It’s the end of an era for Halle 39 in Hildesheim. After over a decade as a mainstay on the PDC European Tour, the German Darts Championship has officially wrapped up its final chapter—at least for now. The PDC’s 2025 tour calendar confirmed what many had feared: the storied venue is no longer on the list. But if this really was goodbye, Hildesheim made sure to go out with a bang.
A 9-Darter, Record-Breaking Performances, and Pure Emotion
From the very first day, the event delivered. Dutch star Dirk van Duijvenbode set the tone with a spectacular 9-darter in his opening-round clash against Karel Sedlacek. Nicknamed “Aubergenius,” van Duijvenbode wasn’t done: the next day, he recorded a stunning 117.74 average against Chris Dobey—one of the highest in European Tour history and the third-best ever, all-time.
The local crowd had their moment too. German favorite Martin Schindler, down 1-4 in his opening match, mounted a dramatic comeback to win 6-4. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Schindler’s turnaround was one of the weekend’s emotional high points.
Nathan Aspinall Steals the Show
But the standout performer across the weekend was Nathan Aspinall. The Englishman delivered brilliance round after round, averaging over 100 in each of his early matches—including a sizzling 110.77 against Steve Lennon. After dispatching Jermaine Wattimena and Gian van Veen in the later stages, he met van Duijvenbode in the final and claimed his third European Tour title of the season. Only legends like Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Luke Humphries, and Dave Chisnall have reached that milestone in a single year.
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With the win, Aspinall also topped the European Tour Order of Merit and heads to the European Championship in Dortmund as the No. 1 seed.
Hildesheim’s Legacy Lives On
The weekend was more than just great darts—it was a heartfelt goodbye to a venue that meant so much to players and fans alike. Two-time champion Peter Wright reflected on his personal connection: “Hildesheim is a special place. Great games, amazing fans, an unforgettable atmosphere. This tournament is close to my heart.”
Local fans were equally gutted. “You only have to feel the energy here to understand what this event means,” said one disappointed supporter from Goslar. “It’s more than a tournament—it’s a tradition.”
Others shared fond memories, like Ricardo Pietreczko’s title win in 2023, and expressed frustration at the lack of suitable replacements nearby.
Final Thoughts: A Painful but Perfect Send-Off
The German Darts Championship in Hildesheim delivered everything fans could have hoped for—elite performances, dramatic comebacks, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Yet its departure from the tour leaves a bittersweet taste. After 12 years of passion, drama, and unforgettable darts, Halle 39 says goodbye—for now. And who knows? Maybe one day, the PDC caravan will return to one of its most beloved stops.
