FORMER WORLD CHAMP BACKS LITTLER OVER PROTOUR SKIP
26/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
SCOTT MITCHELL says the PDC faces a major “headache” with top stars skipping ProTour events.
Former BDO world champion Mitchell believes darts chiefs have a growing problem on their hands as elite names increasingly prioritise lucrative exhibitions and rest over floor tournaments.
Luke Littler is at risk of failing to qualify for the Players Championship Finals in Minehead after missing all 18 opening ProTour events this season.
Mitchell believes the trend could damage televised tournaments if the biggest players continue staying away.
He told Tungsten Tales: “I think something has to change.
“If top players are missing ProTours, and those rankings are being used for TV events, then it becomes difficult to sell those tournaments to broadcasters when your best players aren’t there.
“That’s the PDC’s headache, not mine. I’m just enjoying watching it all and enjoying playing against the guys whenever I get the chance.
“There’s so much darts on TV now and I love that.”
Mitchell also admitted he fully understands why elite stars are choosing lucrative exhibition events over grinding through ProTour events in Milton Keynes and Leicester.
He added: “I don’t know how you reduce it because there’s so much money to be made from exhibitions at the moment.
“The top players are being offered huge money to play one exhibition match rather than grind through a ProTour event.
“From a player’s perspective, I understand it. But from a promoter’s point of view, trying to fix that is really difficult.”
Scotty Dogg also spoke warmly about Littler and the immense pressure the teenage superstar is facing after transforming the sport.
He continued: “I’ve known him since he was a youth player and I always enjoy catching up with him.
“It’s difficult for him to have a normal life with the magnitude he now has in the game and the way he’s changed darts.
“He has moments where he gets upset, but people forget he’s only 18 or 19 years old. He’s not 55 like me.
“There’s such a spotlight on him and, speaking to him, I think it’s very difficult at times.
“His schedule is so heavy as well. If he’s not playing in tournaments, he’s doing exhibitions.
“I think some of the downturn in form since Christmas has probably been because he’s been so busy, but I think over the next six months you’ll see him address that.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
