The European Tour returns this Easter weekend, with Munich once again playing host to the ever-popular German Darts Grand Prix.This tournament has become an established and enduring fixture on the PDC European Tour since its inaugural staging in 2017.
That maiden edition, held in Mannheim, fittingly saw Michael van Gerwen claim the title – a theme that would continue to resonate in the years that followed.
From that point onwards, aside from a three-year hiatus during the COVID-affected period, Munich’s Kulturhalle Zenith has served as the tournament’s spiritual home.
It was there that the Green Machine further underlined his dominance, triumphing in the event’s embryonic Munich editions with characteristic authority to complete three on the bounce.Following its return to the calendar in 2022, Luke Humphries became the first Englishman to lift the trophy, signalling a shift in the tournament’s narrative.
Michael Smith was the next name etched onto the roll of honour, before Humphries once again prevailed in 2024, delivering an emphatic and commanding victory over Van Gerwen in the final. In the most recent staging, the imperious Dutchman reclaimed his crown, securing a fourth German Darts Grand Prix title at the expense of compatriot Gian van Veen.Heading into this year’s edition, all three of the most recent champions are scheduled to be in action.
Of course, the ever-present possibility of late withdrawals remains, but at the time of writing, that distinguished trio are all set to compete, with Bullyboy entering via the qualification route and beginning his campaign in the opening round.
With the event coinciding with the Easter weekend, the schedule has been subtly adjusted, with play commencing on Saturday rather than the traditional Friday afternoon. Consequently, the eventual champion will be crowned on Monday evening, adding a slightly elongated narrative arc to proceedings.
There are two notable absentees from the world’s top sixteen on the Order of Merit, with Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting both opting not to participate. Their absence elevates Jermaine Wattimena and Damon Heta into seeded positions, with both set to commence their campaigns on Sunday.
As is customary, alongside the ten qualifiers from the PDC Tour Card system, the remaining six places are allocated to four host nation representatives and two players emerging from secondary tours.Among the familiar names from the Pro Tour contingent are former European Champion Ritchie Edhouse, emerging Dutch talent Kevin Doets, Belgian stalwart Kim Huybrechts, and former champion Michael Smith.
The German quartet progressing from their domestic qualification event comprises Jan Schmidt, Marcel Hausotter, Kevin Troppmann, and Finn Behrens. From the Nordic & Baltic Tour, Sweden’s Anton Ostlund takes his place, while Hungary’s Patrik Kovacs represents the East European contingent.
Sitting atop the reserve list is the ever-entertaining Andrew Gilding, the 2023 UK Open Champion, and if precedent is anything to go by, there remains a strong likelihood that “Goldfinger” will be called into action at some stage.
The draw will be conducted on Friday, with full details and scheduling to follow once confirmed.
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Images: PDC Europe
