Michael van Gerwen Risks Exiting PDC Top Four as Favorites Surge
The quarter-final lineup for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship has been finalized. Eight players will compete for the prestigious title and significant prize money as the tournament progresses.
Prize Money and Rankings at Stake
All eight quarter-finalists have secured £100,000. Reaching the semi-finals offers an additional £200,000, while the runner-up receives £400,000. The winner, however, will take home an unprecedented £1,000,000. This prize could elevate the champion into the top three of the PDC Order of Merit.
Current Quarter-Finalists
- Luke Littler
- Luke Humphries
- Jonny Clayton
- Gian van Veen
- Gary Anderson
- Ryan Searle
- Krzysztof Ratajski
- Justin Hood
Title Contenders and Their Rankings
Luke Littler leads the Order with total earnings of £1,870,500. He is in a secure position but could lose his top spot if he is eliminated in the quarter-finals or semi-finals while Luke Humphries wins the tournament. Humphries currently holds £1,172,000 and can only drop one position, provided one of the lower-ranked players wins the championship.
Michael van Gerwen’s Position at Risk
Michael van Gerwen, the 2014 world champion, sits in third place with £691,250. His position in the top three is facing potential risks for the first time in over a decade. If Jonny Clayton and Gian van Veen win their quarter-finals, van Gerwen could fall to fifth.
Potential Up-and-Comers
If Gary Anderson wins his quarter-final against Justin Hood, he may rise to sixth in the world rankings. Anderson’s reputation for declining Premier League invitations, even if he becomes champion, poses questions for the PDC regarding top placements.
Impact on Other Players
Ryan Searle has climbed to 13th place and can rise further if he defeats Clayton. Krzysztof Ratajski is also on the move, jumping from 37th to 28th, while Justin Hood, starting from 86th, has surged to 50th after impressive performances.
Recent Changes in the Order of Merit
As of December 31, 2025, various players have made notable movements in the PDC Order of Merit:
| Rank | Player | Prize Money (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Littler | 1,870,500 |
| 2 | Luke Humphries | 1,172,000 |
| 3 | Michael van Gerwen | 691,250 |
| 4 | Jonny Clayton | 625,000 |
| 5 | Gian van Veen | 612,500 |
The stakes are high for all competitors as the PDC World Championship approaches its conclusion. With the potential for dramatic shifts in the rankings, each match could significantly impact their futures in the sport.
