Darts Weekly: World Series offering plenty of Premier League clues

Darts Now's Connor Cain pens the first edition of his brand new column, Darts Weekly, which you can read every Monday here at OddsNow.com!

In this first edition, our man examines how an unpredictable 2025 World Series may be hinting towards a new-look Premier League line-up in 2026.

PDC giving Premier League hopefuls chane to shine

The PDC once again headed Down Under at the weekend with their worldwide tour of elite arrowsmiths, as Luke Littler claimed the title in Wollongong.

The line-up for the Australian event saw both Mike De Decker and Josh Rock make their World Series debuts, with both also set to feature once again in New Zealand later this week.

Whilst the professional game's head honchos have often been criticised by fans for largely sticking with the same old faces in these kind of events, withdrawals by the game’s top dogs have opened doors for others.

In New York, Damon Heta was picked as a PDC representative and James Wade also revealed he was offered the chance to compete in Australasia – though he declined as a trip to Disneyland with his family was already planned.

Though there’s an enormous number of darts to be throw between now and next year’s Premier League roadshow, the makeshift roster for the World Series events gives valuable insight into the PDC’s current considerations for their 2026 line-up

De Decker did not hold back his criticism after being overlooked for the elite tournament, despite lifting the World Grand Prix in October 2024, while compatriot Dimitri Van den Bergh was also omitted despite winning the UK Open.

It was once seen as major tournaments effectively being a 'win and your in' type situation for the Premier League – but recent decisions seem to have changed the playing field in that sense.

The ever-popular Damon Heta had made huge strides up the rankings last year but was also overlooked in 2025.

The PDC instead opted for familiar faces, calling up Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall despite less than stellar seasons, as well as a returning Chris Dobey.

Though their contentious decisions were justified with both Price and the Asp reaching the O2, those at the top table will also be well aware of calls to shake-up the tournament – often accused of being ‘stale’ in its latter stages.

Wade on track for recall despite his doubts

Wade has made no secret of his desire to return to one of the sport’s most lucrative events, though staggeringly confessed he believes the PDC do not want him there – suggesting they would even change the rules if he got into the world’s top four.

Despite the veteran's reservations, I'm afraid this notion is incorrect.

The 2009 champion featured as recently as three years ago and his invitation to the World Series events this month prove his bosses do value his standing and star power within the game, not to mention his abundance of quality.

That quality has catapulted him back up to number five in the world rankings via two major finals this year, losing both to Littler.

The Aldershot ace may believe you and me have got more chance of touring Europe with the game’s superstars but, barring a disastrous end to the year, I expect Wade to find himself back where he wants to be come next February.

Hot streak can push Heta into the frame

Heta is a more difficult case to judge.

The PDC are high on him, proven by his World Series selection in Australia, New Zealand and New York.

His infectious personality and over-the-top walk-ons are a perfect match for the Premier League, and it feels the world number 10 is on the cusp of getting the call.

He must, however, remove any reason of doubt from the minds of the bigwigs by having a stellar end to the year.

‘The Heat’ kicked off the year with a quarter-final in the Winmau World Masters but failed to make an impact in either the UK Open or World Matchplay.

Whether a potential call-up is on his mind is a question only he can answer, but if the real Damon Heta takes to the big stage at the business end of the year then expect to see 16 weeks of him next year.

De Decker has work to do despite Australia final

And now we revisit Mike De Decker who is the only Sky Sports major winner to ever be excluded from the tournament.

His absence promoted ire from himself and his supporters, and he refused the offer of appeasements earlier this year with strong words by turning down an invite to the Dutch Darts Masters.

Tensions appeared to have simmered since then with his trip to Australia, but he may end up disappointed yet again if he’s set his eyes on the Premier League spot he felt he deserved last year.

The Real Deal’s television form – despite his run to the final on his World Series debut - has been poor since that epic win last autumn, and this piece has already outlined the esteemed competition he’s facing.

Big changes feel likely

Though the PDC was reluctant to deviate from a tried and tested formula last year, I’m going to put my neck on the line now and say we will see numerous changes next year to the Premier League.

James Wade’s inclusion looks likely barring disaster in my opinion, and Damon Heta has his fate in his own hands.

And whilst De Decker’s chance may be fading quick, there’s also certain Ferret ready to pounce.

Jonny Clayton has already reached three major semi-finals this year – four including the World Cup.

The 2021 winner is showing form not seen since his legendary campaign of four years ago and if the PDC do ring the changes next year, he will likely be top – and of course he’s featured on the World Series this year too.

His biggest competitor of those not yet mentioned may be newly crowned World Cup champion Josh Rock.

Rocky’s World Cup win alongside Northern Ireland teammate Daryl Gurney was his first TV trophy in the PDC.

The 24-year-old also banished his Matchplay demons by reaching the semi-finals and climbing to a career-high world number 11.

When I spoke to Rock after his opener in Australia, he admitted that he doesn’t think he’s earned his spot in next year’s tournament yet...but perhaps that’s a bit of modesty from the young man.

Whichever eight are picked in roughly five months’ time, it’s shaping up to be another real selection headache for the PDC – and big change feels increasingly inevitable.