Pro Tour Order of Merit update: Littler, Van Gerwen outside top 10 with big trouble for Cross, Michael Smith and Wright

Stephen Bunting is leading the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit ahead of the last few Euro Tour and Players Championship tournaments. 'The Bullet' has collected the most prize money at floor tournaments and the European Tour over the past 12 months.

Bunting leads the rankings with £192,000. This gives him a comfortable 15,500 lead over Martin Schindler, who occupies second place with 176,500. Gerwyn Price follows close behind in third place with 173,500 pounds. Gian van Veen trails Price by 20,000 pounds, Van Veen is in fourth place with 153,500 pounds earned.

Josh Rock, who has been showing his best play in recent weeks, is currently fifth with 150,500 pounds. In his current form, however, the Northern Irishman is likely to climb a few more spots during the final tournaments. Following behind 'Rocky' are Luke Humphries with £147,500, Ross Smith with £144,000 and Damon Heta with £141,000. Wessel Nijman rounds out the top-10 with 139,000 earned British pounds.

Luke Littler, at 136,500 pounds, is just outside the top-10, at spot 11. Michael van Gerwen is slightly behind that with 120,500. 'Mighty Mike' occupies the 14th spot, putting him just inside the top-16. The sixteen players with the highest ranking on the Pro Tour Order of Merit at the end of the year will automatically qualify for the first two Euro Tour tournaments in 2026.

The other names currently in the top-16 are Gary Anderson (12th with £125,000), James Wade (13th with £123,000), Cameron Menzies (15th with £119,000) and Chris Dobey in place 16 with £115,000.

One of the most notable names not to be found in the top 16 is Dave Chisnall. In 2023 and 2024, Chisnall managed to take a total of five Euro Tour titles and four Players Championship titles to his name. This year, however, he hasn't been able to win a single title. Partly because of this, 'Chizzy' has dropped to the 20th spot on the Pro Tour Order of Merit, while he was the leader for a long time.

Other famous and big names far from the top 16 are Rob Cross, Raymond van Barneveld, Michael Smith and Peter Wright. Cross is having a difficult year and is currently in place with 77,500 pounds. 'Barney' is one spot lower with 76,000 pounds. The Dutchman did not yet manage to convince on the floor tournaments and the Euro Tour this year.

Smith has been struggling with injuries all year, so in his case the surprise is less. Still, it is extraordinary to find the former world champion's name back in place 34. Wright ranks lowest of these four names and can be found in spot 37 with 62,500 pounds. 'Snakebite' has been working on his health a lot lately and has reportedly lost as much as 20 pounds. However, this has made an impact on his game, something he himself has stated. It is to be hoped for all darts fans that the Scot can find his old level again and compete for prizes in the future.

With three Euro Tour tournaments and seven Players Championship tournaments to go, the ProTour is nearing its climax. Which players manage to work their way up the ranks during these final tournaments, secure a spot in the top-16 and thus ensure participation in the first two tournaments on the Euro Tour in 2026? It will all become clear in the next month and a half.