European Tour Order of Merit: Littler Narrows Gap to Nathan Aspinall with Title Win as Several Top Players Skip Dortmund

The Flanders Darts Trophy, held last weekend in Antwerp, marked the tenth stop on the European Tour 2025. With just four events remaining — the Czech Darts Open, Hungarian Darts Trophy, Swiss Darts Trophy, and German Darts Championship — the battle for qualification for this year’s European Championship in Dortmund is intensifying.

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Aspinall Holds the Lead, Littler Closes In Van Gerwen Drops Out of Top 10 Humphries, De Decker Still in the Mix Battle for the Final Spots Intensifies European Tour Order of Merit

The top 32 players from the European Tour Order of Merit will earn their place at the prestigious event, set to take place from October 23 to 26. With ten of the fourteen tournaments now completed, the picture is becoming clearer — though several big names are still in danger of missing out.

Aspinall Holds the Lead, Littler Closes In

Despite missing the tournament in Antwerp, Nathan Aspinall remains at the top of the rankings with £76,000 in prize money, thanks to his earlier victories at the European Darts Open and the European Darts Trophy.

However, rising star Luke Littler, who triumphed in a dramatic 8–7 final against Josh Rock in Antwerp, has significantly closed the gap. “The Nuke” now trails Aspinall by less than £10,000 and shares second place with Germany’s Martin Schindler, who has enjoyed a consistent season.

Also in the top 10 are:

Gary Anderson (4th), despite missing the Flanders event
Jonny Clayton
Gerwyn Price
Ross Smith
Stephen Bunting
Wessel Nijman
Josh Rock, who broke into the top 10 after his runner-up finish

Van Gerwen Drops Out of Top 10

Four-time European Champion Michael van Gerwen suffered a shock first-round exit to Gian van Veen in Antwerp, causing him to slip out of the top 10. Though his current form is inconsistent, “Mighty Mike” still has ample opportunity to secure qualification in the remaining events.

Humphries, De Decker Still in the Mix

Former world champion Luke Humphries, who missed the Flanders Darts Trophy, sits in 15th place. Though not yet guaranteed a spot, it would be surprising to see “Cool Hand Luke” fall out of the top 32 with four events remaining.

Just behind him in 16th is Mike De Decker, who reached the second round in Antwerp before losing to Schindler. The Belgian star, who reached the final of the season’s opening event, the Belgian Darts Open, remains in a good position but can’t afford to ease off.

Battle for the Final Spots Intensifies

Veteran Raymond van Barneveld currently clings to the 32nd and final qualification spot. However, the margin is razor-thin, and several notable players are within striking distance:

Chris Dobey
Ritchie Edhouse (the reigning European Champion)
Peter Wright

All remain at risk of missing out if they don’t perform strongly in the final four events.

Outside the top 32 are former finalists and champions including:

Jermaine Wattimena (last year’s runner-up)
Joe Cullen (34th)
Michael Smith (35th)

Meanwhile, established names such as Rob Cross, Kim Huybrechts, Mensur Suljovic, and Dimitri van den Bergh are also currently outside the qualification zone — and time is running out.