On Friday night, the final eight matches of the first round of the 2024 European Darts Championship will take place at the Westfalenhallen. This year’s tournament marks the seventeenth edition of the championship, featuring defending champion Peter Wright, who secured his second title in 2023 by defeating James Wade in the final.
The event will also showcase the two finalists from the recent World Darts Championship, adding to the excitement. Notably, Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor are the record champions of the European Darts Championship, each having won four titles. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eagerly anticipating who will rise to the occasion this year.
Danny Noppert vs. Joe Cullen
The upcoming match between Danny Noppert and Joe Cullen is sure to be thrilling, as both players have shown they can perform at a high level. Noppert holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 4-3, but with no prior televised encounters, the stakes are even higher.
Noppert has faced challenges this TV season, suffering early exits in major tournaments like the World Cup, World Matchplay, and World Grand Prix, which may add pressure as he seeks to turn his fortunes around. Conversely, Cullen is gaining momentum, having reached the quarterfinals at the World Grand Prix and appearing to find his form again.
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With both players capable of exceptional darts, fans can expect a closely contested match, where every throw could be decisive in determining who advances to the next round.
Chris Dobey vs. Jonny Clayton
The matchup between Jonny Clayton and Chris Dobey is set to be intriguing, especially with Clayton holding a solid 10-6 lead in their head-to-head encounters, making him a slight favorite. Clayton’s experience on big stages and recent success, including a Euro Tour final appearance and a Players Championship title, underscores his capability to perform under pressure.
On the other hand, Dobey has had a mixed season since his impressive quarterfinal run at the World Championship. While he hasn’t quite broken through in other major tournaments, his three titles on the Players Championship circuit indicate he’s in strong form. This match presents Dobey with a crucial opportunity to elevate his game on television, and fans can expect both players to showcase their skills as they aim to outdo each other.
With their respective strengths, this clash promises to deliver plenty of excitement, as both Clayton and Dobey seek to prove they have more to offer in the coming months.
Rob Cross vs. James Wade
The clash between Rob Cross and James Wade is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, highlighting the depth of talent in the tournament. With both players boasting impressive resumes—Cross with two European Darts Championship titles and Wade with one—this match carries a lot of weight.
Wade’s strong season, featuring a semifinal appearance at the World Matchplay and a quarterfinal finish at the World Grand Prix, showcases his ability to perform on big stages. Meanwhile, Cross has shown remarkable consistency, reaching at least the quarterfinals in all major tournaments this year and even clinching a Euro Tour title.
Their head-to-head record, with Wade leading 12-10, suggests a closely contested match. Both players have the experience and skill to capitalize on any mistakes, making this potential highlight of the first round not only a battle of tactics but also a test of mental fortitude. Fans can expect an intense showdown as each player looks to leverage their strengths and secure a place in the next round.
Ricardo Pietreczko vs. Damon Heta
The upcoming match between Damon Heta and Ricardo Pietreczko is set to be a compelling clash. Heta, leading their head-to-head 2-1, enters the contest with strong form, highlighted by a semifinal finish at the UK Open and two Players Championship titles this season. His experience and consistency are significant advantages.
Conversely, Pietreczko has turned his season around after a challenging start, reaching the semifinals at the Flanders Darts Trophy recently. His ability to surprise more established players adds an element of intrigue to this matchup.
Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on who can better manage the pressure and capitalize on their opportunities. Heta’s track record suggests he could be favored, but Pietreczko’s recent resurgence means fans should expect an exciting, tightly contested battle.
Peter Wright vs. Jermaine Wattimena
Defending champion Peter Wright kicks off his tournament against Jermaine Wattimena, with a notable edge in their head-to-head record, leading 17-4. This history makes Wright the clear favorite going into the match. However, it’s worth noting that Wright has struggled to find his form in 2024, failing to reach the quarterfinals at any major ranking tournament thus far.
On the other hand, Wattimena is enjoying a solid season, having reached three quarterfinals on the Euro Tour. He’ll be eager to secure his first major televised result and could see this as a prime opportunity, especially if he can exploit Wright’s recent inconsistency.
While Wright’s past dominance suggests he should win, Wattimena’s determination and current form could lead to a closely contested match, making it an intriguing encounter to watch.
Luke Littler vs. Andrew Gilding
In this exciting matchup, 17-year-old Luke Littler makes his debut at the European Darts Championship, bringing a fresh energy to the tournament. Littler has had a remarkable season, securing two Euro Tour titles and delivering impressive performances in various televised events, although those didn’t count towards world rankings.
On the other hand, Andrew Gilding brings more experience to the stage but has struggled at this particular event in the past, suffering first-round exits in previous years. Their last encounter saw Littler best Gilding at the World Cup, adding a psychological edge for the young contender.
For Gilding to advance, he’ll need to deliver an exceptional performance against Littler, who is considered one of the top favorites for the title. This match promises to be a thrilling clash of youth versus experience, with Littler looking to capitalize on his momentum and Gilding aiming to prove he can rise to the occasion.
Luke Humphries vs. Nathan Aspinall
The matchup between Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall is indeed one of the most captivating of the first round. Humphries is riding a wave of success, having captured titles at the World Matchplay and the World Cup of Darts, along with a recent victory at the Czech Darts Open. His confidence and form make him a formidable opponent.
In contrast, Aspinall has faced challenges this season, struggling with injuries that forced him to miss six Euro Tour events, resulting in a lower finish on the rankings. Despite this, Aspinall is known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Their head-to-head record is closely contested, with Humphries leading 8-7 overall, including five wins in their eight encounters this year.
While Humphries may be the favorite given his recent form, Aspinall’s fighting spirit means he can never be counted out. If he manages to find his rhythm, this match could go either way, making it a must-watch as both players vie for a place in the next round.
Josh Rock vs. Mike De Decker
The first round’s finale featuring Josh Rock against Mike De Decker promises to be an exciting encounter. De Decker comes into the match with significant momentum, having recently claimed the title at the World Grand Prix and reaching the quarterfinals at the Czech Darts Open. His recent performances demonstrate his ability to compete at a high level.
On the other hand, Josh Rock has had a mixed season, capturing a Euro Tour title but struggling with early exits in four of the five major tournaments. Despite this inconsistency, Rock possesses the talent to challenge any opponent when he’s on form, and he’ll be eager to make a statement in this tournament.
With De Decker holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 2-1, this match could be closely contested. Rock’s determination to advance could make all the difference, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown between two players looking to assert themselves in the tournament.
Distribution of prize money
The 2024 European Darts Championship sees a significant boost in the prize fund, increased by £100,000 compared to 2023. While the winner and runner-up will still receive the same amounts as last year, this change benefits players who exit earlier in the tournament.
All 32 participants are guaranteed a starting premium of £7,500, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. This commitment ensures that players are rewarded for their participation, with the eventual champion taking home a total of £120,000. This enhanced prize structure not only raises the stakes but also encourages a competitive atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Format
- First round – Best of 11 legs
- Second round – Best of 19 legs
- Quarterfinals – Best of 19 legs
- Semifinals – Best of 21 legs
- Final – Best of 21 legs
Schedule European Darts Championship 2024
Friday, Oct. 25 (from 6 p.m.)
First round
- Danny Noppert v Joe Cullen
- Chris Dobey v Jonny Clayton
- Rob Cross v James Wade
- Ricardo Pietreczko v Damon Heta
- Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
- Luke Littler v Andrew Gilding
- Luke Humphries v Nathan Aspinall
- Josh Rock v Mike De Decker
