactly the same thing during his remarkable reign at the top. For the best part of two decades, many questioned whether anyone could consistently challenge him. Then came Michael van Gerwen, whose incredible peak included the record for the most consecutive PDC match victories.

Every sport goes through these periods. Great champions emerge, dominate, and people inevitably wonder whether anyone can stop them.

The difference this time?

I'm not convinced Luke Littler is about to enjoy the same level of unchallenged dominance.

Not because he isn't good enough.

But because the standard around him is rising faster than ever.

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Henry Coates' breakthrough could be more significant than people realise

On 28 July, 20-year-old Henry Coates won his first Players Championship title.

Yes, a few of the biggest names weren't in attendance.

But let's not pretend this was a weakened event.

Players such as Chris Dobey, Wessel Nijman, Gian van Veen, Damon Heta and Jeffrey de Graaf were all part of the field, and Coates beat several high-quality opponents on his way to lifting the trophy.

What really caught my eye wasn't simply that he won.

It was how he won.

In the latter stages of the tournament his performances included averages of:

• 106.09
• 104.88
• 95.76

Those are not the numbers of someone scraping through on a fortunate day.

Those are elite-level performances under pressure.

I'm not suggesting Henry Coates is about to become a permanent member of the world's top 16 overnight. There were, after all, plenty of people who underestimated Luke Littler before he exploded onto the biggest stage.

But Coates has shown he possesses the scoring power, composure and temperament to compete with established professionals. It feels like the beginning of something rather than a one-off success.

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He isn't alone

Perhaps the most exciting part isn't Henry Coates himself.

It's the company he keeps.

Across the game there is an extraordinary generation of young players developing at exactly the same time.

Luke Littler has already become World Champion.

Wessel Nijman continues to produce world-class performances.

Gian van Veen looks increasingly comfortable against the very best.

Niko Springer is emerging as one of Germany's brightest prospects.

Sebastian Bialecki continues to develop into a serious force.

Charlie Manby, Owen Bates, Jurjen van der Velde, Cam Crabtree, Beau Greaves and several others are all progressing at an impressive rate.

This isn't one exceptional youngster.

It's an entire generation.

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The evidence is there

One of the advantages of maintaining the Q4QS rankings is being able to look beyond television appearances and headlines.

The numbers often reveal trends before they become obvious.

Current Q4QS rankings already show several younger players climbing into elite company.

• Wessel Nijman sits at No. 4.
• Sebastian Bialecki is already No. 7.
• Owen Bates has climbed into the Top 25.

These aren't junior rankings.

These players are producing performances comparable with some of the most established names in world darts.

Every month the gap appears to be closing.

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Experience still matters

While the young stars attract most of the headlines, there's another fascinating story developing.

Several experienced players appear to have found another gear.

No one demonstrates that better than Derek Coulson.

After years of playing at a consistently high level, he recently won every match during his MODUS Super Series qualifying week before going on to lift Champions Week—defeating none other than Henry Coates along the way.

The Q4QS rankings also reflect that consistency, placing Coulson inside the current Top 15.

Players such as Andrew Gilding continue to prove that experience counts for plenty, while James Wade remains one of the most difficult competitors in world darts despite many predicting his decline years ago.

Even outside the televised circuit, the standard among experienced county players, Challenge Tour regulars and long-time competitors appears stronger than ever.

Many have decided that now is the time to make one serious push.

That only increases the depth of competition.

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Why the standard is rising

Today's players have opportunities that barely existed fifteen years ago.

Development Tour.

Challenge Tour.

Women's Series.

MODUS Super Series.

ADC competitions.

JDC pathways.

Vault tournaments.

Regional ranking systems.

Live streaming.

Detailed statistics.

Players are gaining more high-quality competitive experience than previous generations could ever have imagined.

That experience breeds confidence.

Confidence breeds better performances.

And better performances raise the overall standard of the sport.

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So will Luke Littler dominate for years?

Quite possibly.

He may well remain the world's best player for a long time.

His talent is undeniable.

But I don't believe the next decade will resemble the eras dominated almost entirely by Phil Taylor or Michael van Gerwen.

The chasing pack feels deeper.

It feels younger.

And perhaps most importantly, it feels hungrier.

Looking through my own database, there are an increasing number of players regularly producing averages in the 90s, the mid-90s and even beyond 100 in competitive environments.

That depth simply didn't exist to the same extent a generation ago.

The margin between the very best and the next wave is shrinking.

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An exciting future

Luke Littler deserves every accolade he receives.

He has transformed the sport, attracted new audiences and raised expectations of what is possible.

But rather than making darts less exciting, I believe he may be doing the opposite.

He has raised the bar so high that an entire generation is now determined to reach it.

Henry Coates' breakthrough could be remembered as another milestone rather than an isolated success.

There will undoubtedly be more names to emerge over the next few years—some young, some experienced, all capable of challenging the established order.

For me, that's what makes this such an exciting time to follow darts.

The current world number one may still be Luke Littler.

But the queue lining up behind him has never looked stronger.

Yesterday's Results Round-Up South and South West – Tuesday 28 July 2026

 

Another busy evening of grassroots darts saw 58 tournaments added to the Q4QS database, with action spanning the South West, Southern England, Midlands and beyond. Junior events, Vault competitions, round robins and local opens all contributed to another packed night of darts.

For followers in the South West, there were plenty of familiar names celebrating victories, while several players produced three-figure averages to underline the quality being produced across the grassroots game.

South West Spotlight

Joe Preedy lands Bristol Vault title

One of the night's standout local stories came at Vault 18.0 @ Bessellscotts, Bristol, where Joe Preedy defeated Jack Walker 3-2 in the final. Jack Walker topped the averages on the night with 80.52, but Preedy produced the results when it mattered to lift the title.

Tommy Sperring continues his excellent form

At DartAsylum HQ, Tommy Sperring claimed the Tuesday Night Sub 70 Average Round Robin title with a 3-1 victory over Kai Carter. Sperring also posted the highest average of the evening (81.98) on his way to another impressive success.

Steve Boundy victorious in Portishead

Portishead Workmens Darts hosted another strong turnout, with Steve Boundy defeating Liam Trotman 3-0 in the final. Boundy also produced the night's best average at the venue (84.18) to complete an excellent evening.

Dave Fisher edges thriller in Taunton

Taunton's U70 Super Series produced one of the closest finals of the night as Dave Fisher defeated Ryan Greenslade 4-3. Fisher also recorded a superb 96.97 average during the competition and finished with eight match victories.

Logun Godbeer wins at Highbridge

The JDC VOLTS circuit continued in Somerset, where Logun Godbeer defeated Cooper Cornish in the Highbridge final. Cooper Cornish produced several strong performances during the evening, but Godbeer secured the title after another consistent campaign.

Performances of the Night

Several players broke the 100 average barrier:

• Callum Lovell – 111.33 (Banbury Vault)
• Lee Evans – 105.57 (Loughor WMC Vault)
• Lewis Gurney – 104.86 (Lancing Vault)
• Shaun Vernall – 103.66 (Bretforton Vault)
• Dave Bayton – 103.66 (Dawley Vault)

Those performances demonstrate the ever-improving standard across grassroots darts, with several venues producing averages normally associated with much higher-profile competitions.

Around the Venues

Other notable winners included:

• Pete Hughes (Bretforton Vault)
• Junior Howard (Tiverton Vault)
• Jack Bellingham (Portland Vault)
• James Smith (Crawley Vault)
• Daniel Astbury (Dawley Vault)
• Luke Peacock (Banbury Vault)
• Tom McInnes (Isle of Wight Vault)
• Samuel Palmer (Fareham Vault)

With another 58 tournaments processed, the Q4QS rankings continue to grow and provide an increasingly detailed picture of grassroots darts across the UK.

Remember you can follow all the live scores from Midlands, Wales and South England on my new Live Scores Vidiprinter on You Tube - Results usually shwoing around 20.30 UK Time onwards of an evening

Yesterday's Results Round-Up South and South West – Monday 27 July 2026

Monday delivered another packed evening of grassroots darts, with 30 tournaments added to the Q4QS database. There were strong performances right across the country, while the South West once again produced several eye-catching winners and some outstanding averages.

Finlay Cleave Impresses In Paignton

One of the standout performances of the evening came in Paignton, where Finlay Cleave claimed the Vault 18 title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Andy Steed.

The final was played to an excellent standard, with both players recording 93.94 averages, while Dan Bevan (91.09) and Robbie Martin (91.09) also featured among the night's highest performers.

Carl High Continues His Rise In Minehead

After being highlighted in my preview earlier this week, Carl High justified the attention by winning Vault 18 at The Banckers Draught, Minehead.

High edged past Jack Walker 3-2 in an entertaining final to continue his impressive recent form. Jack Walker, Brooklyn Anthony and Steve Boundy were all among the players enjoying another productive evening in Somerset.

Josh McCarthy Claims Calne Honours

At Vault 18 @ North Star Club, Calne, Josh McCarthy lifted another title after defeating Declan Cox 3-2 in the final.

McCarthy also produced the tournament's highest average of 96.72, underlining why he remains one of the strongest performers on the local circuit.

Salisbury Success For Danny Humphries

The Stratford Social Club hosted another competitive Vault event, with Danny Humphries defeating Daryl Beaven 3-1 in the final.

Humphries topped the averages with 92.02, while Zachary Petty and Daren Field also produced strong displays during the evening.

Barnstaple And Beyond

There was another excellent turnout in Barnstaple, where Ben Rigler overcame Harry Childs in a closely fought final.

Meanwhile, Johnny Haines won in Didcot, Callum Grealis took the honours in Basingstoke and Lee Evans triumphed in Andover as another busy Monday of Vault action unfolded across the country.

Performances That Caught My Eye

Some of Monday's best performances included:

• 🎯 Josh McCarthy – 96.72 (Calne)
• 🎯 Finlay Cleave – 93.94 (Paignton)
• 🎯 Andy Steed – 93.94 (Paignton)
• 🎯 Danny Humphries – 92.02 (Salisbury)
• 🎯 Taylor Foster – 91.09 (Minehead)
• 🎯 Ben Rigler – 88.41 (Barnstaple)

Highest Average Of The Day

The performance of the day belonged to Stuart Scarsbrook, who produced a superb 112.73 average on his way to victory at the Daventry Vault. Anthony Coleman also exceeded 109, while Ryan Davies, Callum Grealis and Jake Eichen all broke the 103 barrier during an outstanding evening of darts.

Another excellent night's darts is now in the books, with plenty of familiar names continuing their fine form as the race towards the major ADC events gathers pace.

Congratulations to everyone who picked up titles and produced standout performances. 

Players Championship 25 & 26 Preview

 

Germany Hosts A Rare Opportunity As Many Of The Biggest Names Sit Out

The PDC ProTour heads to Germany this week for Players Championships 25 and 26, but these two floor events have a very different feel to normal.

An extraordinary 20 Tour Card holders are absent, including world champion Luke Littler, world number one Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen's recent rivals Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, James Wade, Gary Anderson and many more.

That creates one of the most open Players Championship events of the season.

With so many established stars missing, there is a huge opportunity for the next generation of players, ProTour regulars and in-form outsiders to make a deep run and collect valuable ranking money.

A Huge Opportunity

Normally a Players Championship features virtually every elite player on the tour.

This week is different.

With nearly a quarter of the leading Tour Card holders absent, players who may usually expect to meet a top-eight seed in the later rounds suddenly find the draw looking considerably kinder.

History shows these are often the events where careers can change. One title or one semi-final can dramatically improve a player's ranking, confidence and qualification prospects heading towards the televised majors.

Players To Watch

Wessel Nijman

Nijman arrives as one of the form players on the circuit.

His recent victory in the PDC Slovak event came with a superb 99.45 tournament average, including an outstanding 103.80 average in an 8-3 victory over Rob Cross. He has also already won a Players Championship this season and remains one of the most dangerous scorers in the field.

Chris Dobey

Dobey may start as one of the favourites.

He reached the quarter-finals of Players Championship 24 and has produced several 100+ averages during recent ProTour events. His scoring remains among the very best on tour and the absence of several elite names strengthens his chances further.

Michael van Gerwen

Van Gerwen remains capable of winning any floor event despite a mixed few months.

His Players Championship 15 victory earlier this season came with a tournament average approaching 102, while he also recorded a stunning 122.34 average in one of his recent matches. If he finds his rhythm early, few players will want to face him.

Gabriel Clemens

Few players arrive with more confidence.

The German delighted home supporters by winning Players Championship 24, defeating Brendan Dolan and Luke Woodhouse during another excellent week. Returning to Germany immediately afterwards could make him one of the most dangerous players in the draw.

Kevin Doets

The Dutchman continues to threaten a major breakthrough.

He has already produced 100+ averages this season and has shown he can beat established names on the ProTour. Consistency remains the key, but his ceiling is extremely high.

Andrew Gilding

"Goldfinger" continues to quietly collect excellent results.

Recent victories over Michael van Gerwen and Luke Woodhouse demonstrate the level he is capable of producing, while his experience could prove invaluable in an unpredictable field.

Dark Horses

Several players could spring a surprise this week.

• Sebastian Bialecki continues to impress after Development Tour success.
• Cristo Reyes recently reached a Players Championship final.
• Owen Bates arrives full of confidence after reaching the UKDA National Finals final.
• Daniel Ayres has produced several deep runs across ADC and PDC events.
• Tommy Morris has already shown he can beat established professionals.
• Cam Crabtree continues to develop into one of the most exciting young players outside the elite.

Who Could Benefit Most?

With so many elite players missing, these events offer a genuine chance for someone to take the next step.

Don't be surprised if a player outside the world's top 32 reaches the final—or even lifts the trophy.

The ProTour has a habit of creating new stars, and Players Championships 25 and 26 could easily produce another breakthrough winner.

My Prediction

If the draw opens up as expected, I expect Wessel Nijman, Chris Dobey and Michael van Gerwen to be among the leading contenders.

However, if I had to pick one player to continue his momentum, Gabriel Clemens looks an excellent bet after lifting the Players Championship 24 title and now returning to home soil full of confidence.

Yesterday's Results Round-Up South and South West – Sunday 26 July 2026

 

Sunday produced another huge day of grassroots darts, with 55 tournaments added to the Q4QS database. Across the South West there was plenty to celebrate, with titles decided in Gloucester, Plymouth, Taunton, Cinderford, Swanage, Kentisbeare and Portishead, while several players produced outstanding performances to round off another busy weekend.

Dom Taylor Wins Portishead Sunday Chuck

One of the busiest local competitions took place at Portishead Workmen's Darts, where Dom Taylor came through a strong field to defeat Alfie Palmer 4-3 in the final.

The quality was high throughout the evening, with Liam Trotman recording the highest average of 90.44, closely followed by Alfie Palmer (90.18) and Dave Fisher (88.41).

Lee Andrews Claims Gloucester Vault

At Vault 18.0 @ Matson Rugby Club, Gloucester, Lee Andrews enjoyed an impressive run to lift the title.

Andrews defeated Curtis Greenwood 3-0 in the final and also posted the tournament's highest average of 86.71. Curtis Greenwood, Lee Bradley and Will Jackson were all among the players enjoying another productive evening in Gloucester.

Mark Gilbery Triumphs In Plymouth

There was another competitive Vault event in Plymouth, where Mark Gilbery edged past Keaton Hughes 3-2 in the final.

Gilbery produced the tournament's best average of 88.04 and continued his excellent form with seven victories on his way to the title.

Taunton And Devon Winners

At The Queens Arms, Taunton, C-Jay Pipe defeated Josh Wright 3-2 to win another Vault 18 title.

Meanwhile, at The Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare, Craig Todd claimed the trophy after overcoming Connor Coffey in the final, ensuring Devon also featured among Sunday's South West winners.

Swanage Produces The Performance Of The Day

The standout individual display in the South West came from Ricky King at Vault 18.0 @ Swanage RBL.

King lifted the title after defeating Jamie Elm and fired a superb 111.33 average, one of the highest averages recorded anywhere in the country on Sunday.

More South West Success

There were further local winners as:

• 🏆 Clint Keyse won at The Nags Head Inn, Cinderford.
• 🏆 Joseph Lauridsen claimed the JDC Volts title in Exeter.
• 🏆 Grant/White won the Cotton's Pairs competition.

South West Performances That Caught My Eye

Among Sunday's standout performances were:

• 🎯 Ricky King – 111.33 (Swanage)
• 🎯 Liam Trotman – 90.44 (Portishead)
• 🎯 Lee Andrews – 86.71 (Gloucester)
• 🎯 Mark Gilbery – 88.04 (Plymouth)
• 🎯 Dave Fisher – 88.41 (Portishead)
• 🎯 Alfie Palmer – 90.18 (Portishead)

Looking Ahead

Another packed weekend of darts has now been added to the Q4QS database. The South West continues to produce strong turnouts and quality performances, with established names and emerging players both enjoying success as the rankings continue to evolve.

Congratulations to everyone who competed, and especially to all of Sunday's tournament winners.

Which Is the Toughest Tour in World Darts? A Q4QS Analysis

 

Ask ten darts fans which is the toughest circuit in the world and you'll probably get the same answer.

"The PDC."

But that doesn't really answer the question.

Is a Players Championship tougher than a televised European Tour event?

How much harder is the Challenge Tour than the Development Tour?

Where does the Asian Tour fit into the overall picture?

And could some non-PDC events actually be stronger than people realise?

Using the Q4QS database, I decided to investigate.

How This Analysis Works

Rather than relying on prize money, reputation or television coverage, I looked at the strength of the players who actually entered each tournament.

Each event in the Q4QS database is given a Tournament Strength score based on the quality of the field, allowing different tours and competitions to be compared on the same scale.

The Tournament Strength Score is a combined measure derived from the Q4QS ratings and recorded performance levels of the players in each field, rather than simply the tournament’s overall average.

This isn't designed to say one tour is "better" than another.

Instead, it asks one simple question:

If you entered this event, where would you face the strongest opposition?

The Immediate Standout

One thing became clear almost immediately.

The PDC Players Championship circuit dominates.

In fact, the strongest event in the current database is:

Players Championship 11 – Tournament Strength 100.61

Even more impressive is the consistency.

Players Championship events occupy the vast majority of the highest positions in the rankings, with several events scoring above 99 and virtually every event comfortably above 97.

That tells us something important.

It isn't just that the very best Players Championship event is incredibly strong.

The standard remains exceptionally high throughout the entire series.

What About The Majors?

Many people naturally assume that televised majors must have the strongest fields.

The data paints a slightly different picture.

The PDC World Masters records a Tournament Strength of 98.92, while the UK Open scores 98.85.

Those are outstanding numbers, but they still sit behind several Players Championship events.

That may surprise some fans.

One possible explanation is depth.

Players Championship events regularly feature 128 Tour Card holders, meaning strength runs throughout the entire draw rather than being concentrated among a smaller elite field.

European Tour Events

European Tour events also perform exceptionally well.

Among the strongest in the database are:

• European Trophy – 96.81

• European Darts Grand Prix – 96.75

• Austrian Darts Open – 96.48

• International Darts Open – 96.03

Again, these are elite-level tournaments.

However, they generally sit just below the very strongest Players Championship events.

An Unexpected Discovery

One of the biggest surprises isn't a televised event at all.

It's the European Tour Card Holder Qualifiers.

Several qualifiers score above 95, placing them ahead of many established professional tournaments.

Anyone who has watched these events probably won't be shocked.

With so many Tour Card holders battling for a limited number of qualification places, the competition is brutally intense from the very first round.

It's another reminder that some of the toughest darts isn't always played on television.

What This Doesn't Tell Us

There are also some important caveats.

Tournament strength doesn't necessarily tell us which event is the hardest to win.

Different events have different formats.

Some have seeded draws.

Others have open draws.

Some feature 32 players.

Others have more than 150.

All of those factors influence the difficulty of lifting the trophy.

This analysis focuses on one aspect only:

the overall strength of the field.

What's Next?

This article is only the beginning.

Over the coming weeks I'll be digging much deeper into the Q4QS Tournament Strength data.

Among the questions I'll be exploring are:

• Is the Challenge Tour significantly stronger than the Development Tour?

• Which ADC Vault has attracted the strongest field?

• Are some local events tougher than recognised national tours?

• Which venues consistently attract the highest-quality players?

• Which individual tournament was the strongest of 2026?

The answers may challenge a few long-held assumptions.

Final Thoughts

One thing is already beyond doubt.

The Players Championship circuit isn't just home to many of the world's best players—it consistently produces the strongest tournament fields anywhere in darts.

Perhaps the bigger question is what comes next.

Just how big is the gap between the Players Championship, the Challenge Tour, the Development Tour and the rest of world darts?

That's exactly what I'll be investigating next.

Yesterday's Results Round-Up South West – Saturday 25 July 2026

 

Saturday was another excellent day for grassroots darts, with 35 tournaments added to the Q4QS database. Across the South West there were packed fields, close finals and some outstanding performances, with Taunton, Hangar61, Stalbridge, Street and Evesham all producing plenty of talking points.

Joe Smith Tops Huge Taunton Field

The busiest event in the South West took place at the Pegasus Charity Round Robin in Taunton, where Joe Smith produced a superb display to lift the title.

Smith defeated Dave Morris 5-0 in the final after winning 10 matches during the day, underlining both his consistency and stamina. Jack Davey recorded the highest average of the tournament with 75.15, but it was Smith who finished the day with the trophy.

Meanwhile, the Pegasus Under-55 Average Round Robin was won by Alex Bird, who defeated Finley Bird 3-0 in the final to complete another successful afternoon at the Taunton venue.

Ashton Brown Wins Thriller At Hangar61

One of the highest-quality events of the day came at Hangar61, where Ashton Brown edged past Mason Teese 4-3 in a superb final.

The standard throughout the tournament was exceptional. Mason Teese posted the highest average of 96.97, Ashton Brown fired 93.94, while Jayden Walker also impressed with 92.69. With 89 matches played, it proved to be one of Saturday's showcase events.

Tom Crocker Claims Stalbridge Title

Another strong Dorset field gathered for the Stalbridge RBL SDF Competition, where Tom Crocker defeated Jake Carlton 3-1 in the final.

Nigel Lamb and Wayne Halliwell both produced tournament-best averages of 88.41, highlighting the strength of the competition throughout the day.

Success For Street And Evesham

The Street Darts Organisation Week 6 Open saw Luke Harding continue his impressive form by defeating Kelvin Hart in the final.

Street also hosted the Week 6 Under-50, where Alex Bird added a second title to his day, completing an excellent double after his earlier success in Taunton.

Later in the evening, Mitchell Leeming lifted the Vault 18 title at The Bengeworth, Evesham, overcoming Zak Edmunds 3-2 in another closely contested final. Pete Hughes was again among the event's standout performers.

Standout Performances

Several players produced performances that caught the eye across Saturday's action:

• 🎯 Mason Teese – 96.97 (Hangar61)
• 🎯 Ashton Brown – 93.94 (Hangar61)
• 🎯 Jayden Walker – 92.69 (Hangar61)
• 🎯 Nigel Lamb – 88.41 (Stalbridge)
• 🎯 Wayne Halliwell – 88.41 (Stalbridge)
• 🎯 Joe Smith – 10 match wins to claim the Taunton title.

Looking Ahead

Saturday once again demonstrated the strength of the South West darts scene, with busy venues, competitive fields and plenty of quality on display. As another weekend of results is added to the Q4QS database, the rankings continue to evolve with players building momentum heading into the weeks ahead.

Congratulations to all of Saturday's winners and everyone who took to the oche.

Women's World Matchplay Preview: Can Anyone Stop Beau Greaves?

The Women's World Matchplay returns this weekend, bringing together eight of the finest players in the women's game for one of the most prestigious titles on the calendar.

While the field may be small, the quality certainly isn't.

World-class champions, former winners, established stars and in-form challengers all arrive with genuine hopes of lifting the trophy, but once again one player enters as the woman everyone else must beat.

Beau Greaves Leads the Way

It is impossible to look beyond Beau Greaves as the tournament favourite.

Her recent form has been exceptional.

Across the last ten matches in the Q4QS database she boasts a perfect 10-0 record, while she arrives after winning two consecutive PDC Women's Series titles before finishing runner-up in another event. She also produced event averages approaching 88 and 89 during that run, highlighting the level she is capable of producing.

Interestingly, her most recent appearance came against the men on the Players Championship circuit, where she lost to Owen Bates despite averaging over 90.

That defeat is unlikely to dent her confidence.

If anything, it demonstrates her willingness to test herself against the very best opposition.

Lisa Ashton Has Already Shown It Can Be Done

If anyone has proved Beau Greaves can be beaten recently, it's Lisa Ashton.

The four-time Lakeside Champion claimed victory at PDC Women's Series Event 15, defeating Greaves 5-1 in the final and averaging over 81 throughout the tournament. It was one of the standout performances of the season and serves as a reminder that Ashton remains one of the toughest competitors in women's darts.

She followed that up with another deep run by reaching the semi-finals of the UKDA National Finals, showing her consistency remains intact.

Fallon Sherrock Chasing Another Major Run

No preview would be complete without Fallon Sherrock.

Although she hasn't added another major title recently, Sherrock continues to reach the latter stages of big events.

A semi-final in Women's Series Event 15 and a quarter-final in Event 16 underline that she is never far away from another big weekend.

Few players possess more experience on television than "The Queen of the Palace", and that experience could prove invaluable.

Plenty of Form Players Arrive

One of the fascinating aspects of this year's event is just how many competitors arrive after lifting trophies.

Gemma Hayter heads to the Winter Gardens fresh from victory in the WDF World Masters, continuing what has been an excellent season.

Vicky Pruim arrives as the reigning UKDA National Finals champion and has built strong momentum over recent weeks.

Veteran star Deta Hedman also comes into the tournament after another title-winning campaign, proving once again that experience remains a huge asset.

Kirsi Viinikainen and Rhian O'Sullivan complete a field packed with recent winners, ensuring there will be no easy opening matches.

Five Players to Watch

Beau Greaves

Still the benchmark in women's darts. Two recent Women's Series titles, unbeaten in her last ten matches and producing some of the highest averages in the game.

Lisa Ashton

The player who recently defeated Greaves in a Women's Series final. If she reproduces that standard, another major title is well within reach.

Fallon Sherrock

One of the biggest names in women's darts. Television experience and proven ability to deliver on the big stage make her a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Gemma Hayter

The reigning WDF World Masters champion continues to build momentum and has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in the women's game.

Vicky Pruim

Fresh from lifting the UKDA National Finals title, Pruim arrives full of confidence and could be one of the dark horses this weekend.

Can Anyone Stop Greaves?

Every major tournament needs a storyline, and this one is obvious.

Can anyone prevent Beau Greaves from adding another major televised title to her growing collection?

Lisa Ashton has already shown it is possible.

Fallon Sherrock remains one of the most dangerous players on a televised stage.

Gemma Hayter, Vicky Pruim and Deta Hedman all arrive with recent silverware of their own.

With so many players bringing title-winning form into Blackpool, the Women's World Matchplay promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet. 

Floor vs Stage: Do Some Players Perform Better Under the Lights? A Q4QS Analysis of the 2026 PDC Season

 

One of the oldest debates in professional darts is whether certain players are better suited to the Players Championship circuit or the sport's biggest televised stages.

Some players seem to produce their very best performances in front of packed arenas and television cameras, while others quietly build exceptional records on the ProTour week after week.

But is there actually any evidence to support that idea?

To find out, I compared my 2026 Q4QS Knockout Pedigree Rankings from two very different environments:

• Players Championship events

• Televised ranking tournaments

Rather than comparing averages or prize money, these rankings measure knockout success during the 2026 season. I then compared where every player ranked in each list to see who climbed the rankings under the lights and who built their strongest record on the Players Championship circuit.

Before diving into the numbers, there are two important points to make.

Firstly, these are Q4QS Rankings, not the official PDC Order of Merit.

Secondly, this comparison only covers the 2026 season. Players with insufficient participation have been excluded. Most notably, Luke Littler does not feature, having not competed in a Players Championship event during 2026. Without a Players Championship ranking, it simply isn't possible to make a fair comparison.

Biggest Movers Towards the Televised Rankings

The following players achieved a significantly higher Q4QS Televised Ranking than their Q4QS Players Championship Ranking.

Player	Q4QS Players Championship Rank	Q4QS Televised Rank	Movement
Josh Rock	62	6	▲ 56
Ryan Joyce	70	17	▲ 53
Gian van Veen	50	7	▲ 43
Mike De Decker	71	27	▲ 44
Gerwyn Price	43	2	▲ 41
Niels Zonneveld	55	15	▲ 40
Nathan Aspinall	47	9	▲ 38

Josh Rock heads the list, climbing an incredible 56 places between the two rankings. Ryan Joyce also makes a huge leap, while Gian van Veen continues to strengthen his reputation whenever the biggest tournaments come around.

Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall are perhaps less surprising. Both have built reputations over many years as players capable of producing some of their very best darts on the sport's biggest stages.

Biggest Movers Towards the Players Championship Rankings

These players recorded considerably stronger Q4QS Players Championship Rankings than their televised rankings.

Player	Q4QS Players Championship Rank	Q4QS Televised Rank	Movement
Andrew Gilding	5	29	▼ 24
Chris Dobey	2	20	▼ 18
Gary Anderson	30	40	▼ 10
Kevin Doets	3	12	▼ 9
Wessel Nijman	1	8	▼ 7
Luke Woodhouse	4	11	▼ 7
James Wade	9	13	▼ 4

Wessel Nijman's place at the top of the Players Championship rankings underlines just how impressive his ProTour campaign has been.

Chris Dobey, Kevin Doets and Luke Woodhouse have also put together exceptional Players Championship seasons, while Andrew Gilding's consistency on the floor has been rewarded with a remarkably high Q4QS ranking.

These results shouldn't be viewed as a weakness in televised tournaments. Instead, they demonstrate just how consistently these players have performed throughout the demanding Players Championship schedule.

Consistency Across Both Rankings

Some players don't show a dramatic difference between the two rankings.

Luke Humphries is a good example. While he ranks slightly higher in the televised list, he remains among the elite in both environments.

The same can be said for Michael van Gerwen, whose rankings remain consistently high regardless of whether he is playing on the Players Championship circuit or under the television cameras.

Those players may simply possess an ability to adapt to every environment they encounter.

Why Do The Rankings Differ?

There is probably no single explanation.

One obvious factor is match format.

Players Championship matches are generally played over shorter distances, meaning there is less time to recover from a slow start. Most televised ranking tournaments become progressively longer as the event develops, rewarding players capable of maintaining a high level over an extended contest.

The seeding system may also influence results.

Players Championship events are seeded using the Players Championship Order of Merit, whereas televised ranking tournaments are generally seeded using the main PDC Order of Merit. That can produce very different draws, particularly in the early rounds.

Participation is another important consideration.

Several leading players have reduced their Players Championship schedules during 2026, while others have entered almost every event. That inevitably affects the opportunities available to build a strong knockout pedigree.

Finally, there is the atmosphere itself.

Some players appear to relish performing in front of thousands of spectators, while others quietly produce outstanding results on the ProTour week after week.

Whether that's down to mentality, experience, preparation, playing style or something else entirely is impossible to measure—but it's certainly an intriguing discussion.

Final Thoughts

This analysis isn't designed to say that one player is better than another.

Instead, it highlights where players have built their strongest knockout records during the 2026 season.

Some have climbed the rankings when the television cameras arrive.

Others have quietly dominated the Players Championship circuit.

And a select few continue to perform at an exceptionally high level regardless of where they play.

As with any statistical comparison, there are caveats, but the trends are fascinating—and they raise an interesting question.

What do you think explains the differences? Is it the atmosphere, the format, the draw, the scheduling... or simply the mark of players who adapt to every challenge?