Brief
Luke Littler heads to Dortmund for European Darts Championship
Littler aims to complete his major title set in Germany amid a Netflix‑backed amateur showdown.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Luke Littler will travel to Dortmund, Germany, this weekend to compete in the European Darts Championship, the only major televised event he has yet to win, according to Independent.co.uk.
What happened
The championship features the top 32 ranked players from European Tour events in 2026. Littler, the 19‑year‑old back‑to‑back world champion, will open his campaign on Friday night against Ireland’s William O’Connor. The tournament also includes a side competition linked to the Netflix series “Beat Luke Littler,” where 20 amateur players can win £501,000 by beating Littler in a 501‑leg.
What the reports add
Independent.co.uk notes that Littler posted a practice video earlier in the week, captioned “11 dart leg practising at home. 30 October live on ‘Beat Luke Littler’, we’ll see if anyone has what it takes to do that.” The outlet also mentions that Luke Humphries, who capitalised on Littler’s earlier World Grand Prix exit, will headline the opening night against Ryan Searle, while defending champion Gian van Veen faces Andrew Gilding.
What was said
Humphries told Independent.co.uk, “I don’t think the sport is in that position where you can just go and dominate… It’s a tough situation in darts now.” Van Veen added, “It would mean absolutely everything to retain the title.”
How it came about
Littler’s recent season has been marked by a “drought” of major titles, following a surprise first‑round exit at the World Grand Prix and a loss to Jonny Clayton in the World Series of Darts Finals, as reported in earlier Felo News articles Jonny Clayton Stops Luke Littler’s Clean Sweep Quest and Luke Littler loses World Grand Prix opener. The Dortmund event offers him a chance to complete his set of televised majors.
Key facts
- Luke Littler will compete in the European Darts Championship in Dortmund. (independent.co.uk)
- The tournament features the top 32 ranked players from 2026 European Tour events. (independent.co.uk)
- Littler faces Irish player William O’Connor in his opening match. (independent.co.uk)
- A Netflix‑sponsored side competition offers £501,000 to an amateur who beats Littler. (independent.co.uk)
- Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen are also highlighted as opening night participants. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Luke Littler hunting first European Championship in Dortmund”
