The 2024 Machineseeker European Darts Championship is set to kick off in Dortmund, Germany, promising an exhilarating showcase of the world’s top darts talents. Starting from Thursday, October 24, the competition will be held at the iconic Westfalenhalle, with 32 elite players competing for the coveted European Champion title. The championship boasts a substantial prize fund of £600,000, making it one of the most anticipated events on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) calendar.
### Luke Littler’s Rising Stardom
Among the top competitors is Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, a 17-year-old sensation from Warrington who has quickly established himself as a formidable force in the world of darts. Littler’s journey to Dortmund has been impressive, with a standout debut year on the European Tour, where he clinched two titles. His rapid rise has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike, as Littler demonstrates skill and poise well beyond his years.
In the final European Tour event of the season in Prague, Littler’s hopes of victory were dashed in the semi-finals by Luke Humphries, who went on to win his second Czech Darts Open title. Despite this setback, Littler secured his spot in the European Darts Championship thanks to his strong performances throughout the season. Now, he’s preparing for his next big challenge in Dortmund, where he will face off against Andrew Gilding on Friday night, October 25, at 8:30 pm—a highly anticipated match that will be watched closely by darts enthusiasts worldwide.
### A Star-Studded Line-Up
The tournament is packed with darts heavyweights, promising thrilling encounters from the very start. Defending champion Peter Wright, a fan favorite known for his flamboyant style and iconic mohawk, will begin his title defense against Jermaine Wattimena. Another marquee matchup sees Luke Humphries, currently ranked as the world number one, going head-to-head with Nathan Aspinall in a first-round clash that is set to light up the stage.
Additionally, fans can look forward to a showdown between two giants of the sport, Dave Chisnall and Michael Smith. Both are two-time winners on the 2024 European Tour and will face each other in what promises to be a gripping encounter. Michael van Gerwen, a four-time European Champion, will be another name to watch. The Dutch legend faces German number two Gabriel Clemens, a player hoping to make a mark on home soil.
Germany’s top seed, Martin Schindler, will also be in the spotlight as he opens his campaign against Dirk van Duijvenbode. Schindler’s rise has been a source of pride for German fans, and he will aim to deliver a memorable performance in front of a home crowd. Other notable first-round matches include Josh Rock, who takes on newly crowned World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker, and two-time European Champion Rob Cross, who will battle it out with the experienced James Wade.
### A Tournament Full of Storylines
This year’s European Darts Championship is not just about the big names; it’s about the stories that have developed throughout the season. Stephen Bunting, the reigning Masters champion, will meet Gary Anderson in a first-round clash that brings together two experienced competitors. Anderson, who ended a 10-year wait for a European Tour title earlier this year, will be eager to make a deep run. In another compelling matchup, Raymond van Barneveld—one of the sport’s most beloved figures—will face off against Ryan Searle, a rising star who has enjoyed a successful 2024 campaign.
Gerwyn Price, a dominant force in darts over recent years, will meet Daryl Gurney, with the winner set to face either Martin Schindler or Dirk van Duijvenbode. For many, Price is one of the favorites to go all the way, given his consistent performances in major tournaments. The tournament also marks a return to home soil for Ricardo Pietreczko, who will face Australia’s number one, Damon Heta, in what should be a closely contested match.
The first-round matches will be spread across two evenings, with play beginning on Thursday, October 24, and concluding on Friday, October 25. Saturday’s sessions will feature the second round, while the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will take place on Sunday, October 27.
### Broadcasting and Global Reach
The 2024 Machineseeker European Darts Championship will be broadcast live, allowing fans around the globe to tune in to the drama and excitement. In the UK, ITV will provide comprehensive coverage, while international viewers can follow the action through platforms like DAZN, Viaplay, and the PDC’s official streaming service, PDCTV (with some regional restrictions in the UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
### Tournament Format and Prize Breakdown
The European Championship follows a traditional format, with matches increasing in length as the competition progresses:
– **First Round**: Best of 11 legs
– **Second Round**: Best of 19 legs
– **Quarter-Finals**: Best of 19 legs
– **Semi-Finals**: Best of 21 legs
– **Final**: Best of 21 legs
The prize fund distribution for the tournament is as follows:
– **Winner**: £120,000
– **Runner-Up**: £60,000
– **Semi-Finalists**: £40,000
– **Quarter-Finalists**: £25,000
– **Second Round Losers**: £15,000
– **First Round Losers**: £7,500
### A Rich History of Champions
The European Darts Championship has a storied history, with some of the sport’s biggest names featuring in the roll of honor. Phil Taylor, a legend of the game, dominated the early years, winning four consecutive titles between 2008 and 2011. Since then, the tournament has seen a variety of champions, including Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Peter Wright, and Ross Smith, who lifted the trophy in 2022. Last year, Peter Wright clinched the title once again, defeating James Wade in the final.
### What’s at Stake?
For Luke Littler and his peers, the 2024 Machineseeker European Championship is not just about prize money; it’s about prestige, legacy, and the chance to make history. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the tournament promises high drama, intense rivalries, and the opportunity for new heroes to emerge. The stage is set in Dortmund, and as the first dart is thrown, fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see who will be crowned the new European Champion. Whether it’s a familiar face lifting the trophy or a breakthrough moment for a new contender, the European Darts Championship is guaranteed to deliver memorable moments and exceptional sporting excellence.