Littler Faces New Hurdle as PDC Announces Additional Major and France Hosts 2027 Ranking Event

The 2027 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) schedule is set to become one of the busiest and most diverse ever, highlighted by the launch of a brand‑new major tournament and the sport’s first ever European Tour stop in France. While these developments signal a bright future for darts across the continent, they also add another layer of difficulty for rising star Luke Littler, who is already chasing the rare achievement of winning every premier televised PDC title. **A New Flagship Event – The European Open** Starting on June 18, 2027, the city of Salzburg will host the inaugural European Open, a three‑day competition that will sit alongside the World Cup of Darts (June 10‑13 in Frankfurt) and the World Matchplay in Blackpool (July 17‑25).

The European Open will be open to every player holding a PDC Tour Card and will feature a prize fund of £750,000, placing it firmly among the sport’s most lucrative contests. By adding this tournament, the PDC expands its roster of televised majors from eleven to twelve, creating an extra milestone for any player aiming to claim a complete set of titles. For Luke Littler, who currently holds the world number one ranking, the new event represents both an opportunity and an obstacle. Only Michael van Gerwen has ever managed a clean sweep of all PDC majors, and Littler’s ambition to match that feat now requires another victory on his résumé.

The pressure is compounded by recent controversies: Littler has already chosen to sit out several European circuit events and has threatened to boycott Dutch tournaments after being booed and whistled at the World Series of Darts Finals. The European Open therefore arrives at a pivotal moment in his career, testing his resilience and his desire to dominate the sport. **France Joins the European Tour** In addition to the new major, the PDC’s European Tour will break new ground by traveling to France for the first time in March 2027. The town of Lievin will host the fourth of fifteen tour stops from March 19‑21, just before the Easter holidays.

This French leg follows earlier stops in Kiel (Germany), Krakow (Poland) and Riesa (Germany), and will be followed by a return to established venues across Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary and the Netherlands throughout the season. The inclusion of France reflects the growing popularity of darts in Western Europe and provides local fans with a chance to experience top‑level competition live for the first time.

**Expanded European Championship and Increased Prize Money** The European Championship will also be enlarged for 2027, expanding to a 48‑player field and stretching over six days in Dortmund from October 26‑31. The prize pool for the championship will reach £1 million, underscoring the PDC’s commitment to rewarding players at the highest level. Meanwhile, the European Tour’s prize money will rise across all events, offering greater financial incentives for both established stars and up‑and‑coming talent. **PDC Leadership’s Vision** Matt Porter, the PDC’s chief executive, described the 2027 calendar as a testament to the sport’s rapid growth across Europe.

He highlighted that the new European Open, the expanded championship, and the increased payouts are all designed to create more opportunities for players at every stage of their professional journey. Porter also announced heightened investment in the Challenge and Development Tours, which will now run over six three‑day weekends with prize money of £30,000 per tournament, paid out to the last 128 participants.

These changes aim to strengthen the pathway from amateur to elite competition. **Full 2027 Schedule Overview** - **January 4‑10:** Qualifying Schools in Milton Keynes (UK) and Kalkar (Germany) to award new Tour Cards. - **January 27‑31:** Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes.

- **February 4:** Premier League kicks off in Glasgow, beginning a 17‑night league across the UK and Europe, culminating with Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 27. - **February:** Players Championship series launches, featuring 34 events spread throughout the year. - **February 12‑14:** European Tour opens in Kiel, Germany. - **March 19‑21:** First European Tour stop in France (Lievin).

- **June 10‑13:** World Cup of Darts returns to Frankfurt. - **June 18‑20:** Inaugural European Open in Salzburg. - **July 17‑25:** World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, alongside the Women’s World Matchplay.

- **July (later):** European Tour resumes in Leverkusen, then moves to Bratislava, Ghent, Basel, Budapest and Maastricht. - **September 27‑October 3:** World Grand Prix in Leicester. - **October 26‑31:** Expanded European Championship in Dortmund. - **November 6‑14:** Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

- **November 26‑28:** Players Championship Finals in Minehead. - **December:** World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London, concluding the season. **Broadcast and Streaming** Sky Sports will continue to be the primary broadcaster for the marquee events, including the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and the World Darts Championship.

Additionally, fans can stream live coverage via the NOW platform without a long‑term contract, ensuring broader accessibility for a global audience. **Implications for Littler and the Wider Field** The expanded calendar means more travel, more matches, and more pressure for all competitors. For Littler, the added European Open and the French Tour stop could be decisive in his quest for a complete set of major titles. His recent decisions to skip certain events and his outspoken stance regarding the Dutch crowd suggest a player who is both confident and willing to challenge the status quo.

Whether he can navigate the increased workload, adapt to new venues, and maintain his top‑ranking form will be a storyline to watch throughout 2027. Overall, the PDC’s ambitious schedule reflects a sport in ascendancy, with new markets, larger prize pools, and a clear pathway for emerging talent. Fans can look forward to a year packed with high‑stakes darts, historic firsts, and the chance to see whether Luke Littler can join Michael van Gerwen in the exclusive club of players who have conquered every major tournament on the PDC circuit.