The PDC Nordic & Baltic Tour burst into action in Riga, delivering an electrifying start to the season. Andreas Harrysson, Cor Dekker, and Jani Haavisto were the standout players, each claiming significant victories. Harrysson secured a spot in the Poland Darts Open, Dekker clinched a Pro Tour title after an eight-year gap, and Haavisto made a triumphant return, winning both a European Tour qualifier and a Pro Tour event. The intense competition also saw Jonas Masalin qualify for the European Darts Trophy, setting the stage for a thrilling darts season.
The Riga Gauntlet: A Season Opener Like No Other
February kicked off with a bang as Riga played host to the opening leg of the PDC Nordic & Baltic Tour. This wasn’t just a gentle warm-up; it was a relentless crucible of ambition, featuring two NB Tour events and three coveted qualification spots for the prestigious European Tour. Players from across the region arrived ravenous for immediate success, transforming Latvia into a battleground of high-stakes darts.
European Tour Dreams: The First Qualifiers
The action began sharply, with players immediately vying for a spot in the 2026 Poland Darts Open. This solitary qualification place set a high-pressure tone for the entire weekend.
- Poland Darts Open Qualifier: Harrysson’s Commanding Victory
It was no great surprise when Sweden’s Andreas Harrysson emerged as the victor, showcasing a dominant performance. He convincingly overcame Finland’s Jani Haavisto with a powerful mid-90s average, securing his ticket to Krakow. This emphatic win not only earned him a European Tour berth but also ignited a rivalry that would resurface throughout the weekend. - European Darts Trophy Qualifier: Finland Strikes Back
With no time for reflection, the focus immediately shifted to the next challenge: qualifying for the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen. This qualifier saw a swift reversal of fortunes. This time, Finland’s Jonas Masalin triumphed, defeating Swedish opposition to book his place in Germany.
Pro Tour Drama: Dekker’s Long-Awaited Triumph
Friday morning brought the first Pro Tour event of the campaign, which proved to be a nail-biting affair, demanding every ounce of emotional investment from players and spectators alike.
In a thrilling climax, Cor Dekker finally emerged victorious from a last-leg decider against none other than Andreas Harrysson. This wasn’t just another win for Dekker; it was a profound moment, marking only his second Nordic & Baltic Pro Tour title. What made it even more special was that his previous triumph had been eight long years prior, making this victory feel less like a win and more like a hard-earned vindication of his enduring talent.
Rivalries Reignited: Haavisto Strikes Back
The day concluded with more European Tour business, and a score was swiftly settled. Jani Haavisto, still feeling the sting of his earlier defeat to Harrysson, delivered a measured and decisive revenge. In the final of the Belgian Darts Open qualifier, Haavisto defeated Harrysson, securing his own route into continental competition. This win not only earned him a spot in Weeze, Germany, but also restored a competitive balance between the two rivals.
Haavisto’s Dominant Comeback: A Weekend to Remember
The intense weekend culminated with the second Pro Tour event, and it was Jani Haavisto who truly seized the momentum. Clearly galvanised by his earlier success and the opportunity at hand, Haavisto tore through the field with renewed authority. His impressive run concluded with a 6-4 victory over Oskar Lukasiak in the final.
This remarkable performance capped a profoundly successful return to the PDC for the 38-year-old Finn, who was competing at this level for the first time in almost a decade. It was a clear statement of intent and a testament to his dedication.
What This Means for the Nordic & Baltic Season
If this opening chapter in Riga is any indication, the PDC Nordic & Baltic season is set to be volatile, unpredictable, and utterly unwilling to wait. The intensity of competition, the emergence of fierce rivalries, and the sheer drama witnessed in Latvia promise an exhilarating darts season ahead, ensuring fans will be on the edge of their seats.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
