All eyes will be on world number one Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler this week in Germany.
First held in 2008 in Frankfurt, the European Championship is a major ranking PDC darts tournament that was originally created for European players to try theur luck against the world’s top-ranked throwers.
Since then the format, and the venue, has changed, with it now seeing the top 32 players in the European Tour Order of Merit battle it out in a straight knockout tournament.
Last year saw Gian van Veen defeat Luke Humphries 11-10 in a thrilling final set decider.
They’re both back for the 2026 event, once again being held in Germany.
But much of the focus will be on world number one Luke Littler - the European Championship is one of the only titles missing from his glittering trophy cabinet.
Here’s everything you need to know about the first day of play.
When is the European Championship darts 2026 taking place?
The tournament will play out from October 22-25.
Where is the European Championship darts 2026 taking place?
The tournament is being played in the Westfalenhallen venue in Dortmund, Germany.
What is the prize money for the European Championship darts 2026?
There is a total prize fund of £750,000, split as follows:
- Winner: £150,000
- Runner-up: £80,000
- Semifinalists: £50,000
- Quarterfinalists: £35,000
- Second round: £20,000
- First round: £7,500
What is the day one order of play at the European Championship darts 2026?
Here’s who will be playing on Thursday, October 22. The action gets underway at 6pm.
- Luke Woodhouse vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Danny Noppert vs Stephen Bunting
- Niels Zonneveld vs Cameron Menzies
- Gerwyn Price vs Rob Cross
- James Wade vs Damon Heta
- Luke Humphries vs Ryan Searle
- Gian van Veen vs Andrew Gilding
- Ross Smith vs Karel Sedlacek
When will the rest of the first round matches be played at the European Championship 2026 darts?
The second half of the first round matches will be played on Friday, October 23. Again, the matches get underway at 6pm. Here’s who’s playing:
- Ryan Joyce vs Jermaine Wattimena
- Krzysztof Ratajski vs Dave Chisnall
- Nathan Aspinall vs Cristo Reyes
- Jonny Clayton vs Niko Springer
- Luke Littler vs William O'Connor
- Wessel Nijman vs Martin Schindler
- Kevin Doets vs Michael van Gerwen
- Josh Rock vs Chris Dobey
When is Luke Littler playing his first round match?
The Nuke will take on Willian O’Connor on Friday, October 23. It’s the fifth match up so expect it to start at around 7.30pm.
How can I watch the European Championship 2026 darts on television?
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Dortmund - somewhat unusually for a major darts championship it will be broadcast live for free on ITV4.
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