From September 5 to 7, 2025, the vibrant city of Prague will host the fifth edition of the Czech Darts Open, the 11th stop on the PDC European Tour. This electrifying tournament, set to unfold at the PVA EXPO Praha, promises high-stakes drama with a total prize fund of £175,000 up for grabs. Among the darting elite vying for glory are world number one Luke Humphries and the sensational teenage prodigy Luke Littler, both of whom are poised to make waves in the Czech capital. With £30,000 awaiting the champion, the stakes are immense for these two titans of the oche.
The Czech Darts Open has established itself as a cornerstone of the European Tour, drawing 48 of the world’s finest players to compete over three intense days. The tournament’s prize structure rewards progression, with the winner pocketing £30,000, the runner-up earning £12,000, and semi-finalists each taking home £8,000. Quarter-finalists will secure £6,000, while those reaching the last 16 and last 32 will claim £4,000 and £2,500, respectively. Even first-round participants are guaranteed £1,250, provided they qualify through the various entry routes. However, for the top 16 seeds, including Humphries and Littler, prize money only counts toward world rankings if they win their opening match in the second round, adding an extra layer of pressure to their campaigns.
Luke Humphries, the reigning champion, returns to Prague with a target on his back. Last year, he delivered a masterclass, storming to the 2024 title with a dominant 8-1 victory over Kim Huybrechts in the final, averaging an impressive 105.57. His path to glory included a thrilling 7-4 semi-final win over Littler, where he posted a staggering 108.56 average to halt the young star’s record-breaking run. Humphries, reflecting on his triumph, said, “When I beat Ritchie Edhouse on Saturday, I felt good, but I felt I needed a spark, and I found it today. I still know there’s another level in me, and I believe I can get better.” His relentless form, evidenced by three consecutive 6-2 wins and a hat-trick of ton-plus averages in 2024, makes him a formidable contender. A repeat victory would not only bolster his bank account by £30,000 but also solidify his position atop the PDC Order of Merit.
Luke Littler, dubbed ‘The Nuke,’ enters as the favorite despite Humphries’ world number one status. The 18-year-old has been in scintillating form, having clinched titles at the World Matchplay, Australian Darts Masters, New Zealand Darts Masters, and Flanders Darts Trophy in recent months. His 2024 Czech Darts Open campaign was nothing short of spectacular, with tournament-record averages of 110.43 against Nathan Aspinall, 116.51 against Damon Heta, and 110.57 in a 6-1 rout of Michael van Gerwen. Littler’s quarter-final demolition of van Gerwen saw the Dutchman post a 112.19 average, the highest losing average in European Tour history, yet still fall short. Littler’s switch back to his trusted darts in 2024 paid dividends, as he noted, “I know what I can throw with these darts… I’m happy I know what I can throw with these darts.” A victory in Prague could net him £30,000 and further close the gap to Humphries in the world rankings, where he currently sits at number two.
The tournament’s field is stacked with talent, featuring the world’s top four players: Humphries, Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Stephen Bunting. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, and Bunting, a consistent performer, add depth to the competition. The event’s format sees the top 16 seeds, including Humphries and Littler, enter in the second round, while others battle through the first round on Friday. Saturday’s second round and Sunday’s third round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final promise a whirlwind of high-octane darts, broadcast live on PDC TV and Viaplay.
For Humphries, defending his title is about more than the £30,000 prize; it’s a chance to reassert his dominance. “It’s nice to bounce back [from the World Grand Prix], because when you lose in major finals, it’s not easy; it does hurt you,” he said after his 2024 triumph. For Littler, a win would cap a meteoric rise and add to his growing trophy cabinet, which already includes the 2025 PDC World Championship. As Prague prepares for a darting spectacle, all eyes will be on whether Humphries can hold off Littler’s charge or if ‘The Nuke’ will detonate to claim the £30,000 prize and the Czech Darts Open crown.
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