The stage is set, the darts are sharp, and the drama is already building at Dortmund’s iconic Westfalenhalle as the 2025 Machineseeker European Championship gets underway. Running from October 23 to October 26, this year’s tournament promises to be one for the ages, bringing together the top 32 players from the European Order of Merit for a shot at continental glory and a share of the hefty £600,000 prize fund.
With the absence of 2024 champion Ritchie Edhouse—who failed to qualify—this edition marks the first time in the event’s history that a defending champion will not return to defend his crown. That alone has sent a ripple of anticipation through the darts world. Who will seize the opportunity to etch their name into the record books?
All eyes are on Nathan Aspinall, the Stockport sensation who enters Dortmund as the number one seed. Fresh off clinching his third European Tour title of the campaign at last week’s German Darts Championship in Hildesheim, Aspinall is riding a wave of momentum. He opens his campaign on Friday, October 24, against two-time European champion Rob Cross in what’s sure to be a cracker of a first-round tie.
But if you think Aspinall’s path to the trophy will be smooth, think again. The field is stacked with world-class talent and storylines galore. Luke Littler, known as "The Nuke," is the tournament’s fourth seed and is gunning not only for his maiden European Championship title but also for the coveted World No.1 ranking. Littler kicks off his quest on Friday night against Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld—a match that has fans and pundits buzzing with excitement.
"I’m ready for this challenge," Littler declared in the build-up, his confidence echoing through the halls of the Westfalenhalle. "This is the moment I’ve been working towards all season." With four major titles already under his belt this year, Littler’s ambitions are anything but modest.
Standing in his way is current World No.1 Luke Humphries, who’s hungry to add the European Championship to his growing list of accolades. Humphries, the fifth seed, faces Poland’s top star Krzysztof Ratajski in the opening round. Ratajski, a semi-finalist at the German Darts Championship, won’t be an easy out. Humphries knows it: "Every match here is a battle. There’s no room for error."
And let’s not overlook other heavy hitters. Michael van Gerwen, a four-time European champion, returns to the fray and squares off against fellow Dutchman Wessel Nijman—one of three debutants in this year’s competition, alongside Niko Springer and Cameron Menzies. The presence of such seasoned champions as Peter Wright, James Wade, Rob Cross, and Ross Smith (all former winners) ensures that experience will be as crucial as raw talent.
The opening night on Thursday, October 23, sets the tone with eight first-round matches, starting at 6pm UK time. Fans can expect fireworks as Martin Schindler headlines against Dave Chisnall, Stephen Bunting (a two-time European Tour winner this year) takes on world number eight Chris Dobey, and 2019 runner-up Gerwyn Price renews his rivalry with Northern Ireland’s World Cup champion Daryl Gurney. Jonny Clayton, another Welsh star, faces Ryan Searle, while Gian van Veen and Damon Heta lock horns in a battle of rising talents.
Friday’s action heats up further. Alongside Littler’s and Aspinall’s marquee matches, Josh Rock—already a two-time European Tour finalist this season—meets Ricardo Pietreczko, and debutant Niko Springer faces 2024 runner-up Jermaine Wattimena. Scotland’s finest, Gary Anderson, goes toe-to-toe with compatriot Cameron Menzies, and 2018 European Champion James Wade meets Belgium’s Mike De Decker.
The format keeps players and fans on their toes: first round matches are best of 11 legs, ramping up to best of 19 for the second round and quarter-finals, and culminating in best of 21 for the semi-finals and final. With the pressure mounting at every stage, there’s little margin for error.
Saturday, October 25, brings the intensity up another notch, with the remaining 16 players battling it out in round two—split between an afternoon session (11:45am UK) and an evening session (6pm UK). The survivors will return on Sunday for the quarter-finals in the afternoon, before the semi-finals and grand finale unfold on Sunday evening. It’s a schedule designed to test stamina, skill, and nerves in equal measure.
For those following from afar, the action is accessible as ever. The tournament is broadcast live on ITV in the UK, with global coverage via PDC’s partners including DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV (though UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland subscribers are excluded from the latter).
There’s more than just pride and prestige on the line. The winner will walk away with a cool £120,000, while the runner-up pockets £60,000. Semi-finalists receive £40,000 each, quarter-finalists £25,000, second round losers £15,000, and even first round exits earn £7,500—a testament to the high stakes and fiercely competitive nature of the event.
Let’s not forget the historical context. The Westfalenhalle in Dortmund is hosting the tournament for the fourth consecutive year, cementing its status as a true home of European darts. The venue has witnessed some of the sport’s most memorable moments, and with this year’s field, fans are braced for more electrifying drama.
Debutants like Niko Springer, Wessel Nijman, and Cameron Menzies are eager to make their mark, while veterans such as Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright are determined to prove they still have what it takes to compete at the very highest level. The absence of a defending champion opens the door for new narratives, fresh rivalries, and, perhaps, a surprise or two.
As the first darts fly and the crowd’s roar echoes through the Westfalenhalle, one thing is clear: the 2025 Machineseeker European Championship is wide open. With so many contenders in top form, predicting a winner is no easy task. Will Aspinall continue his hot streak? Can Littler turn his dream into reality and snatch the World No.1 spot? Or will a familiar face reclaim the throne?
As the weekend unfolds, fans will be glued to their screens and seats, savoring every twist and turn. The only certainty is that, come Sunday night, Dortmund will have crowned a new champion—and the journey to get there promises to be unforgettable.