The first group consisted of the top eight players from the PDC Order of Merit who were available for the competition. These eight players played each other over the course of a day, receiving two points for each win. All matches were contested over a maximum of 11 legs with a player winning the match on reaching 6 legs. After all players had played each other, the four players with the most points progressed to the semi-finals with the winners of those matches progressing into the final. The winner of the final progressed to the winners group which took place at the end of the competition. The runner-up, losing semi-finalists and the players finishing fifth and sixth moved into group two, where they were joined by the next three players in the Order of Merit. The format of the second group was the same as the first group with players moving into the third group. In total there were 8 groups before the final group took place. This format ensures that all players who do not win the group or finish in the last two positions have another chance to qualify for the winners group.
Prize money
The Championship League Darts awards prize money per leg won, as well as to the eventual winner, runner-up and semi-finalists of the entire tournament. The amount of prize money awarded per leg won is:
Stage
Match
Prize Money per leg won
Group stage
Group matches
£5,000
Group stage
Semi-finals & final
£10,00
Winners group
Group matches
£15,000
Winners group
Semi-finals & final
£25,000
The amount of prize money awarded to the winner, runner-up and semi-finalists of the tournament is:
Stage
Prize Money
Winner
£100,000
Runner-up
£50,000
Semi-finalists
£2,500
Tournament dates
The tournament took place over nine days throughout September, October and November 2012. One group was played on each day. The dates were as follows:
Note: Raymond van Barneveld chose not to compete in the tournament. Vincent van der Voort withdrew due to medical issues, Andy Smith will take his place in group 4 with Steve Beaton taking up the new final spot in group 8. Winners Group
Wes Newton
Justin Pipe
Ronnie Baxter
Phil Taylor
Simon Whitlock
Dave Chisnall
Jamie Caven
Mark Walsh
Group stage
Group 1
Played Tuesday September 25, group 1 was won by Wes Newton who qualifies for the winners group. Andy Hamilton and James Wade were knocked out.
Group 2
Played Wednesday September 26, group 2 was won by Justin Pipe who qualifies for the winners group. Mark Webster and Kevin Painter were knocked out.
Group 3
Played Thursday September 27, group 3 was won by Ronnie Baxter who qualifies for the winners group. Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson were knocked out.
Group 4
Played Tuesday October 16, group 4 was won by Phil Taylor who qualifies for the winners group. Andy Smith and Mervyn King were knocked out.
Group 5
Played Wednesday October 17, was won by Simon Whitlock who qualifies for the winners group. Colin Lloyd and Wayne Jones were knocked out.
Group 6
Played Thursday October 18, was won by Dave Chisnall who qualifies for the winners group. John Part and Terry Jenkins were knocked out.
Group 7
Played Tuesday October 30, was won by Jamie Caven who qualifies for the winners group. Richie Burnett and Colin Osborne were knocked out.
Group 8
Played Wednesday October 31, group 8 was won by Mark Walsh who qualifies for the winners group.
Winners group
Played Thursday November 1, and was won by Phil Taylor.
