Amateur Qualifiers Confirmed for the 2026 UK Open

The line-up of Amateur Qualifiers for the 2026 Ladbrokes UK Open has now been finalised, following the conclusion of last weekend’s PDC in the Community Qualifiers and Rileys Amateur Qualifiers.

This year’s Ladbrokes UK Open will be staged from March 6-8 at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, where a 160-player field will assemble for one of the most unique and unpredictable events on the darting calendar. The tournament, famed for its open draw and giant-killing storylines, is currently held by world number one Luke Littler, who claimed the title in dramatic fashion last year.

The expanded field will once again feature all 128 PDC Tour Card Holders, joined by the top eight players from the Development Tour and Challenge Tour Orders of Merit. Completing the line-up are 16 Amateur Qualifiers, who have battled their way through a series of grassroots competitions to earn a coveted spot on the Minehead stage.

The final four amateur places were secured last weekend, with a familiar name returning to the spotlight. Aden Kirk booked his return to the UK Open courtesy of victory in the PDC in the Community Qualifier at Somercotes Snooker Club in Alfreton.

Kirk is no stranger to producing headlines at this event. Back in 2014, he stunned the darting world by eliminating 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor during a remarkable run to the last 16. That breakthrough campaign also featured notable victories over major champions Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright, firmly cementing his place in UK Open folklore.

Now 33, the Derbyshire thrower will make his third appearance at Minehead in 2026. He delivered a composed and clinical performance in Alfreton, averaging 92 in a 6-3 victory over Connor Bowler in the decisive match to secure qualification. Kirk’s recent pedigree includes a title on the Winmau Challenge Tour in 2024, underlining his continued presence within the competitive ranks.

Elsewhere, Samuel Whittaker emerged victorious in the Enderby Community Qualifier to confirm his place in the televised stages for the first time in his career. Whittaker sealed qualification with a 5-3 win against Ryan Hawkes in the final and will now prepare for his debut on one of darts’ biggest stages.

His route to victory included an impressive semi-final triumph over former Lakeside World Championship runner-up Mark McGeeney. Whittaker’s performance in that match — another 5-3 success — showcased both his scoring power and finishing composure. Having competed at UK Qualifying School earlier this year, his Minehead qualification marks a significant milestone in his development.

The Rileys Amateur Qualifiers also delivered drama and breakthrough stories. Lewis Pearse secured his spot through the Harlow qualifier after edging out Joe Croft in a nerve-shredding deciding-leg encounter. Pearse survived multiple match darts during the final stages of the contest before eventually sealing victory, booking his big-stage debut in the process.

Joining him will be Jake Eichen, who progressed through a highly competitive 142-player field at the London Victoria Qualifier. Eichen navigated a demanding day’s play to emerge triumphant, earning his first televised appearance at Butlin’s Minehead Resort.

The Ladbrokes UK Open remains unique within the PDC calendar due to its open draw format, which gives amateurs the chance to be paired against the sport’s elite from the very first round. That unpredictability has long been a defining feature of the event, creating opportunities for shock results and unforgettable moments.

With 16 amateur qualifiers now confirmed, the stage is set for another fascinating edition of the “FA Cup of Darts.” Whether it’s seasoned names like Kirk returning to rekindle past glories or debutants such as Whittaker, Pearse and Eichen looking to make their mark, Minehead promises three days of compelling drama when the action begins in March.

Amateur Qualifiers Confirmed for the 2026 UK Open 

2026 PDC in the Community Qualifiers:

Flights Sports & Social Club, Fleetwood: Jack Todd

OutOut Bar, Newport: Clive Langford

The Syston Brookside Club, Syston: Kyle Gilding

Worthies Sports & Social Club, Kings Worthy: Callum Francis

Legends Darts Lounge, Plymouth: Simon Stevenson

Manton Sports Club, Worksop: Graham Usher

Enderby & District Social Club, Enderby: Samuel Whittaker

Somercotes Snooker Club, Alfreton: Aden Kirk

2026 Rileys Amateur Qualifiers:

Solihull: Neil Wild

Aberdeen: Sean Ryan

Coventry: Daniel Lee

Norwich: Oliver King

Chorlton: Callum Goffin

Liverpool: Ron Meulenkamp

Harlow: Lewis Pearse

London Victoria: Jake Eichen