In the high-stakes arena of the Professional Darts Corporation’s Qualifying School, where dreams are forged under intense pressure over multiple grueling days, a historic milestone has been achieved for Slovenian darts. Benjamin Pratnemer has etched his name into the record books by becoming the first-ever player from Slovenia to secure a coveted PDC Tour Card, granting him a guaranteed two-year spot on the professional ProTour circuit.
The journey unfolded at the European Qualifying School in Wunderland Kalkar, Germany, where hundreds of aspiring players battled across the First Stage and Final Stage from January 5-11. Pratnemer demonstrated remarkable consistency and resilience throughout the week, navigating the unforgiving format that awards points for every victory while only the strongest emerge with the ultimate prize.
His path included a strong start, winning four matches on the opening day before falling in the quarter-finals to seasoned campaigner Jeffrey De Zwaan. Undeterred, he bounced back impressively on day two, advancing to the last 16 and bolstering his position on the Order of Merit. A first-round exit on day three to 2025 WDF World Champion Jimmy van Schie added tension, placing the pressure squarely on his shoulders heading into the decisive final day.
Yet Pratnemer rose to the occasion with composure. He dispatched Argentina’s Jesus Salate convincingly 6-1 in his opening match, setting the stage for the pivotal encounter against Jeffrey Keen in the last 64. Delivering a blistering performance, he triumphed 6-2 with an impressive 101 average, sealing the points needed to confirm his Tour Card through the European Qualifying School rankings.
This breakthrough is particularly significant given Slovenia’s growing presence in the sport. Pratnemer had already made waves on the international stage, including a memorable qualification for the BDO Lakeside World Championship, where he became the first Slovenian to win a match at that prestigious event. Reflecting on his earlier success at Lakeside, he shared the emotional weight of the moment: “It’s the first time a Slovenian darts player has won in Lakeside, so it’s huge, I think. It’s a huge step for Slovenian darts, and of course if it’s going to be another win, it’s even bigger.”
Now, with his PDC Tour Card secured, Pratnemer turns his focus to the challenges ahead on the professional circuit. The two-year card opens doors to all Players Championship events, European Tour qualifiers, and potential pathways to major televised tournaments like the World Darts Championship, UK Open, and beyond. Competing alongside established stars such as Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Luke Humphries will test his skills, but his recent form suggests he has the composure and talent to make an impact.
The achievement extends far beyond personal glory—it’s a landmark for darts in Slovenia. As the nation celebrates its inaugural ProTour representative, Pratnemer’s success could inspire a new generation of players to pursue the sport at the highest level. With increased global investment in darts, including expanded affiliate tours and opportunities for emerging regions, the sport continues to grow, and stories like this highlight how determination can break new ground.
As the 2026 ProTour season approaches, all eyes will be on Benjamin Pratnemer as he steps onto the big stage, ready to prove that this historic Tour Card is just the beginning of an exciting chapter for Slovenian darts. His grit, precision, and ability to perform when it matters most have already written a compelling opening—now the rest of the story awaits.
Leave a Reply