Former world champion Mark Webster has thrown his support behind the PDC's sweeping changes for 2027, telling Online Darts that the expanded calendar and growing prize money can only be a good thing for the sport. The PDC will expand several major tournaments, continue to raise prize money, and add a brand-new major tournament to the schedule. Webster, now a respected analyst, is enthusiastic about the developments, though he acknowledges the schedule is becoming increasingly busy for players.
One of the most significant changes is the expansion of the Players Championship Finals from 64 to 128 players. "I can't dislike that, to be fair. Yeah, I think it's quite logical. I think we've been there many times, the facilities are there. It's an easy thing," Webster said. He noted the expanded event will resemble the UK Open, though an important difference remains: "It does make it a little bit similar to the UK Open, but it isn't open draw. So look, I like that." Webster stressed that qualification will still be determined by the Players Championship rankings, not automatic for all 128 Tour Card holders. "Everybody's saying this has been made for Luke Littler to go in. Luke Littler's still got to play. He's still got to play some events." He added: "Obviously they're going to have to play a little bit less now. You don't need as much to get in, but not like it. It'll be good down there. It's a good atmosphere down there. It'll have that sort of feel. More players get an opportunity, but it can only be a good thing."
The European Championship will also undergo a major revamp, expanding from 32 to 48 players, being played across a full week, and seeing its total prize fund rise to £1 million. "Obviously the European Tour has been thriving. I think there's an additional one in France. It's lengthening in that sense. It's lengthening the tournament. It can only be a good thing," Webster said. He believes 48 is the logical number: "I think 48 logically makes sense because that's what the Tour is. It's a 48-person tournament. I'd heard rumours it was happening. I'm glad it's happening." The changes, he says, will elevate the event's stature: "It's a major anyway, but it's got those added days. It feels like a bigger major now. Like you said, the additional prize money, big for the players, should make them dedicate themselves to European Tour as well."
Alongside these expansions, the PDC will introduce the European Open in 2027, a new ranking event to be held in Salzburg following a format similar to the UK Open. The tournament will create opportunities for amateur players from continental Europe to compete against professionals. "Yeah, I think it'd be good for the players. I think we are cramming that calendar now," Webster said, while seeing advantages for those who often miss out on majors: "Again, this is more looking at players who miss out on stuff. They're going to definitely play if you've got a Tour Card. Then the qualifiers you have in the UK, they're going to be European-based qualifiers. I like it. I do like that sort of open format. It'll be interesting to see how that goes."
The huge rise in prize money was also on the agenda. Webster was told players could need to earn around £120,000 over the relevant ranking period to retain their Tour Card in the future. "I really didn't know. I think it's brilliant, isn't it? You could be earning £110,000, £100,000. There's not enough. That's a great living nowadays, but it's not enough to keep you on Tour," he said. "But look, it's competitive. It's challenging. It's a great living for the players now. It can still be challenging at the bottom, but huge opportunities, win a game and you're kind of on the way then." He reflected on Barry Hearn's ambitions: "So look, that is a remarkable start. I mean, Barry said he'd always get there and you didn't sort of believe it, but we are there and it's good to see." With a hint of regret, Webster admitted: "I think I'm a little bit bitter in the sense I'm not about playing anymore. I could still try and play, but look, I'm nowhere near good enough. But look, it's competitive and we'll see more stars come through for sure."
The World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace will also have a different look, moving into a larger hall accommodating approximately 2,000 additional spectators per session. "It's incredible, isn't it? It's so popular, isn't it? It's ridiculous," Webster said. "I mean, I live four hours away from Liverpool, London for the world, and I get people asking me for tickets up there. People just want to be a part of this event." He added: "It's huge, isn't it? It's the best part of December and early January. OK, there's loads of big football games on, but forget them. It's all about the Ally Pally." On ticket demand, he said: "And then going into the big room, it's sold out in no time. I can't wait to see what it's like." Webster also expects changes to television coverage with a new studio: "I think we've got a new sort of studio where we're going to be, which is open plan, which will take in the atmosphere. It's going to be refreshing. It's going to be really good." And the extra fans will only help: "The atmosphere there is brilliant anyway, but those additional 2,000 fans are going to add to that."
Turning to the remaining majors, Webster expects plenty from Luke Littler, who will not compete in the Players Championship Finals. "I do really think if Luke Littler gets back into form by the Grand Slam, as long as he doesn't go out with a group, that's hard to stop him," he said, noting Littler's comfort over longer formats: "It's, I think it's 10 legs for one round, then 16. It's a real job to beat him, isn't it? And generally you'd think he's comfortable in that format." With Littler absent from Minehead, Webster sees an open field: "There'll be a lot of eyes on Luke Littler, but then when he's not in these events, Minehead, he's not going to be in, it's all open. The draw's all over the place anyway, because it's not on the world ranking, it's on the Players Championship Finals. So it'll just be a brilliant event to end the season before we go into the Worlds."
Webster was also asked about Littler's decision to enter the World Youth Championship despite not attempting to qualify for the Players Championship Finals. "Yeah, do you know what? This is my opinion, I think his confidence is just a little bit dented at the minute. And I think he just wants to go and play and see if he can get himself through, play with his mates," he said. "And I'm not sure, he may not still play that event, but look, he's entered it, hasn't he? See what he wants. But yeah, I was thinking, he's got to go to Minehead anyway, but if he goes there and he gets something from it, it's his prerogative." On the backlash over Littler's entry, Webster was clear: "It's caused a bit of a backlash, hasn't it? Why is he allowed to enter? But they're the rules, he's done nothing wrong." With several majors expanded, a new one added and the World Championship growing, Webster expects a busy year: "There'll be plenty for me to do next year now. So yeah, I look forward to that. And yeah, I'm looking forward to the sort of extended European Championship and that European Open. So it'll be a busy calendar for me as well."
