QUICK ANSWER
The PDC World Series of Darts is a collection of invitation-based tournaments held around the globe — in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and more. The top ranked players are invited based on PDC rankings, with local wildcards for each host nation. Prize money counts toward the Order of Merit.
What Is the PDC World Series?
The PDC World Series of Darts is the sport’s global showcase — a series of events designed to grow darts beyond its traditional strongholds in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Events are staged in cities that wouldn’t normally host professional darts, bringing the sport’s biggest names to new audiences on four continents.
Unlike Pro Tour events (open draws) or European Tour events (ranking-based qualification), World Series events are invitation-only. A field of typically 16 elite players is drawn from the PDC player rankings plus host nation wildcards — invitations go to the top 16 on the Order of Merit at the time of each event.
World Series Events Around the Globe
| Event | Location | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| US Darts Masters | Las Vegas, Nevada | Opening event; glamour venue, unique backdrop |
| Brisbane Darts Masters | Brisbane, Australia | Strong local darts culture; passionate crowds |
| New Zealand Darts Masters | Auckland, NZ | Rotating host city; devoted following |
| Nordic Darts Masters | Scandinavia | Growing market; home of emerging world-class players |
| Japan Darts Masters | Tokyo, Japan | Massive soft-tip darts culture; iconic arena setting |
| World Series Finals | Amsterdam | Season-ending event with elevated prize fund |
Does World Series Prize Money Count for Rankings?
Yes — Full Order of Merit Credit
All World Series prize money counts toward a player’s PDC Order of Merit tally. Win the US Darts Masters and that money sits on your rolling two-year tally just like a Players Championship or European Tour result. For top-16 invitees, the World Series represents a significant chunk of annual ranking income — typically £150,000–£200,000 across a full season.
Wildcard Eligibility Varies
Host nation wildcards who are not full PDC Tour Card holders may not receive full Order of Merit credit for their prize money. The rules vary depending on whether the wildcard holds PDC membership. Check PDC communications before each event for current wildcard ranking eligibility — it changes year to year.
Why the World Series Matters to the PDC
For the PDC, the World Series is a commercial and strategic expansion play. Darts has near-saturated the UK market — almost everyone who’s going to watch darts in Britain is already watching. The growth potential is in Japan (where soft-tip darts is a national pastime), North America, and Asia-Pacific.
For players, the World Series is a welcome change of scenery and valuable ranking money. A player ranked 15th who wins two World Series events can add £150,000+ to their tally, potentially overtaking players ranked 5–10 who had a quiet World Series run. It creates volatility at the very top of the Order of Merit.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The World Series is darts going truly global. For fans outside the UK, it’s often the only opportunity to watch the world’s best players live. For players, it’s a high-stakes rankings battleground — only the best 16 get the call, and every event can reshape the season standings at the very top of the order of merit.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The PDC World Series brings elite darts to new markets while delivering meaningful Order of Merit prize money that can reshape season standings. For fans, it’s a chance to see top-level darts outside Europe. For players, it’s a premium ranking opportunity that only the top 16 in the world get to access.
