What Is 2017 PDC Players Championship 21

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 PDC Players Championship 21 was the 21st of 20 darts tournaments in the 2017 PDC Pro Tour, held on October 14, 2017, at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, and won by Michael van Gerwen with a 6–2 victory over Dave Chisnall in the final.

Key Facts

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 21 took place on October 14, 2017
It was held at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England
Michael van Gerwen won the tournament by defeating Dave Chisnall 6–2 in the final
The event was part of the 2017 PDC Pro Tour series, the 21st of 20 scheduled Players Championships
Van Gerwen claimed the £10,000 first prize and earned ranking points toward the PDC Order of Merit

Overview

The 2017 PDC Players Championship 21 was one of the 20 ranked darts events in the PDC Pro Tour calendar, organized by the Professional Darts Corporation. Held on October 14, 2017, the tournament brought together 128 professional players competing in a single-elimination format for ranking points and a top prize of £10,000.

This event was notable for being part of a tightly packed series of Players Championships, contributing to the overall PDC Order of Merit. The competition featured top-tier players, including world number one Michael van Gerwen, who entered as a favorite and ultimately claimed the title.

Location: The tournament was hosted at the Barnsley Metrodome in Barnsley, England, a frequent venue for PDC events due to its central location and large seating capacity.
Winner:Michael van Gerwen secured the title by defeating Dave Chisnall 6–2 in the final, showcasing his dominance in both scoring and finishing.
Format: The event followed a straight knockout system, with matches played in sets of best-of-11 legs until the semi-finals, which were best-of-19 legs.
Prize money: The winner received £10,000, while the runner-up earned £5,000, with decreasing amounts down to the last 64 players.
Significance: As the 21st Players Championship of 2017, it played a key role in shaping the PDC Order of Merit ahead of the World Championship.

How It Works

The PDC Players Championship series is a collection of non-televised ranking events that allow players to accumulate points throughout the year. Each tournament follows a standardized structure to ensure fairness and competitive balance across the Pro Tour.

Entry: All 128 PDC Tour Card holders are eligible to participate, with no qualification rounds required, ensuring top players compete regularly.
Format: Matches are played in a best-of-11 legs format up to the quarter-finals, increasing to best-of-19 in the semi-finals and best-of-11 in the final.
Venue rotation: Events are held across the UK and Europe, with Barnsley being a regular stop due to its darts-friendly facilities and fan base.
Scoring: Players earn ranking points based on how far they progress, with the winner receiving 10,000 points toward the PDC Order of Merit.
Frequency: In 2017, the PDC scheduled 20 Players Championships, typically held on consecutive weekends to maintain player engagement and fan interest.
Prize fund: Each event had a total prize pool of £100,000, with the winner taking home £10,000 and smaller shares distributed down to last-64 finishers.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Players Championship 21 compared to other key PDC events in 2017:

Event	Date	Winner	Prize (1st)	Format
Players Ch. 21	October 14, 2017	Michael van Gerwen	£10,000	Knockout, best-of-11 legs
Players Ch. 20	September 30, 2017	James Wade	£10,000	Knockout, best-of-11 legs
UK Open	March 5, 2017	Rob Cross	£20,000	Random draw, multi-board
World Matchplay	July 30, 2017	Michael van Gerwen	£100,000	Set play, legs per set
World Darts Championship	January 3, 2018	Rob Cross	£500,000	Best-of-sets format

While Players Championship 21 offered a modest prize compared to televised majors, it was crucial for maintaining consistent performance records. Its format and structure mirrored other Pro Tour events, emphasizing consistency over spectacle, and served as vital preparation for larger tournaments.

Why It Matters

Though not televised, Players Championship events like this one are foundational to the professional darts ecosystem, influencing rankings, qualification paths, and player development.

Rankings impact: Results directly affect the PDC Order of Merit, influencing seedings and qualification for televised majors like the World Championship.
Player development: Emerging players use these events to gain experience against elite competition in a high-pressure, low-visibility setting.
Consistency reward: Success across multiple Players Championships demonstrates season-long form, a key factor in sponsorships and tournament invitations.
Path to majors: Strong finishes help players qualify for events like the Players Championship Finals, held later in the year with a £100,000 prize.
Global reach: While held in the UK, these events attract international players, promoting the global growth of darts.
Financial stability: Regular prize money helps lower-ranked players sustain professional careers without relying solely on major tournament wins.

Ultimately, the 2017 PDC Players Championship 21 was more than just another tournament—it was a critical component in the competitive and financial structure of professional darts, reinforcing the importance of consistency, resilience, and performance under pressure.