ADC Winmau Championship Tour Returns With Huge Stakes in Events 5 & 6

Some of the biggest names outside the PDC ProTour will head to the ADC Winmau Championship Tour this weekend as Events 5 and 6 take centre stage.

With major opportunities and significant prize money all on the line, the ADC Championship Tour has quickly established itself as one of the premier grassroots circuits in the UK.

To make the series accessible to players across the country, the Championship Tour operates separate North and South circuits. Players aren't restricted to one region, however, and are free to compete on either tour throughout the season.

A Place At The Grand Finals

Every match this weekend carries extra importance.

After the final Championship Tour event, the Top 8 players on the North Ranking Table will qualify for the prestigious Grand Finals at the MODUS Live Lounge in Portsmouth on 17-18 October 2026.

The Finals prize fund has doubled from last season to £10,000, with the champion collecting £3,000 and, perhaps even more importantly, securing a place in the ADC Global Championship.

The Route To £60,000

Finishing inside the Top 2 on the North Rankings also earns qualification for the ADC Global Championship 2026/27.

That event boasts a £150,000 prize fund, including an eye-catching £60,000 first prize, making the Championship Tour one of the most rewarding pathways available outside the professional circuit.

Strong Winners Already Emerging

Four events have already been completed this season, producing three different winners.

• Event 1: David Sumner
• Event 2: Daniel Ayres
• Event 3: Lewis Pride
• Event 4: Daniel Ayres

Daniel Ayres has made the early running with two victories from the opening four tournaments, although there is still plenty of darts to be played before the race for Portsmouth reaches its conclusion.

With Events 5 and 6 now approaching, every ranking point becomes increasingly valuable as players battle for qualification places.

Championship Tour Event Prize Fund

🏆 Winner – £1,000

🥈 Runner-up – £400

🥉 Semi-finalists – £200

Quarter-finalists – £100

Last 16 – £40

Last 32 – £20

Another Huge Weekend Ahead

The standard across the ADC Championship Tour continues to rise each season, with many considering it one of the strongest competitions outside the PDC ranking system.

For players chasing the Grand Finals, the ADC Global Championship and a potential £60,000 payday, Events 5 and 6 could prove pivotal in shaping the rest of the season.

Q4QS Six To Follow

Looking at your player export and the current storylines, I'd avoid simply picking the top six. A mix of favourites, form players and dark horses always makes for a stronger feature.

⭐ Daniel Ayres

Already a two-time Championship Tour winner this season and fresh from a PDC Challenge Tour title. If he finds his best game again, he'll be one of the men everyone has to beat.

⭐ Lewis Pride

An Event 3 winner who continues to impress against professional opposition. His scoring power means he can beat anyone over the shorter formats.

⭐ Oliver Mitchell

The highest-ranked player in the field on Q4QS and someone who has already claimed notable wins over several Tour Card holders this year.

⭐ Steve Lennon

The former Tour Card holder brings plenty of experience and remains capable of producing 90+ averages on demand. A dangerous draw for anyone.

⭐ Lewis Cook (Young Gun)

One of the rising talents in the field. Recent JDC Advanced Tour finals and an 8-2 run in his last ten matches suggest he could spring a surprise.

⭐ Graham Usher (Dark Horse)

Perhaps not among the headline names, but Usher has quietly been putting together some strong performances on the Challenge Tour and could easily make a deep run if the draw opens up.

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Two More Dark Horses (if you want an "Ones to Watch" section)

Ashley Coleman – Arrives in excellent form after winning a recent Vault event and has gone 9-1 in his last ten matches. Momentum counts in tournaments like these.

William Borland – Easy to overlook, but we all know the quality he possesses. If he settles quickly, he's more than capable of making a quarter-final or better.

Under-Average Darts Competitions – Good for the Game?

 

Few topics in grassroots darts create as much debate as under-average competitions.

Speak to ten players and you'll probably get ten different opinions.

Over the last few years, the rise of the ADC has transformed opportunities for players across the UK. More people than ever are playing competitive darts, and crucially, many of those players are not county stars, former professionals or players averaging 80-plus. They are simply people who enjoy the game and want regular competition against opponents of a similar standard.

For many years, local tournaments often saw the same handful of top players dominating week after week. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it could sometimes discourage newer or developing players from entering regularly. Nobody particularly enjoys paying an entry fee every week only to be knocked out immediately by a county player averaging 85.

The answer, it seems, has been the growth of under-average competitions.

The Route for Ambitious Players

For players with aspirations of reaching the highest levels of the game, the ADC Vault system has created a genuine pathway.

Players compete over a series of events within their region, earning points throughout the season. The strongest performers qualify for a Finals Day, where the winner can earn an invitation to compete on television in the Modus Super Series, subject to meeting the required average criteria (typically around 77+).

A strong run on the Modus stage can be life-changing. Television exposure brings opportunities for sponsorship, endorsements, prize money and increased recognition, all without necessarily having to navigate the challenges of PDC Q School or qualify for major WDF events.

For ambitious players, the Vault system offers a clear and realistic route to bigger opportunities.

Darts for Everyone

Not every player wants to become a professional.

Many players simply want competitive, enjoyable darts against opponents of a similar standard.

This is where under-average tournaments have become incredibly important.

Across the UK you'll find Under 70, Under 65 and Under 55 competitions, each designed to cater for different ability levels. In some areas there are even Under 45 events aimed at complete beginners and newer players.

The average limit itself is usually determined by the organiser, allowing flexibility depending on the local player base.

An Under 70 event might suit players who are progressing from pub darts or lower-level leagues and want stronger competition. Under 65 tournaments often sit comfortably between recreational and county-level standards. Under 55 events are ideal for newer players who are still developing consistency and confidence.

The beauty of the system is that players can choose the level that suits them best.

A player averaging 45 can still enter an Under 70 competition if they wish. They'll simply face tougher opposition and perhaps gain valuable experience. Equally, a player averaging 68 may choose to test themselves at open events or Vault competitions.

Another positive development is that the ADC pathway doesn't stop at the Vault Finals. Alongside the main Vault structure, competitions such as Core, Emerging and Rise Up provide additional opportunities for players to progress and earn recognition. Importantly, these events are not restricted by carrying average in the same way as many under-average tournaments, meaning players can continue to challenge themselves as they improve. It creates a ladder of progression where virtually every player entering a local ADC event has something to aim for, regardless of their current standard.

My Personal View

Personally, I've always believed that the goal should be to become too good for your current level.

If you're winning regularly at Under 55 level, perhaps it's time to move into Under 65 events. If you're consistently performing well there, maybe Under 70 or open competitions become the next challenge.

Progression is one of the most satisfying parts of darts.

The under-average system doesn't stop players improving. In fact, it often encourages development by giving players achievable stepping stones rather than expecting them to jump straight into events filled with county stars and former professionals.

The Argument Against

Of course, there are criticisms.

The most common argument is that stronger players now have fewer tournaments available to them. Historically, many local events were open to everyone, allowing the best players to compete wherever they wished.

There is certainly some truth in that.

Top players naturally want regular high-quality competition, and some feel that the increasing number of restricted events reduces their opportunities.

However, it's worth asking an important question.

If the same small group of elite players dominated every local tournament, would we see the participation numbers that exist today?

Many players who now compete weekly may never have entered the sport at all without under-average competitions. The confidence gained from competitive matches against players of similar ability often leads to greater participation, league involvement and long-term commitment to the game.

Finding the Balance

The reality is that grassroots darts needs both.

It needs Vault competitions and open events for ambitious players chasing higher honours.

It also needs Under 70, Under 65, Under 55 and beginner-level events to encourage participation and provide enjoyable competition for the vast majority of players.

The ADC is still relatively young, and not every town or city currently offers the same breadth of opportunities. Some areas have a thriving calendar of events at every level, while others are still developing.

But the direction of travel is clear.

Vaults continue to expand. Under-average events continue to attract strong entries. More players are entering competitive darts than ever before.

As long as organisers continue to provide opportunities for players of all abilities, darts remains a game for everyone.

And that's surely a good thing for the future of the sport.