What Is 2018 PDC Players Championship 1

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 PDC Players Championship 1 was a darts tournament held on February 24, 2018, at the Barnsley Metrodome in England. Daryl Gurney won the title by defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode 6–5 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 1 took place on February 24, 2018
It was held at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England
Daryl Gurney won the tournament, claiming his first Players Championship title of 2018
Gurney defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode 6–5 in a closely contested final
The event was part of the 2018 PDC Pro Tour, featuring 128 players

Overview

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 1 was the opening tournament of the 2018 PDC Pro Tour season, marking the start of a year-long series of darts events. Held on February 24, 2018, it brought together 128 professional players competing for ranking points and a £10,000 top prize.

This event was significant as it set the tone for the competitive season, featuring top-ranked players and emerging talents. The format followed a straight knockout system, with matches played in a best-of-11 legs format up to the final, which was extended to best-of-11 sets.

Event date: The tournament was held on a single day, February 24, 2018, making it a fast-paced, high-intensity competition.
Venue: It took place at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, a frequent host of PDC events due to its central location and capacity.
Winner:Daryl Gurney from Northern Ireland claimed his first Players Championship title of the year, defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode in a tense final.
Final score: The final match ended 6–5 in sets, highlighting the narrow margin between victory and defeat at the highest level.
Prize fund: The total prize pool was £100,000, with the winner receiving £10,000 and other payouts distributed down to the last 64 players.

How It Works

The Players Championship events are part of the PDC Pro Tour, designed to give players consistent opportunities to earn ranking money and qualify for televised majors. Each event follows a standardized structure to ensure fairness and competitive balance.

Format: The tournament used a single-elimination bracket with 128 players; early rounds were best-of-11 legs, while the final was best-of-11 sets.
Entry: Participants included PDC Tour Card holders, with some spots allocated to qualifiers from regional events and international players.
Scoring: Matches before the final were played in a legs format, requiring players to win six legs to advance, while the final required six sets.
Ranking points: Winners earned 10,000 PDC Order of Merit points, crucial for seeding in future tournaments and World Championship qualification.
Live coverage: While not televised live, the event was streamed online via PDC.tv, with updates provided through official channels.
Frequency: The 2018 season featured 20 Players Championship events, with PC1 being the first in the series held throughout the year.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Players Championship 1 compared to other major PDC events in 2018:

Event	Date	Winner	Format	Prize (1st)
Players Championship 1	Feb 24, 2018	Daryl Gurney	Best-of-11 legs (final: best-of-11 sets)	£10,000
UK Open	Mar 2–4, 2018	Daryn Lloyd	Random draw, legs-based	£20,000
World Matchplay	July 2018	Rob Cross	Best-of-X sets	£100,000
World Grand Prix	Oct 2018	Michael van Gerwen	Double-in, double-out	£100,000
Players Championship 20	Oct 21, 2018	James Wade	Same as PC1	£10,000

While Players Championship events offer lower prize money compared to majors like the World Matchplay, they are vital for maintaining ranking position and gaining match experience. The consistent format across the 20 events allows players to refine their performance throughout the season.

Why It Matters

The 2018 PDC Players Championship 1 was more than just an opening tournament—it played a critical role in shaping the competitive landscape for the year. Its results influenced player rankings, confidence, and momentum heading into subsequent events.

Ranking impact: Daryl Gurney’s win boosted his standing in the PDC Order of Merit, helping him secure better seeding in future events.
Emerging talent: Players like Dirk van Duijvenbode gained visibility, showcasing their potential on a professional stage.
Consistency metric: The event allowed players to test their form early in the season under pressure conditions.
Pathway to majors: Strong performances in Players Championships help players qualify for televised tournaments like the UK Open and World Championship.
Global participation: The field included international players from Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands, emphasizing the PDC’s global reach.
Development platform: Young and lower-ranked players use these events to gain experience against elite competition, accelerating their growth.

Ultimately, the 2018 PDC Players Championship 1 was a foundational event in the darts calendar, combining high stakes with broad accessibility, and reinforcing the depth and competitiveness of professional darts.