The darts world descends once again on the bustling city of Leicester as the **Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)** ProTour season heats up with **Players Championships 7 and 8**. Set for Monday 30 March and Tuesday 31 March 2026 at the Mattioli Arena, these back-to-back events promise two full days of high-octane action, precision throwing, and dramatic comebacks that have made the ProTour the lifeblood of professional darts.
Play begins each day at 13:00 BST (12:00 GMT) and typically runs until around 19:00, with four boards operating simultaneously to deliver non-stop entertainment. The format remains true to the classic Players Championship style: best-of-11 legs in the early rounds, escalating to best-of-19 legs as the competition intensifies toward the final. Each event carries a £15,000 top prize for the eventual champion, along with vital ranking points that shape the season-long Order of Merit and qualification paths for major televised tournaments later in the year.
The Mattioli Arena has become a favourite ProTour venue, its intimate yet energetic setting perfect for the raw intensity of floor events. Crowds may be limited compared to the razzmatazz of Premier League or World Championship nights, but the atmosphere crackles with anticipation as 128 Tour Card holders battle it out. Gary Anderson headlines the confirmed player entries, bringing his trademark flair and experience to the oche. Meanwhile, several top stars including Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have chosen to sit out these particular events to manage their busy schedules and prepare for upcoming majors, opening the door for other contenders to shine.
This creates a tantalising mix of established veterans, in-form players chasing momentum, and hungry underdogs looking for a breakthrough. One misplaced dart or missed double can spell instant elimination, underscoring the unforgiving nature of these tournaments. Past Leicester stops have delivered memorable moments — from record-breaking averages to heroic fightbacks — and with the 2026 season already delivering surprises, expectations are high for more fireworks over these two days.
For fans eager to catch every leg live, the primary destination is **PDCTV**, the PDC’s official streaming platform. All matches across the four main boards are broadcast in high definition, complete with expert commentary, on-screen scoring, and the ability to switch between tables seamlessly. This multi-board coverage captures the full chaos and excitement of a busy ProTour day, letting viewers follow their favourite players or spot emerging talents in real time.
In the **UK**, PDCTV offers flexible subscription options designed to suit every viewer. A monthly pass costs £9.99, while an annual subscription at £59.99 provides access to the entire ProTour calendar plus priority for major event ticket sales. For those focusing just on this Leicester double-header, a short-use multi-day pass delivers excellent value. Many UK bookmakers also stream the events live on their websites and mobile apps for customers with funded accounts — often requiring only a small qualifying bet to unlock coverage. Traditional free-to-air television is not available for these ProTour events, making PDCTV and bookmaker streams the go-to solutions for comprehensive viewing.
**Viewers in the USA** enjoy the same high-quality PDCTV experience, with subscriptions accessible worldwide and payment methods tailored for international users. The 13:00 BST start time converts to a convenient 08:00 Eastern / 05:00 Pacific on both Monday and Tuesday, turning breakfast or morning coffee into a darts-filled treat. English-language commentary features on most boards, while Board One often includes a German feed for those who prefer it. Where legally available, U.S. bookmaker platforms may also carry the streams, providing an additional hassle-free option.
In **Australia**, the setup mirrors the global standard. PDCTV delivers the complete live package with identical subscription tiers, ideal for the growing darts community Down Under. The 13:00 BST kick-off equates to 23:00 AEDT, making it a late-night spectacle that many fans happily stay up for — or record for the next morning. Local betting apps and bookmaker sites frequently provide streams for logged-in users, offering a convenient alternative without needing a separate subscription. High-definition quality, replays of standout legs, and immersive scoring graphics ensure viewers feel right in the heart of the action, whether in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or beyond.
Beyond the live broadcasts, PDCTV enhances the experience with post-session highlights packages and full match replays available shortly after play concludes. This flexibility proves invaluable for fans whose work, family, or time-zone commitments might clash with the live schedule. The platform’s intuitive interface allows customisation — follow a single board, track a specific player’s progression, or dive into multiple simultaneous matches — transforming what could feel overwhelming into a personalised, engaging viewing journey.
These Leicester events serve as more than just ranking points fodder; they represent the relentless heartbeat of the PDC ProTour. With 34 Players Championship stops scheduled across 2026, consistency here can propel players up the standings and boost confidence heading into European Tour events, Premier League nights, and the bigger televised majors. Stories of veteran resilience, surprise runs, and breathtaking 180s or 170+ checkouts keep the darts community hooked week after week.
Whether you’re a seasoned supporter analysing every average and checkout percentage or a casual viewer discovering the sport’s unique blend of skill, psychology, and entertainment, the tools exist to immerse yourself fully. Fire up PDCTV on your preferred device, log into your bookmaker account if that’s your preference, and settle in for two days of pure darts drama from the Mattioli Arena.
The oche is calling, the arrows are sharp, and the 2026 ProTour narrative is about to add another compelling chapter in Leicester. Don’t miss a single moment — subscribe today and prepare for maximum excitement, tension, and unforgettable sporting theatre as Players Championships 7 and 8 unfold.