What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 20

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 20 was the twentieth event in the Professional Darts Corporation's Players Championship series that year. Held on September 23, 2017, it brought together 128 professional darts players competing in a single-elimination format for ranking points and prize money.

Hosted at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, the tournament featured top-tier players including Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, and Dave Chisnall. The event was part of a broader calendar designed to give players consistent competitive opportunities throughout the year.

• 128 players participated in the tournament, all competing in a knockout format to reach the final.
• The event took place on September 23, 2017, marking the 20th stop in the 2017 Players Championship series.
• Michael van Gerwen won the tournament, defeating Dave Chisnall 6–2 in the final.
• Prize money for the winner was £10,000, with decreasing amounts awarded down to the last 64 players.
• The tournament was organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and contributed to the PDC Order of Merit rankings.

How It Works

The Players Championship events are standardized darts tournaments run by the PDC throughout the year, featuring consistent rules and formats to ensure fairness and competitive balance.

• Format: The tournament used a single-elimination bracket with best-of-11 legs matches until the semi-finals, which were best-of-19 legs.
• Participants:128 players qualified based on PDC rankings and previous performances, including tour card holders and invited players.
• Venue rotation: Events like this are held at various UK locations; Barnsley hosted this edition at the Barnsley Metrodome.
• Scoring: Matches are played in legs, with players needing to win a set number of legs to advance; each leg ends with a double finish.
• Ranking impact: Results contribute to the PDC Order of Merit, influencing qualification for major televised events like the World Championship.
• Prize distribution: The winner earned £10,000, with £6,000 for second place, £3,000 for semi-finalists, and smaller amounts down to last 64.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how Players Championship 20 compared to other similar events in the 2017 PDC calendar:

While the Players Championship events offer lower prize money than televised majors, they are crucial for maintaining ranking position and match sharpness. The consistency in format across these events allows players to adapt quickly between tournaments.

Why It Matters

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 20 was more than just another tournament—it played a key role in shaping the season’s competitive landscape and player momentum.

• Michael van Gerwen solidified his dominance by winning, extending his lead in the PDC Order of Merit rankings.
• The victory added £10,000 to his seasonal earnings, contributing to his status as the year’s top earner.
• For Dave Chisnall, reaching the final boosted his confidence ahead of the upcoming World Championship qualifiers.
• Players Championship events provide ranking points essential for qualifying for elite tournaments like the Players Championship Finals.
• The Barnsley event drew a full house crowd, demonstrating the growing popularity of darts across the UK.
• Consistent scheduling of 20+ Players Championships per year ensures players remain competitive and visible to fans and sponsors.

Ultimately, the 2017 PDC Players Championship 20 exemplified the depth and professionalism of modern darts, serving as both a competitive milestone and a platform for player development.