Michael van Gerwen Drawn Against Tom Bissell in PDC Players Championship 24
Michael van Gerwen kicks off the PDC Players Championship 24 with a first‑round match against Tom Bissell on 7 July 2026 in Leicester. The Dutch legend, seeded among the event’s headline names, will need a swift start to stay on course in a field packed with former champions and rising talents.
Tom Bissell earned his spot in the opening round after a strong showing in recent Leicester floor events, posting impressive averages that caught the attention of pundits. Bissell, a 28‑year‑old English qualifier, will line up his first dart at 501 against van Gerwen at 2 pm local time. The match will be played on the main stage of the Morningside Arena, the same venue that hosted the previous day’s Players Championship 23.
Being drawn against a statistically hot opponent adds pressure to van Gerwen’s early‑round agenda. While the Dutchman boasts a career average above 100, Bissell’s recent 97.5 average in the Leicester qualifiers suggests he can keep the scores ticking. A win would keep van Gerwen on track for a deep run, potentially adding valuable points to his 2026 Players Championship Order of Merit tally.
Leicester’s PC 24 features a mix of veterans and newcomers. Beau Greaves opens against Owen Bates, while Wessel Nijman, the current Order of Merit leader, meets Ryan Meikle. Other notable first‑round pairings include Gary Anderson versus Cor Dekker, Peter Wright against James Hurrell, and Raymond van Barneveld facing Jack Tweddell. The draw spreads the heavyweights, meaning van Gerwen could avoid another top‑10 clash until the later stages.
A victory on day one would secure van Gerwen a place in the second round, where the competition intensifies and prize money climbs. Each win also contributes to his qualification hopes for the upcoming World Championship, where he aims to add another title to his résumé. Conversely, an early exit would be a rare setback for a player who has dominated the ProTour for years.
The match is scheduled for 2 pm GMT on 7 July 2026, broadcast live on the PDC’s official streaming platform and shown on Sky Sports Darts in the UK. Fans at the Morningside Arena can expect a packed house, with the crowd’s energy often influencing early‑round performances.
Should van Gerwen advance, his next opponent will be determined by the outcome of the adjacent bracket, likely another seasoned pro. The schedule places the second‑round match on 8 July, giving the Dutchman a night’s rest before potentially facing a top‑five player. His preparation will focus on maintaining his high checkout percentages and keeping his average steady under pressure.
Leicester’s Players Championship 24 serves as a crucial barometer for form ahead of the summer majors. Van Gerwen’s performance will be dissected by analysts looking for signs of resurgence or lingering rust. A solid start could signal that the Dutchman remains a threat to dominate the 2026 season, while a stumble might open the door for the next generation to claim the spotlight.