What Is 2019 PDC Players Championship 2

Overview

The 2019 PDC Players Championship 2 was the second event in the PDC's 20-tournament Players Championship series that year. Held on February 23, 2019, it featured a full field of 128 professional darts players competing in a single-elimination format for ranking money and ranking points.

This tournament was part of the PDC Pro Tour, contributing to the Order of Merit and the qualification pathways for major televised events. It was hosted at the Barnsley Metrodome, a frequent venue for PDC events due to its central location and fan-friendly atmosphere.

• James Wade claimed the title by defeating Stephen Bunting 6–4 in a tightly contested final that lasted over 40 minutes.
• The event was the second of 20 Players Championship tournaments held in 2019, each offering £100,000 in prize money.
• 128 players participated, including top-ranked professionals and qualifiers from the Challenge Tour and Development Tour.
• The winner earned £25,000 in prize money, while runner-up Stephen Bunting received £10,000.
• Matches were played in a best-of-11 legs format until the semi-finals, with the final being best-of-11 legs as well.

How It Works

The PDC Players Championship events are non-televised, ranking tournaments that form a core part of the PDC Pro Tour calendar. They are open to all Tour Card holders and serve as critical opportunities for players to earn ranking money and improve their standings.

• Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket with all matches up to the final played as best-of-11 legs; the final is also best-of-11.
• Qualification: All 128 PDC Tour Card holders are eligible, with no additional qualifiers needed for Players Championship events.
• Venue Rotation: Events rotate across the UK and Europe; Barnsley Metrodome hosted this second edition in 2019.
• Prize Fund: Each Players Championship offers a total of £100,000, with £25,000 going to the winner.
• Order of Merit Impact: Earnings from this event count toward the PDC Order of Merit, influencing qualification for the World Championship and other majors.
• Scoring System: Matches are played with standard darts rules: players throw three darts per turn, aiming to reduce a starting score of 501 to zero, finishing on a double.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Players Championship 2 compared to other key PDC events in structure and scale:

While the Players Championship events offer lower prize money than televised majors, they are crucial for consistent performers. The frequent scheduling allows players to accumulate ranking points throughout the year, unlike one-off tournaments such as the World Championship.

Why It Matters

The 2019 PDC Players Championship 2 played a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape of professional darts that year. James Wade’s victory not only boosted his confidence but also improved his standing in the PDC Order of Merit, influencing qualification for future events.

• James Wade’s win marked his first Players Championship title of 2019, reinforcing his status as a top-tier contender.
• The event provided critical ranking points for players aiming to qualify for the 2019 World Matchplay and Grand Slam of Darts.
• Stephen Bunting’s runner-up finish earned him £10,000 and valuable momentum heading into the summer season.
• Young players like Josh Rock and Bradley Brooks gained experience competing against elite professionals.
• Consistent performances in these events help players retain their Tour Cards for the following year.
• The tournament demonstrated the depth of talent in the PDC, with players from 15+ countries participating.

Ultimately, the 2019 PDC Players Championship 2 was more than just a single-day event—it was a pivotal moment in the annual darts calendar, influencing rankings, confidence, and future opportunities for dozens of professionals.