The PDC Order of Merit is a simple rankings system to understand. While it doesn’t have a direct impact on darts betting, darts prize money earnings can swing odds ahead of major tournaments.
While it isn’t an exact science that the darts Order of Merit will translate to success, it does show the most successful players in terms of winnings.
At the time of writing, Gerwyn Price is the world number one after winning the 2021 PDC World Championship. The Welshman secured a 7-3 victory over Gary Anderson in the final at the Alexandra Palace on January 3rd 2021.
PDC Order Of Merit:
The PDC World Championship is the pinnacle of the sport, with a hefty prize money figure available to the winning player. In 2021, Gerwyn Price claimed the £500,000 top prize for winning his first World Championship title.
Without further ado, it is time to take a closer look at the PDC Order of Merit and how it works. Who will top the darts prize money rankings in 2022?
PDC Order Of Merit History
The PDC Order of Merit was established in 2007 as a way of replacing the former points system for ranking tournaments.
Nowadays, the PDC Order of Merit is made up of prize money won at PDC events in the previous two years, with darts prize money lost on the two-year anniversary of a tournament.
It has been a roaring success since the darts hierarchy opted to change the format of the PDC Order of Merit and it is much easier for darts fans to follow and understand.
PDC Order Of Merit Rankings
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Gerwyn Price - £1,296,750
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Peter Wright - £1,093,000
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Michael van Gerwen - £921,000
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James Wade - £457,500
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Dimitri Van den Bergh - £448,750
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Gary Anderson - £424,000
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Jose de Sousa - £387,500
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Jonny Clayton - £355,000
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Nathan Aspinall - £347,500
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Michael Smith - £337,750
*Figures accurate as of 1st November 2021*
Highest Earning Darts Player
Phil Taylor is the biggest earner when it comes to darts prize money, with the 16-time world champion winning over £7.1 million throughout his illustrious career.
According to financial figures, Phil Taylor net worth is estimated at £8 million. Taylor has one of the best darts walk on songs and he has made a comfortable living from the sport.
The 2021 PDC Order of Merit shows Gerwyn Price as the top earning darts player this year, with the Welshman making close to £1.4 million in prize money.
Price is some way clear of his rivals and the world number one will fancy his chances of retaining the world title next year.
Latest estimates put Michael van Gerwen net worth at around £5.3 million. The Dutchman is on track to eclipse Taylor’s worth but that isn’t exactly surprising as darts prize money is on the rise.
PDC ProTour Order Of Merit
The ProTour Order Of Merit includes darts prize money won at Players Championship and European Tour events over a 12-month period.
This means there are a number of obvious differences between the two Order Of Merit rankings, with the ProTour standings giving players a way to qualify for major televised darts tournaments.
As of November 2020, Gerwyn Price heads the ProTour Order Of Merit with £96,750 – with Michael van Gerwen languishing down in third position.
In addition, there is also a Players Championship Order Of Merit and a European Tour Order Of Merit but most darts followers revert only to the PDC and ProTour rankings.
PDC Order Of Merit Ranking Events
Not every major darts tournament is classed as a ranking event – only the biggest and most prestigious competitions are included on this list.
The PDC ranking tournaments with payouts are as follows:
- World Championship – £2.5 million
- UK Open – £450,000
- World Matchplay – £700,000
- World Grand Prix – £450,000
- European Championship – £500,000
- Grand Slam Of Darts - £550,000
- Players Championship Finals – £500,000
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alastair Grant / AP Photo*
