PRIZE MONEY across the PDC circuit continued to rise in 2017, with the greater depth of prize money seeing players throughout the rankings benefit from increases last year.
Prize money on the PDC circuit rose to £11.2 million in 2017, with world number one Michael van Gerwen seeing his remarkable success rewarded with £1.25 million in prize money.
Rob Cross' incredible first year as a professional saw the Hastings thrower turn from amateur into World Champion in an amazing 12-month period where he earned over £650,000 in prize money.
However, the increased prize funds for PDC televised events, European Tour events and Players Championships in 2017 saw the spread of prize money across the circuit prove greater than ever.
Whilst prize money for the player ranked in eighth place rose by £750 to £311,250, the totals in 16th, 32nd, 40th and 64th places all enjoyed a significant increase.
"Our prize money increases last year benefitted players across the PDC circuit and it's great to see these ordinary people with extraordinary talent being rewarded more than ever for their achievements," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"Michael van Gerwen topped £1 million in prize money for the second successive year, but Peter Wright's outstanding efforts saw him rewarded with over £750,000 in prize money.
"When you count that three other players - Rob Cross, Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson - also topped £500,000 in prize money, this shows that prize money has never been higher, but what's also significant is the spread.
"The number of players earning £100,000 or more rose from 21 to 26 last year, and the rise in prize money is significant as you move further down the totals, with 44 players picking up £50,000 in prize money."
Players will continue to benefit in 2018, with prize money increasing to £12.5 million, which includes the addition of a 13th European Tour event and the elevation of the William Hill World Darts Championship to a record £2.5 million prize fund.
In addition, the PDC's move to abolish entry fees for ProTour and European Tour events means that players would save around £4,000 in 2018.
"There has never been a better time to be a professional darts player, and Rob Cross' success is inspiring a new generation of players who want to emulate his achievements," added Hearn.
"The record numbers of players who competed at Qualifying School is testament to the desire of players now worldwide who have the ambition to become PDC stars.
"Removing entry fees has taken away another potential barrier to success and means that players, especially those with a Tour Card, can let their darts do the talking!"
PDC Prize Money
| Pos | 2017 Total | 2016 Total | ||
| 1 | Michael van Gerwen | £1,253,750 | Michael van Gerwen | £1,720,000 |
| 2 | Peter Wright | £777,500 | Gary Anderson | £570,500 |
| 3 | Rob Cross | £653,750 | Phil Taylor | £562,750 |
| 4 | Phil Taylor | £590,800 | Peter Wright | £488,000 |
| 5 | Gary Anderson | £508,500 | James Wade | £379,500 |
| 6 | Daryl Gurney | £368,500 | Dave Chisnall | £369,250 |
| 7 | Mensur Suljovic | £328,650 | Adrian Lewis | £332,250 |
| 8 | Raymond van Barneveld | £311,250 | Raymond van Barneveld | £310,500 |
| 9 | Dave Chisnall | £254,750 | Mensur Suljovic | £195,750 |
| 10 | James Wade | £253,250 | Benito van de Pas | £162,500 |
| 16 | Kim Huybrechts | £143,500 | Simon Whitlock | £131,250 |
| 32 | Cristo Reyes | £86,000 | Chris Dobey | £69,750 |
| 40 | James Richardson | £60,250 | Rowby-John Rodriguez | £47,350 |
| 64 | Darren Johnson | £23,500 | Keegan Brown | £15,300 |
* Prize Money totals from 2017 Unibet Masters to conclusion of 2017/2018 William Hill World Darts Championship