PDC Q-School 2026: Fallon Sherrock, Steve Beaton and other big names who missed Tour Cards

The PDC Q-School is over and, as every year, the qualifying tournament produced not only success stories but also a long list of big names who missed out on a coveted Tour Card. For some players it means a temporary setback, for others possibly a final farewell to the pro circuit. One thing is certain: Q-School remains one of the most unforgiving events on the darts calendar.

One of the most talked-about entrants was undoubtedly Steve Beaton. The now 61-year-old Englishman, nicknamed “The Bronzed Adonis,” returned from his darts retirement specifically to try to regain his PDC Tour Card. Beaton, a longtime ever-present on the circuit and a former Lakeside champion, showed he still has the game, but ultimately fell just short of qualification. His attempt was met with great respect, but he was unable to shake off the challenge from younger, hungrier players.

John Part also failed to crown his comeback with success. The three-time world champion – twice with the PDC and once with the BDO – hoped for one more return to the big stage. Despite his vast experience and stature, Q-School proved a step too far. The Canadian showed his class in patches, but lacked the consistency now required to survive at this level.

One of the toughest defeats was reserved for Andreas Harrysson. The Swede was one win away from claiming a Tour Card when he reached the fourth round at the recent World Darts Championship. There he faced Jonny Clayton, who showed his class and halted Harrysson’s run. The Swede was left empty-handed. Q-School also proved a near miss for “Dirty Harry.”

For Andy Baetens, Jose de Sousa, and Matt Campbell, Q-School was primarily a chance at redemption. All three lost their Tour Card after the World Championship and hoped to return to the PDC circuit via the fast track. That mission failed. De Sousa in particular, a former major winner and a long-time Pro Tour regular, could not find his best form. Baetens and Campbell also fell short in the key moments, underlining how fine the margins are at this level.

Other familiar names such as Jelle Klaasen, Richie Burnett, Scott Mitchell, Boris Krcmar, Scott Waites, and John Henderson also failed to secure a Tour Card at Q-School.

Finally, there was plenty of attention for Fallon Sherrock. The Englishwoman, who put darts on the global map with her historic World Championship wins in 2019, hoped to secure her first Tour Card at last. Expectations were high, but reality was harsh. Sherrock endured four difficult days and never truly came close to qualification. That means she will have to wait at least a year for another chance to test herself regularly against the world’s best.

Q-School once again shows how ruthless professional darts can be. Big names, world champions, and crowd favorites get no preferential treatment. Every leg, every dart counts. For some, elimination is just a temporary detour; for others, it may mark the end of an era. What is certain: the road to a PDC Tour Card is tougher than ever, and only the most consistent and mentally resilient players can walk it.