Prize Money growth continued in 2019

Barry Hearn (Lawrence Lustig, PDC)

Prize money on the PDC circuit continued to spread during 2019 during another year of worldwide growth for the sport.

Whilst Michael van Gerwen's continued success earned him almost £1.3 million as he enjoyed another stellar year, players at all levels benefitted from the PDC's expansion.

The total amount secured by the top 32 money-earners grew by almost £700,000 to over £8.9 million during the 2019/20 season, which ran from Qualifying School through to the World Championship.

In addition, the total amount of 12 of the top 16 money-earners as well as every player in the positions from 17-32 was higher than in 2018/19.

The total prize money won by the leading 128 money-earners also grew during the year, reaching almost £12 million, while a total of 32 players picked up £100,000 or more during the year, an increase from 27 in the previous 12 months.

Peter Wright's success in winning the World Championship alongside victories in the World Cup of Darts and Germany Darts Masters, saw him total almost £1 million during the year.

Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price, who also enjoyed televised success during 2019, topped over £630,000 apiece, while Nathan Aspinall and Dave Chisnall moved into the top ten money-earners.

Glen Durrant was the leading money-earner from the players who joined the PDC circuit in January 2019, picking up £229,000 during a successful debut season.

"Our annual comparison of earnings on the PDC circuit always makes for interesting reading year-on-year, and I'm delighted to see the majority of the top 32 places increasing during 2019/20," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

"Whilst we've committed to expanding prize money throughout the PDC system in recent years to benefit players at all levels on the circuit, it has also been our intention to reward the elite players who enjoy success in our Premier televised events.

"This is evident in the prize money won across the top 32 earners and it is heartening to see the growth in prize money throughout these players as they continue to set the standard their rivals are aspiring towards.

"Nathan Aspinall was at Qualifying School just two years ago but has since won almost £500,000 and is a shining example for any player with the ambition to be successful in darts.

"It's also great to see the progress of the likes of Chris Dobey, who reached two televised semi-finals in 2019 but also jumped from 32nd to 16th on the earnings list by almost doubling his prize money."

PDC prize money comparison (PDC)