- Introduction to the darts European Championship guide
- What is the darts European Championship?
- Understanding darts
- Top Players and Teams:
- Michael Smith (England):
- Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands):
- Gerwyn Price (Wales):
- Peter Wright (Scotland):
- Darts European Championship – Tournament structure:
- Darts European Championship – Past winners and records:
- Darts European Championship – Venue and tickets:
- Betting on darts
- Best Darts European Championship betting sites :
- Strategies and tips:
- Resources and tools
- Conclusion
Introduction to the darts European Championship guide
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Darts European Championship! This guide aims to provide you with a detailed overview of the tournament, its history, significance, and everything you need to know about this exciting darts competition. Whether you are a passionate darts fan, a betting enthusiast, or simply curious about the sport, this guide has something for you.
This guide is designed for both avid darts fans and those with a keen interest in sports betting. If you're a darts enthusiast, you'll find valuable insights into the championship's history and current status, as well as updates on the top players and exciting matches. For betting enthusiasts, we'll provide relevant information to help you make educated decisions when placing bets on the Darts European Championship.
So, whether you're here to indulge in the thrill of darts or to test your betting prowess, we hope this guide will enrich your understanding and enjoyment of the Darts European Championship. Let's dive in and explore the exciting world of darts!

What is the darts European Championship?
The Darts European Championship is a prestigious tournament organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to showcase the top European players and give them a chance to compete against the best-ranked players from the PDC Order of Merit. The championship has been running since 2008 and has grown into one of the key events in the darts calendar.
Why is it Important?
The significance of the Darts European Championship lies in its role in promoting and elevating the sport of darts in Europe. It provides a platform for talented European players to demonstrate their skills and compete at the highest level against the world's top darts players. The tournament also offers a substantial prize fund, attracting the best players from the region and making it a highly anticipated event each year.
Understanding darts
Rules and scoring
Darts is a popular precision sport played by throwing small, pointed missiles (darts) at a circular target board called the dartboard. The objective is to score points by hitting specific areas on the board. Here are the basic rules and scoring system:
The Dartboard:
The standard dartboard consists of 20 numbered segments, each representing a different point value. The outermost circle is called the double ring, and the inner circle is the triple ring. The bullseye is divided into two parts: the outer bull (25 points) and the inner bull, also known as the bullseye (50 points).
Gameplay:
Players take turns throwing three darts each. The player who scores the most points in a round wins that round.
Scoring:
Points are scored based on the segment that the dart lands on:
- Inner Bull (bullseye): 50 points
- Outer Bull: 25 points
- Doubles (the narrow outer ring of each number): The value of the respective number is doubled.
- Triples (the narrow inner ring of each number): The value of the respective number is tripled.
- The center of the board (single 20): 20 points
- The middle ring of the board (single 1): 1 point
Finishing:
The game typically starts with a specific score (e.g., 501 points) that players need to reduce to exactly zero by subtracting their scores from the starting total. The game is usually finished by hitting a double segment, as players must “double out” to win.
Equipment and Setup:
To play darts, you'll need the following equipment:
- Darts: Darts come in various weights and styles. They consist of a point, barrel, shaft, and flight. Players choose darts based on their throwing style and preference.
- Dartboard: The standard dartboard has a diameter of 18 inches and is made of sisal fibers. The numbers and segments are marked on the board to indicate the scoring areas.
- Dart Mat: A dart mat is used to provide a stable surface and protect the floor while playing darts.
- Throwing area: Players stand at a distance of 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the board, known as the throwing line or oche.
Top Players and Teams:
European darts has seen significant growth, and many talented players have emerged as top contenders in the sport. Some of the top players and teams dominating European darts include:
Michael Smith (England):

Known as “Bully Boy,” Smith is one of the rising stars in darts and has claimed several major titles.
Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands):

Van Gerwen, also known as “Mighty Mike,” has been a dominant force in darts and is a former world number one.
Gerwyn Price (Wales):

Price, a former professional rugby player, has become a top player in darts and has achieved significant success in recent years.
Peter Wright (Scotland):

Wright, with his unique hairstyles and colorful darts, is a crowd favorite and a world champion.
In terms of teams, countries like England, Netherlands, and Wales have consistently produced top-performing players and have been dominant forces in European darts tournaments.
Understanding the rules, scoring, and equipment used in darts will enhance your appreciation of the sport and allow you to follow the thrilling matches during the Darts European Championship with a deeper understanding. Keep an eye out for the top players and teams mentioned above as they compete in the upcoming 2023 Cazoo European Championship in Dortmund!
It will take place at the Westfalenhallen Dortmund, Germany, from October 26 to October 29, 2023. This prestigious tournament features the top 32 players from the PDC Order of Merit competing against each other for the title and a share of the prize money.
Darts European Championship – Tournament structure:
The Darts European Championship follows a structured format, featuring top players from the PDC European Tour Order of Merit. Here's an overview of how the championship is structured:
1. Qualification:
The tournament includes the top 32 players from the PDC European Tour Order of Merit. Players earn ranking points based on their performance in European Tour events throughout the year, and the top 32 players qualify for the championship.
2. Main Event:
The main event of the Darts European Championship consists of a knockout format. The 32 qualified players are seeded based on their ranking positions, with the highest-ranked player facing the lowest-ranked player in the first round.
3. Round 1:
The championship typically begins with a first-round stage, where the 32 players compete in a best-of-11-legs match. The player who wins six legs first progresses to the next round.
4. Round 2:
The successful 16 players from the first round advance to the second round, where they compete in a best-of-19-legs match. The player who wins ten legs first moves on to the next stage.
5. Quarterfinals:
The eight players who emerge victorious from the second round compete in the quarterfinals. The format changes to a best-of-31-legs match, and the first player to reach 16 legs secures a spot in the semifinals.
6. Semifinals:
The four remaining players battle it out in the semifinals in a best-of-31-legs match. The first player to reach 16 legs advances to the final.
7. Final:
The two finalists face off in a thrilling best-of-31-legs match to determine the champion of the Darts European Championship. The first player to win 16 legs is crowned the winner.
Darts European Championship – Past winners and records:
The Darts European Championship has witnessed some intense battles and remarkable achievements over the years. Here are some past winners and notable records:
Past Winners:
– 2022: Michael Smith (England)
– 2021: Michael Smith (England)
– 2020: Michael Smith (England)
– 2019: Rob Cross (England)
– 2018: James Wade (England)
– 2017: Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
– 2016: Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
– 2015: Michael Smith (England)
– 2014: Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
– 2013: Adrian Lewis (England)
Notable Records:
- Most Titles: Michael van Gerwen holds the record for the most European Championship titles, with four victories (2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019).
- Highest Average: Michael Smith holds the record for the highest average in a European Championship match, with an impressive average of 111.23.
Darts European Championship – Venue and tickets:
The Darts European Championship is hosted at various venues, with the location changing from year to year. The 2023 Cazoo European Championship will take place at the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, Germany, from October 26th to 29th.
For fans who wish to witness the thrilling action live, tickets for the championship can typically be purchased through official ticketing partners and websites. Details regarding ticket sales, prices, and availability are usually announced closer to the event dates.
Keep an eye on official PDC announcements and the championship's website for updates on venue information and ticket sales to secure your chance to witness the excitement of the Darts European Championship in person!
Betting on darts
Betting on darts adds an extra layer of excitement to watching the sport, and with the Darts European Championship being a major event, it's a great opportunity to try your hand at darts betting. Before you get started, here's an introduction to betting on darts, the types of bets available, understanding odds, and some essential strategies and tips to enhance your betting experience.
Introduction to betting:
Betting on darts is a straightforward process, where you place wagers on different outcomes during a match or tournament. The most common types of bets in darts include predicting the winner of a match, the correct score, the total number of legs played, and even the player with the highest checkout score.
Types of bets:
1. Match Winner: You predict which player will win the match. This can be a straight win or an each-way bet, where you also bet on the player finishing as a runner-up.
2. Correct Score: You bet on the exact final score of the match, such as 10-7, 10-5, etc.
3. Total Legs: You predict the total number of legs played in a match. You can bet on whether the match will have over or under a certain number of legs.
4. Highest Checkout: You bet on which player will score the highest checkout in a match. The checkout is the score achieved to finish a leg, typically on a double or bullseye.
Understanding Odds:
Darts odds are displayed in various formats, such as fractional, decimal, or American. The odds represent the bookmakers' assessment of the likelihood of an outcome occurring. Lower odds indicate a higher probability of winning, while higher odds indicate a lower probability.
For example:
- Fractional Odds: 2/1 means you win £2 for every £1 bet if your prediction is correct.
- Decimal Odds: 2.00 means you win £2 for every £1 bet, including the original stake.
- American Odds: +200 means you win $200 for every $100 bet if your prediction is correct.
Best Darts European Championship betting sites :
When it comes to betting on darts, it's essential to choose a reputable and reliable betting site. Look for sites that offer competitive odds, a wide range of betting markets, user-friendly interfaces, and secure payment options.
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Strategies and tips:
Research:
Familiarise yourself with the players' recent performances, head-to-head records, and their strengths and weaknesses on different finishes.
In-play Betting:
Consider betting during live matches when you can assess the players' form and momentum during the game.
Bankroll Management:
Set a budget for your betting activities and avoid chasing losses. Stick to responsible betting practices to maintain a positive betting experience.
Legal considerations:
Before betting on darts, it's essential to understand the legal considerations in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary by country, and some regions may have specific regulations or restrictions on online betting. Ensure you are aware of the legal status of betting on darts in your location to bet safely and legally.
Remember, betting on darts should be done for entertainment purposes, and it's crucial to bet responsibly and within your means. With the right knowledge, research, and approach, betting on the Darts European Championship can be a rewarding experience for darts fans and betting enthusiasts alike.
Resources and tools
As a darts fan or someone interested in betting on the Darts European Championship, there are various resources and tools available that can enhance your experience. Here are some useful apps, websites, and communities to explore:
Apps and websites:
FlashScore:
The FlashScore app and website provide live scores, results, and statistics for the Darts European Championship. Stay up-to-date with all the latest match outcomes and player performances.
Website: https://www.flashscore.com/darts/european-championship/
PDC.tv:
The official website of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) offers comprehensive coverage of the Darts European Championship, including tournament information, player profiles, and news updates.
Website: https://www.pdc.tv/tournament/cazoo-european-championship
Dart clubs and communities:
1. PDC Europe
Join the official PDC Europe community to connect with fellow darts enthusiasts, discuss the championship, and share your passion for the sport.
Website: https://www.pdc-europe.tv/
2. Reddit – /r/Darts:
The Reddit darts community (/r/Darts) is a vibrant forum where fans from around the world gather to discuss everything related to darts, including the Darts European Championship.
Website: https://www.reddit.com/r/Darts/
Darts Forum:
Darts Forum is an active online community where you can engage in discussions about darts events, players, strategies, and more.
Website: https://www.dartsnutz.net/forum/
Further Reading and Learning Resources:
1. Darts501:
Darts501 is a comprehensive resource for learning about darts rules, techniques, and strategies. It offers guides, tutorials, and practice routines to improve your skills.
Website: https://www.darts501.com/
2. YouTube – PDC.tv:
The official PDC.tv YouTube channel features highlight videos, player interviews, and match replays, providing a great way to relive exciting moments from the Darts European Championship.
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialPDC
3. Book – “Mastering Darts”:
“Mastering Darts” by David Dobson is a popular book that covers various aspects of darts, from fundamentals to advanced strategies, making it a valuable resource for players of all levels.
4. Darts Coaching Courses:
Some darts organizations offer coaching courses and tutorials for those looking to improve their game. Check with local darts associations or the PDC for available options.
With these resources and tools, you can immerse yourself in the world of darts, connect with fellow enthusiasts, stay informed about the Darts European Championship, and enhance your overall darts experience. Enjoy the tournament and happy darting!
Conclusion
In this guide, we explored the exciting world of the Darts European Championship. We learned that the championship is a prestigious PDC darts tournament that allows the top European players to compete against the highest-ranked players from the PDC Order of Merit. The tournament takes place annually in October and features the top 32 players on the PDC European Tour Order of Merit.
The 2022 Cazoo European Championship was the fifteenth edition of this thrilling event, held from October 27 to October 30. The winner's share was an impressive £120,000, contributing to a total prize fund of £500,000.
If you're interested in following the latest scores and results, Flashscore.com is a great resource. For comprehensive coverage and official updates, you can check out the PDC.tv website.
Looking ahead, the 2023 Cazoo European Championship is scheduled to take place from October 26 to October 29 at the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund. It promises to be another thrilling showdown among the top 32 players.
Whether you're a seasoned darts enthusiast or just discovering the sport, there are many ways to engage with the Darts European Championship. You can immerse yourself in the excitement of watching the games live, follow the latest news and updates, and even join online communities to discuss your favorite players and moments.
For those interested in betting on the championship, there are reputable betting platforms like from the one we stated above that offer a variety of darts betting markets and competitive odds.
Additionally, consider exploring darts clubs and communities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share your passion for the game.
Whether you're playing, watching, or betting, the Darts European Championship offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of world-class darts action. So, mark your calendars for the upcoming championship and enjoy the excitement that this fantastic sport has to offer!