PDC Order of Merit 2026: Luke Littler Dominates World Rankings After Historic Title Defence

Understanding the PDC Order of Merit System

The PDC Order of Merit, known for sponsorship purposes as the Werner Rankings Ladder, is the world ranking system for professional darts players used by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), which ranks players according to the prize money won in PDC ranking tournaments. This crucial ranking system determines not only bragging rights but also qualification and seeding for major televised tournaments, making it the lifeblood of professional darts careers.

The total prize money won in PDC ranking events over the eligibility period is counted. For PDC Tour Card holders, this eligibility period is either the previous two years or since the player was awarded a tour card, whichever is shorter. This rolling two-year system means players must consistently defend their earnings or risk plummeting down the rankings.

Luke Littler’s Historic Achievement

By reaching the final of the tournament, Littler overtook Humphries on the PDC Order of Merit and became the new world number one, the youngest player to achieve the feat. The 18-year-old sensation has cemented his dominance at the top following his successful title defence at the 2026 World Championship, where Littler beat Gian van Veen 7–1 to win two consecutive PDC World Championship titles.

Littler’s victory increases the gap between himself and Luke Humphries, further securing his position as world number one. His remarkable achievement includes becoming the eighth player to win successive world titles in darts and the fourth in the PDC.

Impact on Premier League Qualification

The Order of Merit plays a vital role in determining Premier League Darts participation, one of the most lucrative events in the sport. The top four from the PDC Order of Merit – following the conclusion of the World Darts Championship – are currently joined by four wildcard picks to complete the line-up for a 16-week regular season.

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries occupy the top two positions in the Order of Merit and are guaranteed to feature in the Premier League again in 2026, as is new world No 3 Gian van Veen, after his run to the World Darts Championship semi-finals, and seven-time winner Michael van Gerwen. The battle for wildcard spots remains fierce among the remaining top players.

Career-Defining Implications

The PDC Order of Merit represents far more than just a ranking system—it’s a career-defining measure of success. After the tournament, the top 64 players in the PDC Order of Merit received a one-year extension on their Tour Card. Falling outside the top 64 means losing professional status and facing the gruelling Q-School qualification process to regain a Tour Card.

With the winner receiving £1,000,000 from a total prize fund of £5,000,000, increased from £500,000 and £2,500,000 respectively at the previous year’s tournament, the financial stakes have never been higher. This record-breaking prize money ensures that movements on the Order of Merit can represent life-changing sums for professional players.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 season progresses, Luke Littler’s position at the summit appears secure, but the dynamic nature of the two-year rolling system means no player can rest on their laurels. The Order of Merit will continue to evolve throughout the year, with major tournaments offering opportunities for players to climb the rankings or defend their positions. For fans and players alike, the PDC Order of Merit remains the definitive measure of success in professional darts.