What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 18

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 PDC Players Championship 18 was a darts tournament held on September 23, 2017, at the Barnsley Metrodome in England, won by Dave Chisnall with a 6–5 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final.

Key Facts

The tournament took place on September 23, 2017
It was the 18th of 20 Players Championship events in 2017
Dave Chisnall won the title by defeating Michael van Gerwen 6–5
The event was held at the Barnsley Metrodome, Barnsley, England
It featured a 128-player field competing in a single-elimination format

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 18 was the eighteenth installment in a series of non-televised darts tournaments organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) during the 2017 season. Held on September 23, 2017, it formed part of a busy calendar of 20 Players Championship events designed to give top players consistent competitive opportunities outside major televised events.

Played at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, the tournament attracted a full field of 128 professional darts players, including nearly all of the PDC’s top-ranked competitors. The format followed a straight knockout structure, with matches played in sets, culminating in a best-of-11-sets final between two of the world’s best players.

Dave Chisnall claimed his third Players Championship title of 2017 by defeating Michael van Gerwen in a tense 6–5 final.
The event was part of a broader PDC initiative to increase playing opportunities and prize money for ranked professionals.
Each match up to the final was played as a best-of-11 legs contest, while the final was extended to best-of-11 sets.
Prize money for the winner was £10,000, with the runner-up earning £5,000 and semifinalists receiving £2,500 each.
Notable early exits included Peter Wright and James Wade, both losing in the second round despite high world rankings.

How It Works

The Players Championship events are part of the PDC’s ProTour, offering ranking money and competitive matchplay for professionals without the broadcast production of televised tournaments. These events are critical for maintaining form and securing qualification for larger events later in the year.

Format: The tournament used a single-elimination bracket with 128 players. Matches before the final were best-of-11 legs, while the final was best-of-11 sets.
Venue: The Barnsley Metrodome in South Yorkshire has hosted numerous PDC events, providing a consistent and professional environment for players and fans.
Entry: All PDC Tour Card holders were eligible, with no qualifying rounds—players were seeded based on current rankings.
Prize Fund: The total prize pool was £100,000, with the winner receiving £10,000 and decreasing amounts down to the last 64 players.
Ranking Impact: Results contributed to the PDC ProTour Order of Merit, influencing qualification for the Players Championship Finals and other PDC majors.
Scoring System: Standard darts rules applied, with players required to finish on a double in each leg, and sets won by the first to win three legs.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2017 PDC Players Championship 18 with other similar events highlights its role in the broader darts calendar.

Event	Date	Winner	Prize (Winner)	Format
Players Championship 18	September 23, 2017	Dave Chisnall	£10,000	Best-of-11 sets (final)
Players Championship 17	September 16, 2017	Michael van Gerwen	£10,000	Best-of-11 sets (final)
Players Championship 19	September 30, 2017	Michael van Gerwen	£10,000	Best-of-11 sets (final)
UK Open	March 5, 2017	Corey Cadby	£20,000	Knockout, multi-board early rounds
World Grand Prix	October 8, 2017	Michael van Gerwen	£100,000	Double-start format, sets

While Players Championship events offer lower prize money than major televised tournaments, they are vital for consistent performance tracking and ranking progression. Their non-televised nature allows for tighter scheduling and more frequent play, making them a backbone of the PDC season.

Why It Matters

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 18 played a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape of professional darts that year. It provided crucial ranking points and prize money that influenced player standings and qualification for year-end events.

Dave Chisnall’s win solidified his status as a consistent top-tier performer, adding to his growing reputation in 2017.
Michael van Gerwen’s runner-up finish maintained his dominance in ProTour events, having already won multiple Players Championships that year.
The event highlighted the depth of competition, with unseeded players like Ryan Searle reaching the semifinals.
It contributed to the intense race for the Players Championship Finals, where only the top 64 on the ProTour Order of Merit qualified.
Regular events like this help maintain player engagement and fan interest between major televised tournaments.
The Barnsley Metrodome’s continued use demonstrated the PDC’s commitment to accessible, high-quality venues across the UK.

Overall, Players Championship 18 exemplified the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the PDC ProTour, offering both emerging and established players a platform to showcase their skills and earn valuable ranking points.