Florian Hempel, a German darts professional born in 1990, boasts a unique sports journey. He initially pursued a promising career in handball, even playing in Germany’s second-tier league, before a pivotal moment led him to trade the handball court for the dartboard. After a period of intense dedication, including living on benefits to master his new craft, Hempel rapidly climbed the darts ranks, securing his coveted PDC Tour Card in 2021. While a major title has eluded him, he’s celebrated for his memorable performances, including dramatic comebacks in prestigious tournaments. Despite recently facing the challenge of losing his Tour Card and admitting a dip in focus, Hempel remains a prominent figure, actively engaging with fans through exhibitions, workshops, and commentary, hinting at a versatile future in the world of darts.
From Handball Courts to the Oche: An Unconventional Path
A Promising Handball Career
Florian Hempel’s athletic career began far from the dartboard. He was a dedicated handball player, demonstrating significant talent and commitment. His journey led him to play for Dessau-Roßlauer HV in the 2010–11 2 Handball-Bundesliga season, a testament to his high level of skill in the sport. However, a step down in league proved to be a turning point. This setback was so discouraging that Hempel made the bold decision to walk away from handball entirely.
The Leap of Faith into Darts
After leaving handball, Hempel discovered a new passion: darts. What started as a casual hobby at home quickly revealed a hidden talent. Believing he had the potential to succeed, he made a life-altering decision in 2018: he quit his job as a fitness coach and nutritionist to dedicate himself fully to darts. For a period, he even lived on benefits, pouring all his energy into honing his throwing arm and mastering the intricacies of the game. This immense dedication quickly paid off. By 2019, Hempel had established himself on the semi-professional circuit, and his hard work culminated in him earning his PDC Tour Card in 2021, officially marking his transition to a full-time professional darts player.
On the Professional Oche: Highs and Dramatic Moments
Hempel’s five years as a professional have been filled with significant achievements, even if a major title has remained just out of reach. He has consistently showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, often delivering memorable performances.
Notable Tournament Performances
- UK Open Success: Hempel has a strong record at the UK Open, one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments. He reached the Fourth Round three times consecutively from 2022 to 2024, a remarkable feat demonstrating his consistency.
- PDC World Championship Highlights: The biggest stage in darts has also seen Hempel shine. He advanced to the Third Round of the PDC World Championship in both 2022 and 2024.
One of his most iconic moments came during the 2024 World Championship. After finding himself 0-2 down against the highly-rated Dimitri van den Bergh, Hempel mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-2, thrilling fans with his resilience. Ironically, he had also defeated Van den Bergh at the same stage in the 2022 tournament, a victory he later described as ‘madness’ due to its unexpected nature. While his 2024 World Championship run ended with a 0-4 loss to Stephen Bunting in the subsequent round, his dramatic win against Van den Bergh cemented his reputation as a formidable and exciting competitor.
Beyond the Board: Challenges and Future Endeavors
The Realities of Professional Darts
Life as a professional darts player comes with immense pressure and challenges, something Hempel has openly discussed. By his own admission, he recently experienced a significant setback: he lost his focus on professional darts, which subsequently led to him losing his coveted PDC Tour Card. This highlights the demanding nature of maintaining peak performance and mental fortitude in the sport.
A New Chapter in Darts
Despite the recent competitive challenges, Florian Hempel remains a vibrant and active figure within the darts community. He continues to engage with the sport in various capacities:
- He regularly participates in exhibitions, showcasing his skills and entertaining fans outside of tournament play.
- He hosts workshops, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring players.
- Hempel has also made appearances on German television as a guest commentator, offering insights and analysis during major darts events.
These activities suggest that Hempel might be exploring a future in darts that extends beyond the competitive spotlight of the professional oche. However, it’s widely acknowledged that he still possesses the talent and ability to compete at the top level, leaving fans curious about his next move in the world of darts.
Who is Florian Hempel? Quick Facts
- Born: 1990
- Hometown: Dessau, Germany
- Current Residence: Cologne, Germany
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
