Get ready for a darts revolution! The inaugural European Open is set to electrify Salzburg from June 18-20, 2027, bringing together a massive 160-player field to compete for an incredible £750,000 prize fund. This groundbreaking three-day event is designed to give both established pros and aspiring talents a unique chance to shine on a major stage, promising thrilling upsets and unforgettable moments.
A Tournament for Everyone: The 160-Player Field
The European Open is breaking new ground by including a diverse range of players, ensuring a true “open” competition reminiscent of the popular UK Open.
Who’s playing?
- All 128 PDC Tour Card Holders (the professionals)
- 16 international qualifiers
- Top 4 players from the Challenge Tour (for aspiring pros)
- Top 4 players from the Development Tour (for young talents)
- 8 qualifiers from PDC Europe Start (grassroots players)
Inspired by Success: The UK Open Model
This new tournament draws clear inspiration from the highly successful UK Open, often dubbed the “FA Cup of Darts” for its unpredictable nature. The core idea is to give emerging talents and ambitious amateur players a genuine opportunity to test their skills against the world’s biggest darts stars. This creates an environment where anyone can cause an upset and make a name for themselves, fostering a unique sense of possibility.
Experience the Action: What Spectators Can Expect
The Salzburgarena will transform into a darts paradise, offering an unparalleled spectator experience:
- Eight boards running simultaneously, allowing fans to move freely and get up close to the action.
- Beyond the darts, expect a lively Erdinger beer garden, interactive activities, and additional entertainment throughout the weekend, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
A Vision for Growth: What the PDC Says
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter emphasizes the event’s importance, stating: “The European Open represents another significant step in the growth of our sport across Europe.” He highlights the “sense of possibility” and the chance for players from all backgrounds to compete, just like the UK Open. This event provides a new aspiration for players progressing through the development and amateur circuits, strengthening the pathway from grassroots to professional darts.
Pathways to Professionalism: PDC Europe Start
The inclusion of PDC Europe Start qualifiers is particularly noteworthy. This initiative provides a direct route for grassroots players to enter a major PDC event, complementing established pathways like the Challenge and Development Tours. Full details of the qualification process will be announced in due course.
Mark Your Calendars: Event Details
The European Open is a key addition to the expanded 2027 PDC calendar, following the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt (June 10-13). This makes June 2027 a massive month for European darts.
Tickets:
- Day tickets will be available for Friday and Saturday.
- Separate tickets for Sunday’s sessions.
- Ticket pre-sale opens on November 12, 2026.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
