The race for ranking points is heating up in the PDC, and for several top stars, the 2026 season could bring a dramatic slide down the Order of Merit. With the rankings operating on a rolling two-year cycle, players who enjoyed major successes in 2024 are now under immense pressure to defend huge chunks of prize money. Failure to do so could see them tumble out of crucial major tournament seedings and even jeopardize their coveted tour cards.

All eyes are on Michael van Gerwen, whose position is more precarious than it has been in years. After slipping to world number four following this year's World Championship, 'Mighty Mike' faces defending at least £170,000 from his 2024 results. A lackluster finish to this year could see him plummet outside the top ten, a once-unthinkable scenario for the darting icon. The pressure won't let up in early 2027 either, when he must defend a further £200,000 from his 2025 World Championship runner-up finish, potentially risking a fall outside the top 16.

Stephen Bunting finds himself in a unique battle. While 'The Bullet' doesn't have massive sums to defend from the 2024 majors, his consistent Pro Tour performance is what's keeping him afloat. However, his grip on a top-ten spot is tenuous. If he continues to struggle in the televised majors, the chasing pack—currently sitting close behind—could easily overtake him, especially when he defends £100,000 from his World Championship semi-final run at the end of the year.