The highly anticipated draw for the 53rd Dutch Open Darts, set to take place from February 5th to 8th, 2026, has just been revealed. This massive event will see over 6,000 players compete across 12 prestigious tournaments. While reigning men’s singles champion Jeffrey Sparidaans and women’s singles champion Rhian O’Sullivan will not be defending their titles due to professional commitments, men’s doubles champions Klaas Buijsman and Koen den Hartog are back to pursue another victory. Fans worldwide can follow every dart live through the DartConnect system.
Darts Extravaganza: Over 6,000 Players Converge on Assen
From Thursday, February 5th, to Sunday, February 8th, 2026, the city of Assen, Netherlands, will become the epicentre of the darts world. The 53rd edition of the Dutch Open Darts, renowned as one of the largest and most vibrant open darts tournaments globally, is set to host an astounding more than 6,000 players. These competitors will battle it out for a share of glory across 12 different prestigious titles, promising four days of intense, high-stakes darts action.
Champions Absent: A Look at the Singles Titles
This year’s tournament will see a change at the top, as both the reigning men’s and women’s singles champions will not be defending their crowns:
- Jeffrey Sparidaans (Men’s Singles): The current men’s singles champion will not be participating. Having recently secured a coveted PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) Tour Card, Sparidaans is now part of the professional circuit. PDC Tour Card holders are typically restricted from competing in certain World Darts Federation (WDF) ranked open events like the Dutch Open, to avoid conflicts and maintain the integrity of their professional tours. This means a new men’s singles champion will be crowned in 2026.
- Rhian O’Sullivan (Women’s Singles): Similarly, Rhian O’Sullivan has made the decision to prioritize the Women’s Series. This series of tournaments is crucial for professional female players aiming to qualify for major championships and improve their ranking within the professional darts circuit. Her commitment to these high-stakes professional events means she will not be competing in Assen, opening the door for a new women’s singles champion.
However, in the men’s doubles category, Klaas Buijsman and Koen den Hartog are returning. They hope to extend their fairytale run from last year and successfully defend their title, aiming for back-to-back victories in the fiercely competitive doubles event.
Never Miss a Dart: Live Scoring with DartConnect
For those unable to attend the electrifying atmosphere in Assen, staying updated on all the action is easier than ever. Just like last year, all tournaments will be meticulously managed using the advanced DartConnect system. This innovative platform allows for all scores of every single match to be followed live. This means whether you’re at home or on the go, you can keep track of every throw, every checkout, and every crucial moment as it happens, ensuring you don’t miss any of the excitement.
The Titles Up for Grabs: A Diverse Range of Competitions
The 12 prestigious titles contested at the Dutch Open Darts 2026 cater to a wide array of players and categories. Here’s a comprehensive list of the tournaments:
- Men’s Warm-up Tournament
- Ladies’ Warm-up Tournament
- Men’s Doubles
- Ladies’ Doubles
- Men’s Singles
- Ladies’ Singles
- Girls’ Tournament (Youth)
- Aspirants’ Tournament (Youth)
- Juniors’ Tournament (Youth)
- Paradarters Doubles (Players with Disabilities)
- Paradarters Seated Singles (Players with Disabilities)
- Paradarters Standing Singles (Players with Disabilities)
This diverse lineup ensures that players of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to compete and showcase their talent on a grand stage.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
