Littler Faces New Challenge as PDC Adds TV Major and France Hosts First European Tour Event in 2027

The 2027 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) schedule is set to become one of the most packed and diverse ever, highlighted by the launch of the European Open and the historic arrival of a PDC European Tour stop in France. While these additions promise to broaden the sport’s reach across the continent, they also tighten the race for world No. 1 Luke Littler, who is still chasing a clean sweep of all the PDC’s flagship televised titles – a rare achievement previously only accomplished by Michael van Gerwen. **A New Flagship Event: The European Open** The inaugural European Open will be staged in the Austrian city of Salzburg from June 18 to June 20, 2027.

This three‑day competition will sit directly after the World Cup of Darts, which returns to Frankfurt for a June 10‑13 run, and before the World Matchplay in Blackpool, scheduled for July 17‑25. All PDC Tour Card holders will be eligible to compete, and the tournament will boast a £750,000 prize fund, pushing the total number of PDC majors from eleven to twelve.

The expanded major calendar means that Littler now has one more high‑stakes title to chase if he hopes to match van Gerwen’s historic clean‑sweep record. **Implications for Luke Littler** Littler’s quest for a complete set of major victories has already been complicated by his recent decisions to skip several European circuit events. In addition, he previously threatened to boycott Dutch tournaments after being subjected to boos and whistles during the World Series of Darts Finals.

The addition of the European Open adds another hurdle, as the event will attract the full complement of top‑ranked players, all vying for a share of the sizeable prize pool. If Littler wants to secure the elusive title, he will need to balance his schedule carefully, ensure peak performance in Salzburg, and avoid any further disputes that could jeopardise his participation.

**European Tour’s French Debut** The European Tour will break new ground in 2027 by visiting France for the first time. The fourth event of the 15‑tournament season will be held in Lievin from March 19 to March 21, strategically placed the weekend before the Easter holidays. This French stop follows earlier tour stops in Kiel (Germany), Krakow (Poland), and Riesa (Germany), and will be followed by a return to a familiar slate of venues across Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Netherlands throughout the year. The inclusion of France reflects the PDC’s ambition to tap into new markets and grow the sport’s fanbase in Western Europe.

**Expanded European Championship** Alongside the new major, the European Championship will also be expanded. The field will increase to 48 players, the event will stretch across six days, and the prize money will rise to £1 million. This expansion not only offers more earning potential for players but also creates additional opportunities for rising stars to test themselves against the elite in a high‑profile setting. **PDC Leadership’s Vision** PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter emphasized that the calendar changes are a direct response to the sport’s rapid growth across Europe.

He highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing “greater opportunities for players at every level of the professional game.” Porter also noted increased investment in the Challenge and Development Tours, which will see prize money rise to £30,000 per event and payouts extending down to the last 128 competitors. These enhancements are designed to strengthen the professional pathway, ensuring that emerging talent has a clearer route to the top tier. **Full 2027 Schedule Overview** - **January 4‑10:** Qualifying Schools in Milton Keynes (UK) and Kalkar (Germany) to award Tour Cards for the season.

- **January 27‑31:** Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes. - **February 4:** Premier League kicks off in Glasgow, launching a 17‑night tour across the UK and Europe, culminating in Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 27. - **February:** Players Championship circuit begins, featuring 34 events spread across the UK and Europe.

- **February 12‑14:** European Tour opens in Kiel, Germany. - **March 19‑21:** First-ever PDC European Tour event 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, concluding alongside the Women’s World Matchplay.

- **July (mid‑month):** European Tour resumes in Leverkusen, Germany, before moving to Bratislava (Slovakia), Ghent (Belgium), Basel (Switzerland), Budapest (Hungary), and Maastricht (Netherlands) later in the season. - **September 27‑October 3:** World Grand Prix in Leicester. - **October 26‑31:** Expanded six‑day European Championship in Dortmund.

- **November 6‑14:** Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton. - **November 26‑28:** Players Championship Finals in Minehead. - **December (late):** World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace, wrapping up the calendar year.

**Challenge and Development Tours** Both the Challenge and Development Tours will adopt a six‑weekend format, with each weekend comprising three days of competition and one tournament per day. The increased prize fund of £30,000 per event, along with payouts extending to the last 128 players, aims to provide a more sustainable financial environment for aspiring professionals.

**Broadcast and Streaming** Sky Sports will continue to be the primary broadcaster for the marquee events, including the World Grand Prix (late September to early October), the Grand Slam of Darts (mid‑November), and the World Darts Championship (December to early January). Additionally, fans can stream matches via the NOW platform without a contract, ensuring broader accessibility. **Conclusion** The 2027 PDC calendar represents a landmark year for darts, marked by geographic expansion, increased prize money, and the addition of a new major tournament. While these developments promise to elevate the sport’s profile and provide more opportunities for players at all levels, they also tighten the competition for titles such as the European Open.

For Luke Littler, the expanded schedule means another formidable obstacle on his path to becoming the first player since Michael van Gerwen to win every major televised PDC event. His decisions over the coming months—whether to prioritize certain tournaments, resolve lingering disputes, and maintain peak form—will be crucial in determining whether he can achieve that historic clean sweep.