The JDC is delighted to announce that from 2026 the top-tier Advanced Tour will increase from 32 to 64 players.
The decision to double the field comes off the back of the phenomenal interest in junior darts and the increase in standard across the JDC’s tours in recent months.
Due to venue capacity and logistics, the Foundation Tour has been capped at 196 entrants per event this season – when in reality each event could have stretched to 250 or more players.
At the same time, the level of performance across the board continues to improve, with the last round of boys’ matches in the Junior Power League seeing an average of 85.24 across all participants.
The JDC can confirm that all players on this year’s Advanced Tour who meet the age eligibility requirements to play in 2026 will automatically retain their tour cards.
The top eight players from both 2025 seasons of the Foundation Tour will also qualify for the 2026 Advanced Tour – as well as the World Championship in Gibraltar – if they meet the age eligibility criteria.
JDC chairman Steve Brown said: “We’ve seen demand for the Foundation Tour go through the roof this year. Coupled with the rise in standard across all tours, we felt it was right to increase the Advanced Tour to 64 players from next year.
“This not only allows 32 more talented junior players to compete at a higher level, it creates opportunities for many more players to compete on the Foundation Tour.
“As an organisation we’ve always strived to give as many players as possible the opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive environment – and this bold next chapter for the Advanced Tour allows us to continue to do that.”
In 2024, the Advanced Tour was won by Archie Self (pictured).
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