Get ready for an electrifying year of darts! The PDC has revealed its ambitious 2027 calendar, packed with exciting new additions and significant expansions. Fans can look forward to the historic first-ever European Tour event in France, the introduction of a brand-new major televised tournament – the European Open in Salzburg – and a dramatically expanded European Championship. The Netherlands also remains a central hub for top-tier darts, hosting Premier League, World Series Finals, and numerous other key tournaments.
A Global Game: The European Tour Expands
The European Tour in 2027 will feature an impressive **fifteen tournaments**, bringing the thrill of professional darts to fans across the continent. A major highlight is the **inaugural European Tour event in France**, taking place in Liévin from **March 19 to 21**. This landmark event will be the fourth tournament of the season, following stops in Kiel, Krakow, and Riesa.
The tour will also make its eagerly anticipated return to familiar territories, including Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
- **France Debut:** Liévin will host its first-ever European Tour event (March 19-21).
- **Belgian Shift:** The European Tour moves to **Ghent**, replacing the previous two Belgian stops in Antwerp and Wieze. The departure of Wieze is particularly noteworthy given its history of successful editions.
Introducing the European Open: A New Major on the Horizon
One of the most exciting additions to the 2027 calendar is the **European Open**. This brand-new, three-day televised tournament will be held in **Salzburg from June 18 to 20**, immediately following the World Cup of Darts. Set to become a significant fixture on the PDC circuit, the European Open boasts a substantial **prize fund of £750,000**.
All PDC Tour Card holders will be eligible to compete, and the format is designed to be similar to the popular UK Open, where players are drawn against each other in an open, randomized format, promising unpredictable and thrilling matches from the very start.
European Championship: Bigger and Better
The **European Championship** is set for a major upgrade in 2027. Held in **Dortmund from October 26 to 31**, the tournament will be extended to **six days**, allowing for more intense competition. The field of players will expand significantly from 32 to **48 participants**, and the total prize money will **double to an impressive £1,000,000**, underscoring its growing prestige.
The Netherlands: A Darts Hotbed in 2027
The Netherlands continues to be a cornerstone of the PDC calendar, hosting a multitude of high-profile darts events throughout 2027.
Rotterdam and Amsterdam: Premier League and World Series Finals
- **Premier League:** The electrifying Premier League Darts will return to **Rotterdam Ahoy** on **Thursday, April 15**, for the eleventh night of action.
- **World Series of Darts Finals:** **Amsterdam** will once again be the stage for the World Series of Darts Finals, held from **September 16 to 19**.
Maastricht: European Tour Finale and More
In October, **Maastricht** will host the **Dutch Darts Championship** from **October 15 to 17**, serving as the fifteenth and final European Tour event of the season. Directly following this, Maastricht will also be the venue for **Players Championship 33 and 34**, along with the crucial **qualifying tournament for Tour Card holders for the Grand Slam of Darts**.
Den Bosch: A Hub for Floor Tournaments and Youth Darts
**Den Bosch** secures a prominent position on the 2027 calendar, particularly for floor tournaments and youth development. In September and October, it will host:
- **Players Championship 29 and 30**
- Qualifying tournaments for the final two European Tours
- Three **Challenge Tour** events
- Three **Development Tour** events
- The **World Youth Championship** on **October 3**, with play concluding at the semi-final stage.
Tour Structure Adjustments: Challenge and Development Tours Streamlined
To optimize the developmental pathways, the **Challenge Tour** and **Development Tour** schedules will be adjusted in 2027, each reduced to **eighteen tournaments**. The **Players Championship** series will maintain its current robust schedule of **34 events**, ensuring consistent opportunities for professional players throughout the year.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
