Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Michael Smith will battle it out in the PDC Players Championship 21 in Wigan this weekend. The tournament, part of the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) prestigious schedule, will feature live action on smart TVs and streaming platforms, with a full scoreboard and ticker available online. Here’s everything you need to know to follow the event, including how to stream, key players, and the schedule.
The PDC Players Championship 21 is the 21st edition of the annual tournament, held at the Wigan Leisure Centre in Wigan, England. With a prize fund of £110,000, the event attracts top-tier players vying for ranking points and a share of the purse. The tournament runs from Friday, October 20, to Sunday, October 22, 2023, with live coverage available through official PDC partners.
For fans unable to attend in person, multiple streaming options—including smart TV apps, online platforms, and mobile devices—will provide real-time access. The PDC’s official broadcast partners, such as Darts.TV and BritBox, will carry live matches, while the PDC’s official website will host a live ticker and scoreboard updates.
How to Watch PDC Players Championship 21 Live on Smart TV & Stream
The PDC Players Championship 21 will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, ensuring fans worldwide can follow the action. Here’s where to watch:
- Darts.TV: The PDC’s official streaming service, Darts.TV, will provide live coverage of select matches, including quarter-finals and the semi-finals. Subscribers can access the stream via smart TV apps (available on Samsung TV, Sony Bravia, and Fire TV), mobile devices, and web browsers.
- BritBox: In the UK, BritBox will broadcast live matches, including the final. The service is available on smart TVs, including Apple TV, Roku, and Xbox.
- PDC’s Official Website & App: The PDC’s official website and mobile app will feature a live ticker, scoreboard, and match-by-match updates. Fans can also follow along via social media channels, including @PDC on X and @PDC on Instagram.
For those in the US, Darts.TV’s US region offers live streams of key matches, though availability may vary by provider. Fans should check their local streaming services for additional options.
Key Players to Watch in the PDC Players Championship 21
The PDC Players Championship 21 features a star-studded lineup, with several world champions and top-ranked players competing for glory. Here are the standout names:
- Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands): The six-time PDC World Champion and current No. 1 in the rankings, Van Gerwen is a fan favorite and a perennial threat in any tournament. His precision and clutch performances make him a must-watch.
- Gerwyn Price (Wales): Another former world champion, Price is known for his aggressive style and consistency. His rivalry with Van Gerwen adds extra excitement to the event.
- Michael Smith (England): The reigning PDC World Champion, Smith has been in dominant form this year. His ability to close out matches under pressure could see him add another trophy to his collection.
- Nathan Aspinall (England): The 2023 World Grand Prix winner, Aspinall brings a mix of power and precision to the tournament, often delivering standout performances in major events.
- Luke Humphries (England): A consistent performer, Humphries has been climbing the rankings and could be a dark horse in Wigan.
Other notable players include Rob Cross, Peter Wright, and Gary Anderson, all of whom have recent success in PDC events.
PDC Players Championship 21 Schedule & Format
The tournament follows a standard PDC format, with matches played in a best-of-sets structure. Here’s the schedule:
| Day | Time (GMT) | Round |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 20 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | First Round (Single-elimination) |
| Saturday, October 21 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Quarter-finals (Best-of-5 sets) |
| Sunday, October 22 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Semi-finals (Best-of-5 sets) & Final (Best-of-7 sets) |
All matches will be played in the Wigan Leisure Centre’s main arena, with a capacity audience expected. The final will determine the champion and a £20,000 prize for the winner.
Why the PDC Players Championship 21 Matters
The PDC Players Championship is a key event in the darts calendar, offering ranking points and a substantial prize fund. Unlike the World Championship, which is held annually in December, this tournament provides an early-season opportunity for players to test their form and secure valuable ranking points ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship.
For fans, the event delivers high-stakes action, with matches often decided by dramatic finishes. The presence of top players like Van Gerwen, Price, and Smith ensures competitive play throughout the tournament. Additionally, the PDC continues to expand its global reach, with streaming options making it easier than ever for international audiences to follow along.
With the PDC’s growing popularity, tournaments like the Players Championship help solidify darts as a mainstream sport. The combination of live TV broadcasts, online streaming, and social media coverage ensures that fans worldwide can engage with the action in real time.
Where to Follow Live Updates & Scoreboard
For those unable to watch live, the PDC provides multiple ways to stay updated:
- Live Ticker: The PDC’s live ticker offers real-time updates on scores, players, and match progress.
- Social Media: Follow @PDC on X and @PDC on Instagram for highlights, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Mobile App: The PDC mobile app provides live scores, player stats, and notifications for match start times.
Fans can also check DartsAction for additional coverage, including player interviews and post-match analysis.
Next Steps: What’s Next in the PDC Calendar?
Following the PDC Players Championship 21, the next major event on the calendar is the World Matchplay, scheduled for November 2023 in Blackpool, England. The tournament will feature another round of high-stakes darts action, with top players competing for a £100,000 prize fund.
For now, fans are encouraged to tune in to the Players Championship 21 via their preferred streaming platform. Whether you’re a die-hard darts enthusiast or a casual viewer, the tournament promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below—who do you think will win the PDC Players Championship 21?