The PDC has announced several major changes to the darts calendar for 2027. Larger fields and a new televised tournament will give players more chances to earn prize money, but will also increase the pressure on the sport’s leading players. Jonny Clayton sees both advantages and drawbacks in the plans. The Welshman knows he can hardly afford to miss tournaments if he wants to hold on to his place in the world rankings.

The PDC recently announced that the Players Championship Finals will expand to 128 players next year. The European Championship will also feature a larger field of 48 players and run for two extra days. In addition, the calendar will welcome a new tournament, the European Open in Salzburg, which will take place shortly after the World Cup of Darts.

In an interview with Oche180, Clayton was asked for his thoughts on the changes. The extra tournaments offer more opportunities, but they will also make an already busy darts calendar even more crowded.

“Yeah, it does. But I'm only speaking for myself here,” Clayton replied. “If I want to stay where I am in the world rankings, I can't miss too many tournaments.”

According to the Welshman, the Players Championships are the tournaments players are most likely to skip when they need a break. But doing so carries risks.

“If you want to stay high up in the rankings, you have to do as much as you can. Having more darts added to the calendar gives you more opportunities to stay where you are. But it also gives the people chasing you a lot more opportunities to catch you."

Jonny Clayton claimed the title at the Swiss Darts Trophy 2026

“I absolutely hate losing”

Clayton also sees a significant benefit in expanding the Players Championship Finals. With 128 players set to qualify, he believes there will be a little more room to rest during the season. “Yes, there are more darts, but it does give you a little more leeway to pull out of one or two Players Championship events because the Players Championship Finals is expanding to 128 players. It gives you more opportunities to recharge your batteries, basically.”

That does not mean Clayton plans to ease off significantly. His competitive nature simply will not allow it. "It's different, but I want to stay where I am. I don't like losing. I don't show it on stage, but I respect everybody up there. Once I get off that stage, though, I'm different. I'm like something totally different."

The Welshman admits that defeats can affect him deeply, even if it is not always clear during a match. “I don't like losing. You've obviously seen that before. I'm passionate, and I'm very competitive.”

For Clayton, the conclusion is clear. Despite the increasingly crowded calendar, his ambition remains undiminished. “So, if I want to stay where I am, I need to do as much as I can.”