European Championship Darts 2026 Draw: Full first round draw, prize money, how to watch for free - as Luke Littler looks to complete collection of major ranking titles

First held in 2008 in Frankfurt, the European Championship is a major ranking PDC darts tournament that was originally created for European players to try theur luck against the world’s top-ranked throwers.

World number one Luke Littler has yet to win a European Championship. | Getty Images

Since then the format, and the venue, has changed, with it now seeing the top 32 players in the European Tour Order of Merit battle it out in a straight knockout tournament.

Read more: Darts Rich List 2026: Here are the 13 players who have won most money in history - Luke Littler net worth after million pound win

Last year saw Gian van Veen defeat Luke Humphries 11-10 in a thrilling final set decider.

They’re both back for the 2026 event, once again being held in Germany.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the European Championship darts 2026 taking place?

The tournament will play out from October 22-25.

Where is the European Championship darts 2026 taking place?

The tournament is being played in the Westfalenhallen venue in Dortmund, Germany.

How much money does the winner get?

There is a total prize fund of £750,000, with the winner bagging a cheque for a cool £150,000.

What is the first round draw?

Here’s who will be playing who in the first round, with the schedule of matches yet to be revealed. The seedings are NOT based on wolrd rankings (which Luke Littler leads), but rather on the 15-event European Tour Order of Merit.

• Ross Smith (1) v Karel Sedlacek (32)
• James Wade (16) v Damon Heta (17)
• Gian van Veen (8) v Andrew Gilding (25)
• Luke Woodhouse (9) v Dirk van Duijvenbode (24)
• Niels Zonneveld (4) v Cameron Menzies (29)
• Gerwyn Price (13) v Rob Cross (20)
• Danny Noppert (5) v Stephen Bunting (28)
• Luke Humphries (12) v Ryan Searle (21)
• Wessel Nijman (2) v Martin Schindler (31)
• Ryan Joyce (15) v Jermaine Wattimena (18)
• Jonny Clayton (7) v Niko Springer (26)
• Josh Rock (10) v Chris Dobey (23)
• Krzysztof Ratajski (3) v Dave Chisnall (30)
• Kevin Doets (14) v Michael van Gerwen (19)
• Nathan Aspinall (6) v Cristo Reyes (27)
• Luke Littler (11) v William O’Connor (22)

How can I watch the European Championship 2026 darts on television?

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Dortmund - somewhat unusually for a major darts championship it will be broadcast live for free on ITV4.

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