Entries for the Players Championships 21 and 22 have now been confirmed ahead of the double-header scheduled for next week in Wigan. Both tournaments will be held at the Robin Park Leisure Centre on 16 and 17 June 2026, with £15,000 on offer to the winner of each event and a field of 128 players per day.
Key takeaways
The Players Championships 21 and 22 will take place in Wigan on 16 and 17 June.
Each tournament features 128 players, comprising PDC Tour Card holders and PDPA associate members.
The winner of each event will receive £15,000.
Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen and Wessel Nijman are among the big names to watch.
Play will begin at 13:00 BST each day.
Four boards will be broadcast per event on PDCTV and at selected bookmakers, with German commentary on board 1.
This double-header comes at a crucial stage of the 2026 PDC ProTour season. At this point in the year, every match counts for players looking to consolidate their position in the rankings, maintain positive momentum or get closer to major televised events. The confirmation of the entrants therefore provides a clear initial indication of the standard expected in Wigan.
A packed double-header at the Robin Park Leisure Centre
The Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan will host two more rounds of the Players Championship, following the same basic format as the other ProTour events: a massive draw, lots of matches in a short space of time, and very little room for error. For the players, the back-to-back days can quickly become decisive. A good run on Tuesday can build momentum, whilst an early exit can put immediate pressure on the following day’s tournament.
The Players Championship format remains one of the most demanding on the circuit. Players must win several matches in a single day, often with little rest, in an environment where the differences in ability are minimal. This is precisely what makes the entry list interesting: it not only tells us who will be there, but also allows us to anticipate the current balance of power.
| Events | Players Championships 21 and 22 |
| Dates | 16 and 17 June 2026 |
| Venue | Robin Park Leisure Centre, Wigan |
| Field | 128 players per tournament |
| Winner’s prize | £15,000 per event |
| Start time | 13:00 BST each day |
| Broadcast | Four boards on PDCTV and partner bookmakers |
Humphries, Van Veen and Van Gerwen among the big names
The presence of Luke Humphries immediately adds weight to the line-up. A key figure on the tour in recent seasons, Humphries remains one of the most eagerly anticipated players whenever he appears in a ProTour draw. In this type of competition, his consistency on averages, his ability to step up in the closing stages of matches and his experience of long days can make a major difference.
Gian van Veen is also one to watch. The Dutchman has established himself as one of the most dangerous players on the circuit, thanks in particular to a high scoring rate and a confidence that can quickly turn a draw on its head. Facing a field of 128 players, his profile is particularly interesting: he can outpace many opponents if he gets through his first round successfully.
Another major presence: Michael van Gerwen. Even when the season is packed, every appearance by Van Gerwen on the ProTour attracts attention. His experience, his pace of play and his ability to step up a gear on crucial legs still make him one of the circuit’s leading lights. In a double-header, his performance over two days will also provide a useful indication of his current form.
Illustration for Players Championships 21 and 22 in WiganWessel Nijman, the 2026 form to watch closely
Among the most closely watched players, Wessel Nijman occupies a special place. Already a winner of five Players Championship titles in 2026, he arrives in Wigan with a status different from that of a mere outsider. His performance on the ProTour this season makes him one of the most telling indicators of the moment: if he can confirm his form at Players Championships 21 and 22, he will reinforce the idea that he is one of the leading figures of the year in floor events.
The tournaments in Wigan may also influence perceptions of momentum. On the ProTour, titles are sometimes won away from the television spotlight, but they build very tangible confidence. For Nijman, continuing to string together results would have immediate sporting value: it would keep the pressure on the other regular players on the circuit and confirm his ability to repeat performances across multiple events.
Why these entries matter now
The confirmation of entries is not merely an administrative formality. It sets the stage for a double-header where several riders can shift their momentum over two days. For the top players, Wigan represents an opportunity to stake their claim. For players seeking points and prize money, it is a direct opportunity to climb the rankings that shape the PDC season.
Each tournament will offer £15,000 to the winner, but the stakes go beyond the final cheque alone. The Players Championships set the pace of the circuit, influence qualification positions and often provide an indication of form ahead of major events. A semi-final, a final or a title can revive a run-of-the-mill spell. Conversely, two early exits can weigh heavily on an already fragile run.
With 128 players per event, the level of uncertainty remains high. PDC Tour Card holders will be joined by PDPA associate members, ensuring a packed and wide-open draw. The early rounds will therefore be crucial: the favourites will need to get into their stride quickly, avoid pitfalls and manage the physical and mental demands of two consecutive days.
How to follow Players Championships 21 and 22
Play will begin at 13:00 BST on Tuesday 16 June and continue on Wednesday 17 June. As is often the case on the ProTour, not all matches will be available to watch live, but coverage of four boards per event will be provided on PDCTV and via partner bookmakers. Board 1 will also feature commentary in German.
For fans, this coverage will allow them to follow the top names in the draw, but also to spot players in form as the day progresses. The Players Championships are often the scene of standout performances before they translate to the big stages. This is what makes this double-header in Wigan particularly worth following: it can reveal as much as it confirms.
With just a few days to go before the start, the announced line-up is already setting the tone. Between the established names, the players on the rise and Nijman’s impressive form in 2026, Players Championships 21 and 22 look set to be two crucial days for gauging the rest of the ProTour season.
