In this blog post, we'd like to give you an insight into PDC Europe – an offshoot of the larger PDC. Not every darts fan is aware of the difference between PDC Darts and PDC Europe Darts .
For example, tournament series with their own rankings are only organized by the PDC Europe, which has little to do with the main organization, the PDC.
Therefore, we would like to discuss the distinction between the two "companies" and explain which tournaments belong to PDC Europe and how you can qualify . Also, keep in mind that WDF Darts and PDC Darts are also two different corporations .
What exactly is PDC Europe?
PDC Europe was founded in 2006 , then under the name German Darts Corporation . As the name suggests, its primary focus was to promote darts in Germany. By renaming itself PDC Europe, the focus shifted to the entire European region .
The goal of PDC Europe was to market major tournaments of the PDC, the most lucrative darts association in the world, and thus increase prize money for players. The goal was to professionalize and commercialize darts. The numbers also demonstrate that this success story has been a complete success .
Today, PDC Europe holds all broadcasting rights for Germany , Austria , and Switzerland and organizes the PDC European Tour . If you'd like to learn more about the corporation, you can find all the information, including its founding, the appointment of darts callers , and much more, on the PDC Europe website.
Who founded PDC Europe
Werner von Moltke founded PDC Europe. To this day, he has ensured that darts has gained recognition and enjoyed increasing popularity throughout Europe . Spectator numbers in indoor arenas have grown significantly , making darts an extremely lucrative business.
The difference between PDC and PDC Europe
But what exactly is the difference between the PDC and PDC Europe ? While the PDC focuses primarily on its core territory , namely Great Britain , PDC Europe is responsible for marketing darts in Europe , specifically Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
More darts knowledge: The PDC Europe offshoot organizes its own tournament series in these countries and maintains its own Order of Merit for these tournament series. Ultimately, the goal is to establish darts across Europe.
The PDC European Tour – locations and much more
The PDC Europe organizes a major tournament series, which is of great importance for organizers and professional players in the calendar year – the so-called PDC European Tour.
In 2020, there will be additional venues beyond Germany, Austria and Switzerland to accelerate the expansion of darts .
The events will be held in seven countries . In addition to Germany and Austria , tournaments will take place in Belgium , Hungary , the Netherlands , Gibraltar , and the Czech Republic . A total of 13 tournaments make up the PDC European Tour.
The exact locations are Hasselt in Belgium, Graz in Austria, Budapest in Hungary, Riesa , Sindelfingen , Trier , Hildesheim , Jena , Munich and Leverkusen in Germany, Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, Gibraltar and Prague in the Czech Republic.
A total of 140,000 British pounds is distributed per tournament on the PDC Europe Tour. The winner receives 25,000 of this amount. The multitude of tournaments and opportunities to win prize money ultimately determines the PDC Europe Tour's Order of Merit.
This makes darts socially acceptable in Europe. Spectators pay the ticket prices to experience darts stars live in Europe . This ultimately finances the tour and the prize money.
How do you qualify for the PDC?
The qualification system for the European Tour Darts tournaments has been slightly modified again in 2020. To play in the PDC Europe tournament series, the following requirements are required:
- The top 16 players of the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit (a ranking of all Pro Tour and European Tour tournaments) are qualified.
- 24 players can also qualify with a tour card . To qualify, players must qualify through a European Tour qualifying tournament. Further information about the PDC Europe qualifying tournament can be found on the PDC Europe website.
- The country's two best players from the Pro Tour Order of Merit are also automatically qualified for a tournament in their country
There are also special qualification procedures . For each event, one participant from Scandinavia , one player from Eastern Europe , and two additional starting places in the so-called Associate Qualifier are determined through separate qualification tournaments. (All players who participated in the two Q-Schools in 2020 and did not obtain a Tour Card can participate in the Associate Member Qualifier , provided the event is not held in their home country.)
Last but not least, one day before the main tournament, there will be a qualifying tournament for players from the country in which it is being played ( Host Nation Qualifier) .
This is intended to ensure that amateur players also have the opportunity to qualify for such a tournament. A total of two additional players from the host country have the chance to qualify.
Impact of the European Tour on the European Darts Championship
The results on the European Tour also have a major impact, as the top 32 players in the European Tour rankings automatically qualify for the European Dart Championship . This is also a major tournament, making it one of the biggest events in the darts calendar.
How do I get PDC European Tour tickets?
You can purchase tickets for the respective PDC European Tour events on the PDC Europe website. This gives you the opportunity to experience the big darts stars and the Darts European Tour live .
As you know, there are currently no darts TV broadcasts. However, you can still follow the tournament series online via stream. Simply visit the Laola1.tv homepage to watch the tournaments across Europe via stream. You can also find the PDC Europe schedule on the site.
Even for the Premier League Darts, there is still no way to watch the tournaments on television. Only streaming on Sport1 or DAZN is possible.
How much is the prize money at PDC Europe?
The 2024 PDC Europe Tour will feature a total of £175,000 in prize money per tournament . The winner of this PDC tour will receive £30,000 . The following additional prize money will be paid out:
- Round 1 : £1,250
- Round 2 : £2,500
- Round of 16 : £4,000
- Quarterfinals : £6,000
- Semi-final : £8,500
- Runner-up : £12,000
- Winner : £30,000
Where can I find the current PDC Europe schedule?
The current PDC Europe schedule can be found at https://www.pdc-europe.tv/de/turniere/ . All important information about the matches and much more about the tour can be found there. PDC Europe tickets are also available on the site.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are some differences between the two "companies." The advantage is that we in Europe also have the opportunity to attend some events live and see the stars up close .
Furthermore, the PDC Europe tournaments are extremely interesting , and if you don't want to miss anything, you can easily stream them. There's another advantage: There are significantly more matches you can follow, and perhaps you can attend the events or stream them with your darts fans.
Ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of darts? Discover the secrets, tactics, and captivating stories behind this exciting sport. Click in now and become a darts enthusiast!
- The PDC Q-School is the first step toward a darts career. No talented player can avoid participating in the PDC Q-School.
- Learn more about the Darts Premier League . Get an overview of the game format, schedule, and participants of the PDC Premier League
Das im Beitrag gezeigte Bildmaterial mit Bezug zu Dartspielern und verwandten Themen unterliegt – sofern nicht anders angegeben – dem Copyright der Professional Darts Corporation (©pdc)
