The Flanders Darts Trophy 2025, a thrilling highlight of the PDC European Tour, is set to electrify the Antwerp Expo in Belgium from August 29 to 31. As the tenth of 14 events in this season’s European Tour, this tournament promises high-octane darting action, featuring 48 of the world’s finest players competing for a £175,000 prize pool, with £30,000 reserved for the champion. With a star-studded field and a vibrant atmosphere, this event is a must-watch for darts enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, UK viewing times, key players, and the draw, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the excitement.
## A Showcase of Darts Excellence
The Flanders Darts Trophy, now in its second year, has quickly established itself as a fan favorite, with last year’s inaugural event setting a high bar. Dave Chisnall, the 2024 champion, clinched an 8-6 victory over Ricardo Pietreczko in a gripping final, marking his eighth European Tour title. “I’m really happy, it means a lot to me to win this,” Chisnall reflected, crediting the electric Belgian crowd for bringing out his best. This year, he returns as the defending champion, facing stiff competition from a field headlined by world number one Luke Humphries, teenage sensation Luke Littler, and Dutch legend Michael van Gerwen.
The tournament’s 48-player field includes 16 seeded players who enter in the second round, 16 qualifiers from the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit, and 16 additional players from various qualifying events, including a Host Nation Qualifier on August 28. Notable names include Gerwyn Price, a four-time International Darts Open champion, and Martin Schindler, dubbed the “European Tour king” for his consistent deep runs. Emerging talents like Josh Rock, Gian van Veen, and Wessel Nijman are also ones to watch, with local hero Mike De Decker potentially energized by the home crowd. Veteran players James Wade and Gary Anderson remain dangerous, capable of challenging any opponent on their day.
## Schedule and UK Viewing Times
The Flanders Darts Trophy unfolds over three action-packed days, with each day featuring two sessions to accommodate the tournament’s fast-paced format. All times are in BST (British Summer Time), one hour behind local time in Antwerp:
– **Friday, August 29**: The first round kicks off with eight matches in the afternoon session (12:00–16:00 BST) and eight more in the evening session (18:00–22:00 BST). This day features the Pro Tour qualifiers and players from the Host Nation, Nordic & Baltic, and East European qualifiers.
– **Saturday, August 30**: The second round sees the 16 seeded players, including Humphries, Littler, and van Gerwen, enter the fray. Matches are split between the afternoon (12:00–16:00 BST) and evening sessions (18:00–22:00 BST), with eight games per session.
– **Sunday, August 31**: The tournament’s climax begins with the third round in the afternoon session (12:00–16:00 BST), followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final in the evening session (18:00–22:00 BST). Expect intense battles as players vie for the £30,000 top prize.
## How to Watch in the UK
UK fans can catch every dart live on PDCTV, the PDC’s dedicated streaming platform, which offers an annual pass for £49.99, granting access to all European Tour events and Players Championship tournaments. Alternatively, Viaplay will broadcast the event across Europe, and viewers in Austria and Switzerland can tune in via DAZN, which also streams through its Darts Channel on Pluto TV. For those facing regional restrictions, using a VPN service like PureVPN to connect to a UK server can unlock Viaplay access. Bookmakers worldwide may also offer live streaming options. Check your local listings to confirm availability, as coverage varies by region.
## The Draw and Players to Watch
The draw, set to be finalized on Thursday, August 28 at approximately 12:00 BST, will pit Pro Tour qualifiers against players from the various qualifying events in the first round. The top 16 seeds, including Humphries, Chisnall, Price, and van Gerwen, receive a bye into the second round. Luke Littler, returning to the European Tour after a hiatus, is a focal point, with analysts like Kieran Wood of DartsNews.com predicting a potential title run, stating, “At the moment, Luke Littler looks unstoppable.” However, Samuel Gill, Head Editor at DartsNews.com, favors Martin Schindler or Josh Rock, noting, “Schindler has become the European Tour king and it is hard to ignore him.” Local stars like De Decker and Dirk van Duijvenbode could also capitalize on home support to make deep runs.
The tournament’s format is best of 11 legs up to the quarter-finals, with semi-finals extending to best of 13 legs and the final a best of 15 legs. With £175,000 in prize money distributed among the 48 participants, even first-round losers earn £1,250, though only wins count toward the PDC Order of Merit for seeded players.
## Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Flanders Darts Trophy 2025 promises a blend of established stars, rising talents, and passionate local support, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Last year’s event saw a record 287 maximum 180s, and with players like Littler, Humphries, and van Gerwen in the mix, the Antwerp Expo is set to erupt again. Whether you’re streaming on PDCTV, watching via Viaplay, or cheering from the stands, this tournament is a celebration of darts at its finest. Mark your calendars, secure your viewing setup, and prepare for a weekend of precision, drama, and darting brilliance.
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