Henry Coates wrote his name into the history books on Monday, becoming the youngest winner of a PDC Players Championship event in 2026 and just the fifth player ever to win a PDC ranking title without holding a Tour Card. The 20-year-old from Darley Dale defeated Damon Heta 8-4 in the final of Players Championship 25 at Halle 39 in Hildesheim, Germany, finishing on the bull to seal a stunning maiden ranking title.
Who is Henry Coates?
Known as "The Meat" — a nod to his family's butchery business, E W Coates Butchers in Darley Dale, Derbyshire — Henry Coates has been one of the most talked-about young talents on the Challenge Tour circuit. Born on 3 July 2006, Coates turned 20 just weeks before his breakthrough win. He throws 22g Unicorn darts, walks on to "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy, and entered Players Championship 25 as a top-up player from the Challenge Tour — without a PDC Tour Card to his name.
Despite sitting at world number 96 in the PDC rankings heading into the event, Coates had been building momentum throughout the 2026 season. His performances on the Challenge Tour had earned him regular spots as a top-up player on the main ProTour, and PC25 was where it all came together.
The Road to the Title
Coates' run through the 128-player field in Hildesheim was a masterclass in composure beyond his years. Here's how every round unfolded:
Early Rounds: Grinding It Out
Coates opened with a solid 6-4 win over Poland's Filip Bereza, before surviving two consecutive 6-5 deciders — first against Karel Sedlacek, then against former World Championship quarter-finalist Mervyn King. Those tight early-round wins showed the resilience that would define his entire tournament.
Last 16: Turning the Screw
Facing Bradley Brooks in the last 16, Coates stepped up his game significantly. He produced a commanding 104.59 average to win 6-4, signalling that his best darts were arriving at the business end of the tournament.
Quarter-Final: The Statement Performance
The quarter-final against Christian Kist was where Coates truly announced himself. A devastating 6-0 whitewash, backed by a 106.09 average, left no doubt that the 20-year-old meant business. It was the kind of performance that makes the entire darts world sit up and take notice.
Semi-Final and Final
A comfortable 7-3 semi-final victory over Jeffrey de Graaf — who had earlier knocked out Michael van Gerwen — set up a final against the experienced Damon Heta. Despite Heta averaging an impressive 106.11 and hitting checkouts of 164, 130, and 106, Coates held his nerve to win 8-4 with a 104.88 average. He sealed the title on the bull — a fitting finish to a fairytale day.
The Final: Coates vs Heta by the Numbers
On paper, Heta's 106.11 average edged Coates' 104.88. But darts isn't just about averages — it's about taking your chances when they count. While Heta produced some spectacular finishes, including a stunning 164 checkout, Coates' ability to win legs at crucial moments proved the difference. At just 20 years old, his composure under pressure was nothing short of remarkable.
Making History
Coates' victory carries genuine historical significance. He became only the fifth player in PDC history to win a ranking title without holding a Tour Card, joining an exclusive club that underlines just how extraordinary this achievement is. His £15,000 prize from the £150,000 total fund is well-earned, but the real prize is what this win unlocks: provisional qualification for both the World Championship and the Players Championship Finals later this year.
"This probably won't sink in until next week. Hopefully this is just the start. I've played for so many years and now the hard work and practice is paying off."
— Henry Coates, after winning Players Championship 25
Other Notable Results from PC25
It wasn't just Coates who produced surprises in Hildesheim. World number 3 Gian van Veen crashed out 6-3 to Jim Long in just the second round, while three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen fell to Jeffrey de Graaf in the last 16. Beau Greaves, continuing to make waves on the PDC circuit, was eliminated 6-3 by Niko Springer in the last 16. Springer went on to reach the semi-finals before losing 7-4 to Heta.
Many top players were absent from the event following the World Matchplay, meaning the draw was more open than usual — but Coates still had to beat serious opposition, including a player averaging over 106 in the final.
What's Next for Coates?
With a ranking title under his belt before his 21st birthday, the future looks incredibly bright for Henry Coates. This result should secure him a Tour Card for the 2027 season, while his provisional place at both the World Championship and PC Finals gives him the chance to compete on the biggest stages in the sport later this year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Players Championship 25 in 2026?
Henry Coates won Players Championship 25 on 28 July 2026, defeating Damon Heta 8-4 in the final at Halle 39 in Hildesheim, Germany. At 20 years old, Coates became one of the youngest ever PDC ranking event winners.
Does Henry Coates have a PDC Tour Card?
No. Henry Coates entered Players Championship 25 as a Challenge Tour top-up player without a Tour Card. His victory made him just the fifth player in PDC history to win a ranking title without holding a Tour Card.
What darts does Henry Coates use?
Henry Coates throws 22g Unicorn darts. You can browse his range at ArrowHeadz, alongside our full selection of Unicorn darts.
What was Henry Coates' average in the Players Championship 25 final?
Coates averaged 104.88 in the final against Damon Heta. His best average of the tournament came in the quarter-final, where he hit 106.09 in a 6-0 whitewash of Christian Kist.
Why is Henry Coates called "The Meat"?
Coates' nickname comes from his family's butchery business, E W Coates Butchers, based in Darley Dale, Derbyshire. The nickname has become a fan favourite on the circuit.
What does winning Players Championship 25 mean for Henry Coates?
The victory earned Coates £15,000 in prize money and provisionally qualifies him for both the 2026/27 World Championship and the Players Championship Finals. It should also secure him a PDC Tour Card for the 2027 season.
Who did Henry Coates beat on his way to the title?
Coates beat Filip Bereza (6-4), Karel Sedlacek (6-5), Mervyn King (6-5), Bradley Brooks (6-4), Christian Kist (6-0), Jeffrey de Graaf (7-3), and Damon Heta (8-4) across seven rounds.
