In this exclusive interview, Philip Brzezinski, a pivotal figure at PDC Europe, shares his remarkable journey from a casual fan to a leading MC and Head of Sports. He reveals how the European Darts Tour is expanding into new territories like Poland and Slovakia in 2026, driven by an unprecedented boom in European darts, especially in Germany. Brzezinski offers a behind-the-scenes look at the “greatest tour in professional sports,” highlighting its unique atmosphere and the strategic vision for its continued growth across the continent.
From Fan to Frontman: Philip Brzezinski’s Darts Journey
Philip Brzezinski’s path to becoming one of darts’ most recognizable voices and influential figures is a testament to passion and opportunity. His fascination with the sport began early, sparked by a thrilling semi-final match at the 2005/06 PDC World Darts Championship between legends Phil Taylor and Wayne Mardle. “I was hooked from that moment,” he recalls, becoming a dedicated fan of “The Power.”
A shoulder injury at 16 forced him to quit football, opening the door for him to pick up the darts himself. He played in a club until his mid-20s, even winning a league title with his team, DC Bern – a personal highlight amidst many self-proclaimed “low-lights.”
His professional career in darts began unexpectedly. While studying media and communication science in Switzerland and commentating on football for extra income, a small Swiss TV station acquired rights for the final days of the 2017/18 World Championship. Needing someone with darts knowledge to commentate, they reached out to Brzezinski. This opportunity was his gateway to PDC Europe, where he eventually transitioned from media roles to his current pivotal position.
PDC vs. PDC Europe: Understanding the Darts Ecosystem
For many fans, the distinction between PDC and PDC Europe isn’t always clear. Brzezinski clarifies: “You could say that we are like the European branch of the PDC.”
- The PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) manages major events primarily in the UK, such as the World Championships, Premier League, and World Series events.
- PDC Europe focuses on establishing and spreading darts across continental Europe, with the European Tour as its flagship series. “The PDC is the big mothership in the UK, and we are flying our smaller vessel here in Europe, but it is growing – and it’s growing steadily,” Brzezinski explains.
Beyond the Microphone: The Many Hats of Philip Brzezinski
While most fans recognize Brzezinski as the charismatic MC who introduces players onto the stage at European Tour events, this is just a fraction of his extensive responsibilities. As Head of Sports for PDC Europe, his role is incredibly diverse and demanding:
- Event Organization: He oversees floor events and the crucial qualifying tournaments that feed into the main tour.
- Marking Scheme Development: Brzezinski has been instrumental in building up the marking scheme for PDC Europe over the past few years, ensuring fair and consistent officiating.
- Production Coordination: He is part of a core team of 15-20 full-time staff, which expands to 100-150 people on European Tour weekends. This massive effort involves everything from stage setup to intricate broadcasting technologies. “I just arrive on the day and put the cherry on the cake, and finish a product which has been planned for months beforehand,” he modestly states.
Despite the complex behind-the-scenes work, Brzezinski admits his MC duties remain “closest to my heart.” He cherishes the unique atmosphere of darts events, where thousands of fans enjoy themselves peacefully, creating a vibrant and respectful environment.
Stepping into the Spotlight: Becoming an MC
Brzezinski began his MC journey even before joining PDC Europe full-time in November 2019. His first significant MC gig for PDC Europe was at the Super League Finals in Düsseldorf in late 2018, followed by a European Tour event in Leverkusen in early 2019. He gradually grew into the full-time MC role alongside his media responsibilities.
He’s also a familiar face to German-speaking fans as a commentator and pundit, notably covering the World Championships for Sport1. During a recent World Championship, he even had a humorous moment where he “snuck onto stage” at Ally Pally, only to be playfully “kicked off” by the legendary John McDonald.
Regarding the online support for him to potentially replace the retiring John McDonald on major stages, Brzezinski expresses gratitude but remains content with his current focus. “I’m just super happy doing what I’m doing,” he affirms, committed to continental European events like the World Cup and European Championships.
The German Darts Revolution: A Golden Era
Brzezinski offers a unique insight into the explosion of darts talent in Germany, a phenomenon he has actively helped foster. “No, I don’t think German darts has ever been in a better position!” he declares unequivocally.
Germany now boasts an impressive depth of talent, spearheaded by:
- Martin Schindler: Currently in the world’s Top 16, with three European Tour titles in recent seasons.
- Ricardo Pietreczko: A European Tour event winner.
- Niko Springer: Had an exceptional debut year on the Tour, winning in Hungary.
- Yorick Hofkens & Stefan Bellmont (Switzerland): Young talents who have recently earned PDC Tour Cards, showcasing the broader impact of PDC Europe’s initiatives.
While Gabriel Clemens’ semi-final run at the World Championship stunned many, Brzezinski believes the next step for German darts is to achieve more regular deep runs in major events. PDC Europe plays a crucial role in this growth, not only by hosting numerous profitable events in Germany due to massive ticket demand but also through initiatives like the “Next Gen” series. This program, now in its third season, aims to nurture emerging talent from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, ensuring a continuous pipeline of players as established stars like Mensur Suljovic age.
When asked about the ultimate milestone for German darts – a Premier League spot or a World Champion title – Brzezinski acknowledges the immense challenge of winning a World Championship. He believes a Premier League spot is a “realistic option at some point,” but emphasizes that consistent deep runs in major events are the immediate priority. “It’s probably time to transfer that onto the major stage,” he says of players like Schindler, urging them to focus on their results, which will naturally lead to greater opportunities.
2026 European Tour: New Horizons in Poland and Slovakia
Fans of the European Tour have much to anticipate in 2026, with Brzezinski promising “mayhem in the most positive sense of the word.” He echoes colleague Dan Dawson’s sentiment that it’s “the greatest tour in professional sports,” offering world-class darts, fantastic locations, and an unparalleled atmosphere that even UK fans are increasingly travelling to experience.
The 2026 tour introduces two exciting new countries and venues:
- Poland: Kicking off the tour in Krakow on February 20th. Poland is not entirely new territory for PDC Europe, having successfully hosted World Series events. With strong local players like Krzysztof Ratajski, Sebastian Bialecki, and Radek Szaganski, and a proven track record of selling out events, a full European Tour stop was “pretty much a no-brainer.”
- Slovakia: Making its debut in Bratislava. While Slovakia may not yet have a strong playing infrastructure, Brzezinski highlights the significant general interest in darts and the country’s strategic geographical location. Bratislava’s proximity to Austria, particularly Vienna, means a large base of darts fans can easily attend, potentially boosting support for Austrian players like Mensur Suljovic.
PDC Europe’s expansion strategy hinges on two key factors: the public’s interest in darts within a country and the presence of broadcast coverage. Both Poland and Slovakia meet these criteria, making them ideal candidates for the tour’s continued growth.
Experience the Spectacle: A Message to Fans
For anyone considering attending a European Tour event, Brzezinski has a clear message: “You won’t regret it!” He stresses that even if you’re not a darts expert, the electric atmosphere alone is worth the experience. “The atmosphere is cracking,” he enthuses, describing it as a perfect night out with friends or family, witnessing the world’s best players up close.
Looking further ahead, Brzezinski dreams of taking the European Tour to sunnier climes. “Something sunny would be nice! Spain or Italy, and pick the summer months for that,” he muses. He also sees France as a strong possibility, hoping to rekindle the Spanish darts scene, which once produced talents like Cristo Reyes.
Ultimately, Brzezinski’s and PDC Europe’s goals for 2026 and beyond remain consistent: “Establishing darts, more and more.” With growing ticket sales and TV viewership, the interest is clearly there. The success of the maiden events in Poland and Slovakia will pave the way for future expansions, ensuring it’s “onwards and upwards” for European darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
