DRAW PDC Players Championship 22 | Who will triumph in absence of Littler, Humphries, Van Gerwen and Price

The 2025 Players Championship circuit resumes on Tuesday the 29th of July with Event 22 of the season. Key ranking points and qualification opportunities are up for grabs with many of the big names also not playing in Hildesheim, and the draw has now been revealed.

Looking to take advantage of the absences of notable names such as World Matchplay champion Luke Littler, world number one Luke Humphries, Jonny Clayton, Damon Heta, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Josh Rock as well as Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey, Gerwyn Price and James Wade, will be the likes of Dave Chisnall, Joe Cullen, Daryl Gurney, Ross Smith, Dimitri van den Bergh, Gian van Veen and Raymond van Barneveld among others.

The opening round of this event throws up a compelling mix of heavyweight clashes, rising-star showcases, and potential banana skins for established names. At the very top of the billing is the meeting between Krzysztof Ratajski and Dimitri Van den Bergh, a tie that could easily have headlined a European Tour stage or even a TV event a couple of years ago. Ratajski remains one of the most dangerous floor players on the tour, while Van den Bergh, despite some recent struggles, still boasts the big-game credentials of a former World Matchplay champion. It’s a tough draw for both.

Another high-profile meeting comes with Joe Cullen against José de Sousa, two former Premier League players who are both capable of world-class darts, but often with patchy form. Cullen will enter as a slight favourite based on recent results, but De Sousa’s power scoring and unpredictability always make him a dangerous opponent — especially over a shorter format. If both find their rhythm, it could be one of the ties of the round.

There’s also a fascinating generation clash between Andrew Gilding and Keane Barry. Gilding, methodical and calm under pressure, goes up against Barry, who plays at a far quicker tempo and seems to be maturing steadily into a senior circuit threat. If Barry can keep a lid on his scoring bursts and tighten up the doubles, this could be a breakthrough result — but Gilding has proven time and again he’s not easy to shake.

Dave Chisnall is another big name in the draw, and he opens against Benjamin Reus, one of the lesser-known names in the field. While Chisnall should be a heavy favourite, early rounds can be dangerous for seeded players, especially against opponents playing with freedom and nothing to lose.

Raymond van Barneveld faces a potentially tricky opener against Nathan Rafferty, a talented young Northern Irishman who has long been tipped for a breakthrough. While Barney has the experience and composure to get the job done, Rafferty’s scoring power could trouble the Dutch legend if he finds an early rhythm.

There’s also a good spread of international names and newer tour card holders getting a platform to shine. Wessel Nijman — tipped by many as one of the most promising talents in the Netherlands — begins against Jamai van den Herik, while Gian van Veen takes on the unpredictable William Borland in a battle that could go deep if both find their scoring game.

Finally, Scott Williams, always good for entertainment both on and off the oche, opens against Arno Merk and will be hoping for a strong start to fuel another deep run. Similarly, Daryl Gurney — still fighting to recapture top form — faces Dutch youngster Jitse Van der Wal, a player he can’t afford to underestimate.

With so many evenly-matched pairings and a good balance of seasoned pros, up-and-comers, and local wildcards, this draw promises fireworks from the very first dart. See the full draw for Players Championship 23 down below!