What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 1

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 1 was the opening event of the 2017 PDC Pro Tour season, featuring 32 professional darts players competing in a single-day tournament. Held on February 18, 2017, it marked the first of over 20 Players Championship events scheduled that year.

Organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the tournament followed a straight knockout format with matches played to the best of 11 legs. The event attracted top-ranked players, including past champions and rising talents, all vying for ranking points and prize money.

• 32-player field: The tournament included the top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit and 16 qualifiers from previous events or regional tours.
• Format: Matches were played in a single-elimination bracket, with each round increasing in leg length, culminating in an 11-leg final.
• Prize fund: The total prize pool was £100,000, with the winner, Dave Chisnall, receiving £20,000.
• Location: The event took place at the Barnsley Metrodome, a well-known venue for PDC events in northern England.
• Television coverage: While not broadcast live, highlights were later aired on Sky Sports, a common practice for early-season Players Championships.

How It Works

The PDC Players Championship series consists of multiple non-televised tournaments throughout the year, designed to give players ranking opportunities and competitive match practice.

• Players Championship: A series of 25 tournaments in 2017, each offering ranking points and prize money. These events are open to PDC Tour Card holders.
• Format: Each event uses a single-elimination bracket. Early rounds are best of 11 legs, with later stages increasing in length.
• Qualification: The top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit are automatically entered, with the rest qualifying via regional tours or rankings.
• Prize money: The winner receives £20,000, with decreasing amounts down to the last 32 players earning £500.
• Ranking points: The winner earns 10,000 Pro Tour ranking points, crucial for seeding in major PDC events like the World Championship.
• Frequency: Events are typically held monthly, often in clusters on consecutive days, especially in the UK and Europe.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Players Championship 1 compared to other PDC events in 2017:

While Players Championship events offer lower prize money than televised majors, they are critical for maintaining ranking positions and securing invitations to televised tournaments. The consistency required across multiple events makes them a true test of a player’s endurance and form.

Why It Matters

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 1 was more than just an early-season win for Dave Chisnall—it had lasting implications for the competitive darts landscape.

• Rankings boost: Chisnall’s victory earned him 10,000 ranking points, helping him climb the PDC Order of Merit early in the season.
• Confidence builder: Winning the first event of the year provided momentum, contributing to Chisnall’s strong 2017 campaign.
• Path to majors: High finishes in Players Championships help players qualify for televised events like the World Matchplay or Grand Prix.
• Competitive depth: The event showcased rising talents and consistent performers, highlighting the depth of talent in the PDC circuit.
• Prize distribution: Even early-round losers earned money, with last-32 players receiving £500, supporting lower-ranked professionals.
• Season structure: As the first of 25 events, it set the tone for a grueling season, testing players’ consistency and resilience.

Ultimately, the 2017 PDC Players Championship 1 served as a vital component of the professional darts calendar, offering both immediate rewards and long-term career benefits for competitors.