How Much Do Darts Players Make?

Find out how much darts players earn, the levels of competition, prize money, sponsorship, and what it takes to become a professional.

How Much Do Darts Players Make? Career, Prize Money and Income Breakdown

While darts may not seem like a high-paying sport at first glance, top professional darts players can earn serious money—especially with rising prize funds and sponsorship deals. That said, it’s a tough path to the top. Most players start as amateurs and only the best make it onto the televised stage.

This guide breaks down how much darts players earn, what it takes to become one, what levels exist, the perks and pressures of the job, and the top organisations involved in the sport.

Job Description: What Do Darts Players Do?

Darts players compete in local, national, and international tournaments, aiming to win matches and earn prize money. Professionals dedicate themselves to constant training, travel to events, and managing the mental and physical focus required to perform under pressure.

Responsibilities include:

  • Practising daily to maintain competitive form

  • Competing in regional and national league matches

  • Travelling to tournaments across the UK and internationally

  • Participating in interviews, media and fan events

  • Representing sponsors and wearing branded apparel

  • Staying physically and mentally sharp for long matches

  • Complying with rules and professional conduct standards

How Hard Is It to Become a Professional Darts Player?

Very. There’s no formal qualification path—you make it by competing and winning. Success in local and regional competitions can earn you entry into larger PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) or WDF (World Darts Federation) events. The real gateway is Q-School, where players compete for a PDC Tour Card that allows entry to pro events.

There are thousands of players, but only a few hundred who can make a stable full-time living from the game. It requires serious dedication, consistency, and mental strength.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Exceptional hand-eye coordination

  • Steady nerves and focus under pressure

  • Consistent practice habits—hours a day

  • Strong mental resilience, especially in close matches

  • Tactical thinking—planning out finishes and sequences

  • Confidence and presence, especially for televised events

  • Ability to travel and commit to a demanding schedule

Do You Need Qualifications or Training?

No formal qualifications are needed, but you need a huge amount of practice, tournament experience, and dedication to improving your game. Many top players start in pub leagues, move into county or Superleague levels, and then enter amateur open events or try to earn a PDC Tour Card at Q-School.

Training involves hours of daily practice on scoring, finishing, and consistency.

What Are the Levels in Darts?

Amateur Levels:

  • Pub leagues / Superleagues

  • County darts

  • Open competitions (e.g. MODUS, JDC, local events)

Semi-Pro:

  • Challenge Tour – for non-Tour Card holders

  • Development Tour – under 24s

  • WDF & BDO (if still running locally)

Professional:

  • PDC Tour Card holders

  • Players Championship Series

  • World Darts Championship

  • Premier League Darts – invitation-only, big money

  • European Tour & World Series of Darts

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Strong record in local and national tournaments

  • Experience under pressure, often in front of crowds

  • Participation in Q-School or amateur qualifying events

  • Ability to play full matches with consistent averages (90+ for pros)

Benefits of Being a Darts Player

  • Potential to earn six figures or more if you're among the top

  • Travel – international tournaments across Europe and beyond

  • Sponsorship and fanbase if you build your brand

  • Freedom – you’re self-employed and control your own schedule

  • No age limit – players remain competitive into their 50s

  • Low injury risk, making it a long-term sport

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Highly competitive – only a few make real money

  • Travel-heavy, which can disrupt family life

  • No guaranteed income unless you’re winning

  • Pressure and mental fatigue in long matches or slumps

  • Sponsorship dependency for consistent income

  • Expensive start-up costs – travel, entry fees, accommodation

How Much Do Darts Players Earn?

Income depends on ranking, wins, sponsorship, and appearance fees.

  • Amateur Player: £0 – £3,000

  • Semi-Pro / Development Tour: £5,000 – £15,000

  • Tour Card Holder (Lower-ranked): £20,000 – £60,000

  • Top 32 Ranked Player: £60,000 – £200,000

  • Elite (Top 10): £250,000 – £1m

Prize Money Example:

  • PDC World Darts Championship winner: £500,000

  • Runner-up: £200,000

  • Premier League (invitation-only): Top prizes up to £275,000

  • Players Championship Events: Winners earn £12,000 per event

Tax Example:

A player earning £80,000 from prize money and sponsorship (self-employed) might pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£14,432

  • National Insurance: ~£4,349 (Class 4 + Class 2)

  • Take-home: approx. £61,200/year or £1,177/week

Expenses (travel, hotels, equipment, coaching) can reduce taxable income.

What Factors Affect a Darts Player's Income?

  • Tournament success – win more = earn more

  • Sponsorship deals – shirts, flights, online presence

  • PDC ranking and tour card status

  • Appearance fees for exhibitions or TV

  • Social media or YouTube income

  • Branding and personality – marketability helps

  • Geography – living closer to events cuts travel costs

What’s the Future for Darts as a Career?

Darts is growing. The PDC has expanded prize money every year, and televised events attract millions of viewers worldwide. The sport is increasingly global, with new events in Germany, Asia, and the US.

The future includes:

  • More sponsorship opportunities

  • Streaming and online platforms

  • New talent pathways (JDC, online leagues)

  • Women’s darts growth, with players like Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves boosting visibility

The PDC is dominant, and the path to success is clearer than ever—but it's still a steep climb.

Best Organisations to Work With or Join

  • Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) – Premier level

  • MODUS Darts – Development tours and exhibition events

  • JDC (Junior Darts Corporation) – For players under 18

  • WDF (World Darts Federation) – International amateur route

  • Unicorn / Target / Winmau / Red Dragon – Major sponsors and equipment providers

  • Online leagues and events – Live League, online qualifiers

Final Thought

Making a living as a darts player is possible—but only with skill, dedication, and consistency. The top of the game pays handsomely, but the climb is steep, and the road is long. Still, if you love the game and put in the hours, darts can become not just a passion, but a profession.