The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Czech Darts Open, the 11th stop on the PDC European Tour, descends on Prague’s PVA EXPO from September 5-7. This electrifying three-day event promises high-octane action, with teenage sensation Luke Littler leading a star-studded field that includes world No. 1 Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Stephen Bunting. Littler, fresh off a sensational summer that saw him clinch the Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy, is the red-hot favorite to claim his third European Tour title of the year. With a £175,000 prize pot and a £30,000 top prize at stake, the Czech capital is set to witness a darts spectacle that could redefine the sport’s hierarchy.
The tournament kicks off on Friday, September 5, with the first round featuring 16 Order of Merit qualifiers and winners from various qualifying events. Afternoon sessions run from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM BST, while evening sessions light up from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Saturday, September 6, the top-16 seeded players, including Littler, Humphries, and van Gerwen, enter the fray in the second round, facing Friday’s winners. Sunday, September 7, is the grand finale, starting with the third round in the afternoon, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final in the evening, culminating in a best-of-15-legs showdown at 11:00 PM. Fans can catch every dart on Viaplay, DAZN, or PDC TV, with live scores available on Flashscore.com for real-time updates.
Littler, the 18-year-old world champion, is riding a wave of momentum. His 2024 Czech Darts Open campaign was nothing short of spectacular, as he posted averages of 110, 116, and 106, including a tournament-record 116.51 against Damon Heta in the third round. Despite falling to Humphries in the semi-finals, Littler’s blistering form has experts like Samuel Gill and Kieran Wood of DartsNews.com picking him to dominate in Prague. “Luke Littler is coming into the Czech Darts Open somewhere close to his very top form, making him the obvious contender for the title,” Wood predicted, noting the uncertainty around other top names due to potential withdrawals. Littler’s recent victories, including the 2025 World Matchplay and Grand Slam of Darts, have solidified his status as a generational talent, with a knack for delivering under pressure.
Humphries, the defending champion, returns to defend his 2024 title, where he crushed Kim Huybrechts 8-1 in the final, averaging 105.57 and dropping just 11 legs across five matches. “When I beat Gian [van Veen], I felt that spark again, but I still know there’s another level in me,” Humphries reflected, hinting at his hunger for more. His clash with Littler could be a blockbuster, especially after their scintillating 2024 semi-final, where Humphries edged out the teenager with a 108.56 average. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, is another heavyweight to watch, though his 2024 quarter-final loss to Littler (6-1, with van Gerwen averaging 112.19) underscored ‘The Nuke’s’ ability to topple giants.
The field is stacked with talent, including Stephen Bunting, James Wade, and Martin Schindler, who has been a consistent threat on the European Tour. Schindler’s knack for deep runs makes him a dark horse, while players like Nathan Aspinall and Raymond van Barneveld add depth. The tournament’s format—best of 11 legs until the quarter-finals, best of 13 for semi-finals, and best of 15 for the final—ensures grueling battles. Prize money is generous: £12,000 for the runner-up, £8,500 for semi-finalists, £6,000 for quarter-finalists, £4,000 for third-round losers, £2,500 for second-round losers, and £1,250 for first-round exits. For the top-16 seeds and Order of Merit qualifiers, prize money counts toward rankings only if they win their opening match.
Littler’s journey in Prague is about more than just another title. His 2024 performance, including a 6-1 demolition of van Gerwen, showcased his fearless style and pinpoint finishing, with checkouts like 91, 128, and 124. “I’m happy with that,” Littler said after his 110.43 average against Aspinall last year, signaling his confidence in his trusted darts setup. Off the oche, his marketability—bolstered by deals with Target Darts and Xbox—has elevated darts’ global appeal. Yet, Littler remains grounded, focusing on his craft. “I haven’t got anything planned really because there is a lot of darts around this time,” he said about his upcoming 18th birthday, a nod to his relentless schedule.
As Prague prepares for a darts carnival, all eyes are on Littler to deliver another masterclass. With Humphries, van Gerwen, and Schindler lurking, the Czech Darts Open promises drama, precision, and unforgettable moments. Whether Littler claims the £30,000 prize or a new champion emerges, this tournament will set the tone for a thrilling autumn in darts.
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