The PDC’s European Tour has been an almost unblemished success since its inauguration in 2012. The opportunity to gain broadcast experience, and to play in front of raucous darts crowds, on a regular basis has been partially responsible for the advancement of many player’s careers and the development of professional darts across mainland Europe.
As the 2026 tour advances towards its latter stages, the circuit continues to expand both geographically and historically. Having already staged inaugural events in Poland and Slovakia, alongside established visits to Germany, Belgium and Austria, attention now turns to Leverkusen before further excursions to Hungary, Czechia, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The campaign will ultimately culminate with October’s European Championship in Germany.
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The early years may have been dominated by Michael Van Gerwen (main image) but 2026’s enlarged schedule, comprising a record fifteen tournaments, has thus far produced remarkable diversity. Nine events have yielded eight different champions, underlining the competitive equilibrium presently evident across the professional landscape.
One statistical indicator of overall quality is the prevalence of ton-plus averages. The season-opening event in Poland remains unsurpassed in this regard, producing nineteen three-figure averages. Luke Littler’s triumph contributed significantly to that tally, with the World Champion responsible for four of them, despite making only limited appearances on the circuit thereafter.
Individually, Wessel Nijman has distinguished himself as the foremost exponent of sustained excellence. The Dutchman has amassed ten ton-plus averages, making him the only player to reach double figures.
The campaign has also witnessed two nine dart finishes, courtesy of Gian van Veen (above) in the Poland Darts Open final and Spain’s Cristo Reyes during his encounter with Damon Heta in Austria.
Qualifiers Gain PDC Darts Experience
Home Nation Qualifiers have generally struggled to make substantial inroads, with only Andy Baetens progressing as far as the quarter-finals. Given the Belgian’s pedigree as a former Lakeside champion and Tour Card holder, his presence at that stage was hardly a true surprise.
Selective scheduling by many elite competitors has also shaped the season. A congested calendar, extensive travel commitments and alternative professional obligations have resulted in numerous leading figures choosing to bypass certain events.
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Among those outside the circle of tournament winners, several players have produced noteworthy campaigns. Niels Zonneveld registered consecutive semi-final appearances earlier in the year, while Tom Sykes also attracted considerable acclaim after reaching the semi-finals in Slovakia, where only Rob Cross prevented him from contesting the final.
With Leverkusen next on the itinerary, the European Tour, darts very own D.E.I roadshow, now enters another pivotal chapter before resuming in Budapest at the end of August.
Images: PDC
