In a thrilling showdown at the Maritim Hotel Bonn, just one day after the intense PDC World Championship Final, the Pro7 Promi Darts WM 2026 crowned its champions. Dutch darts sensation Michael van Gerwen secured his fourth title at this event, partnering with musician and extreme athlete Joey Kelly. The dynamic duo triumphed over TV chef Alexander Kumptner and professional Nathan Aspinall with a decisive 3-1 victory in the final. Kelly’s clutch finishes at critical moments proved instrumental throughout their journey to glory, making this an unforgettable tournament for fans.
Darts Drama Unfolds: Celebrities and Pros Battle for Supremacy
The stage was set for an evening of high-stakes darts, blending celebrity enthusiasm with professional precision. The tournament, held in Bonn, brought together an eclectic mix of personalities, all vying for the coveted Promi Darts WM title.
Group Stage: Early Surprises and Stellar Performances
The tournament kicked off with two fiercely contested group stages, each providing its share of drama and unexpected twists.
Group A Highlights: Favoritism Tested
- Joey Kelly & Michael van Gerwen, clear favorites, faced an immediate challenge against football manager Reiner Calmund and pro Martin Schindler. Calmund, struggling to even hit the board, relied heavily on Schindler. Despite Kelly’s own inconsistent throwing, “Mighty Mike” secured a tense decider win with a crucial double 1, setting the tone for a hard-fought evening.
- Their second group match saw Kelly/van Gerwen battle moderator Gülcan Kamps & Luke Humphries. This match also went to a decider, with Kamps showing commendable skill. Humphries ultimately sealed the win with a stunning 120 checkout, proving that even top teams could be pushed to their limits.
- The final Group A match pitted Gülcan Kamps & Luke Humphries against Reiner Calmund & Martin Schindler. Kamps coolly finished 43 on tops to take the first leg. Schindler forced a decider, but a series of missed finishes by both celebrity and professional players led to a dramatic conclusion. Ultimately, it was Gülcan Kamps who checked out on single 8, securing a surprising group victory for her team!
Group B Highlights: Unexpected Heroes Emerge
- The evening began for Cathy Hummels & Gian van Veen against TV chef Alexander Kumptner & Nathan Aspinall. Hummels’ darts were scattered, while Kumptner showed more promise. Despite “The Giant” van Veen hitting the first 180 of the night, Aspinall’s double 16 and Hummels’ “no score” moment (missing the board entirely) pushed the match to a decider. In a truly unexpected turn, Cathy Hummels hit single 12 to secure a 2-1 victory for her team!
- Next, former Brazilian footballer Ailton & Stephen Bunting took on Cathy Hummels & Gian van Veen. Ailton impressively claimed the first leg on single 14. After Hummels/van Veen leveled the score, another highlight unfolded: Cathy Hummels sensationally finished 40 points on tops with her first dart, clinching another group win!
- The final Group B match saw Alexander Kumptner & Nathan Aspinall comfortably defeat Ailton & Stephen Bunting 2-0, securing their spot in the intermediate round.
The Knockout Rounds: Pressure Mounts
With the group stages concluded, the competition intensified as teams entered the straight knockout format.
- Intermediate Round 1: Kelly/Van Gerwen vs. Ailton/Bunting
Joey Kelly once again rose to the occasion, checking out 32 points to give his team an early lead. Despite Ailton and Bunting squandering multiple check opportunities, Bunting eventually hit single 4 to advance. However, “The Bullet’s” performance wasn’t quite up to his usual Premier League standards. - Intermediate Round 2: Kumptner/Aspinall vs. Calmund/Schindler
Alexander Kumptner and Nathan Aspinall, seen as favorites after the group stage, faced Reiner Calmund and Martin Schindler. Calmund continued to struggle, making it difficult for his team. Despite “The Wall” Schindler hitting a maximum, Calmund’s two subsequent “no scores” proved too costly. Aspinall swiftly secured a 2-0 victory. Calmund later revealed in an interview that arm pain had hampered his throwing.
Semifinal Sensation: The Finalists Emerge
The tension was palpable as the final four teams battled for a place in the Grand Final.
- Semifinal 1: Joey Kelly & Michael van Gerwen vs. Gülcan Kamps & Luke Humphries
Despite Kamps and Humphries winning their previous group encounter, Kelly and Van Gerwen dominated this semifinal. “Cool Hand Luke” missed vital check opportunities, and Kamps couldn’t hit the crucial big 4. MvG then clinically hit double 16 for the win, sending Kelly to yet another final in his impressive career filled with successes from various celebrity competitions. - Semifinal 2: Alexander Kumptner & Nathan Aspinall vs. Cathy Hummels & Gian van Veen
Kumptner and Aspinall faced a tough challenge against the unexpected group winners. Hummels and van Veen struggled with their scoring in the first leg, falling behind. In the second leg, “The Giant” van Veen set his partner up with 50 remaining, but it wasn’t enough. Aspinall hit double 16 to secure a 2-0 victory, booking his team’s spot in the final.
The Grand Finale: Kelly & Van Gerwen Crowned Champions!
The stage was set for an epic conclusion: Michael van Gerwen and Joey Kelly aiming for Van Gerwen’s fourth title, while Nathan Aspinall and Alexander Kumptner sought their first. The final was a captivating affair.
Van Gerwen initially missed his double chances, allowing Kumptner and Aspinall to secure an early break. Kumptner, improving his scoring, couldn’t convert his check darts. Seizing the moment, Joey Kelly calmly hit double 16 to level the match at 1-1. The Irish-Dutch duo then took a 2-1 lead.
With the match point in sight, MvG narrowly missed a 78 finish, and Kumptner came agonizingly close on 36. But it was fittingly Joey Kelly who stepped up to check out 20 points, securing the tournament victory for his team! Their 3-1 win cemented their place as the Promi Darts WM 2026 champions.
Tournament Results at a Glance
Group Stage Standings (Top 2 Advanced)
Group A:
- Gülcan Kamps & Luke Humphries (2 wins, 0 losses)
- Joey Kelly & Michael van Gerwen (1 win, 1 loss)
- Reiner Calmund & Martin Schindler (0 wins, 2 losses)
Group B:
- Cathy Hummels & Gian van Veen (2 wins, 0 losses)
- Alexander Kumptner & Nathan Aspinall (1 win, 1 loss)
- Ailton & Stephen Bunting (0 wins, 2 losses)
Knockout Round Pathway
Intermediate Round:
- Joey Kelly & Michael van Gerwen (Group A 2nd) defeated Ailton & Stephen Bunting (Group B 3rd) 2-0
- Alexander Kumptner & Nathan Aspinall (Group B 2nd) defeated Reiner Calmund & Martin Schindler (Group A 3rd) 2-0
Semifinals:
- Joey Kelly & Michael van Gerwen defeated Gülcan Kamps & Luke Humphries (Group A 1st) 2-0
- Alexander Kumptner & Nathan Aspinall defeated Cathy Hummels & Gian van Veen (Group B 1st) 2-0
Final:
- Joey Kelly & Michael van Gerwen defeated Alexander Kumptner & Nathan Aspinall 3-1
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
