Austrian Darts Open
Tournament Overview
The Austrian Darts Open is one of the standout events on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) European Tour. Held annually in Austria, this prestigious tournament showcases some of the finest darts talent from around the globe. With its enthusiastic fan base, electric atmosphere, and fierce competition, the Austrian Darts Open has become a cornerstone of the European darts calendar.
The event is celebrated not only for its competitive edge but also for its role in promoting darts across Austria and Central Europe, attracting top professionals and rising stars alike.
History
Established in **2012**, the Austrian Darts Open quickly gained prominence as part of the PDC’s European Tour. The inaugural event was held in **Wiener Neustadt**, and since then, the tournament has grown in popularity, moving to larger venues like the **Multiversum Schwechat** in Vienna and later to **Graz**, where it continues to thrive.
Over the years, the tournament has witnessed iconic victories from some of the sport’s biggest names, including Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, and Jonny Clayton. The Austrian Darts Open is renowned for its unpredictable matches, where local talents often challenge seasoned professionals.
Format and Rules
The Austrian Darts Open follows the standard **PDC European Tour format**:
- First Round: 32 qualifiers compete in best of 11 legs matches.
- Second Round: The 16 winners from the first round face the top 16 seeds.
- Quarter-Finals: Best of 11 legs.
- Semi-Finals: Best of 13 legs.
- Final: Best of 15 legs, where the first player to reach 8 legs is crowned the champion.
Players earn valuable **ranking points** for the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour rankings, and World Championship qualification.
Past Winners
The Austrian Darts Open has seen victories from some of the world’s top darts players. Here are a few notable winners:
- 2012: Justin Pipe (England)
- 2013: Mervyn King (England)
- 2018: Jonny Clayton (Wales)
- 2019: Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
- 2022: Luke Humphries (England)
Records & Stats
Most Titles: Michael van Gerwen holds the record with **3 Austrian Darts Open titles** (2013, 2017, and 2019).
Highest Match Average: Peter Wright set a tournament record with an average of **110.45** in the 2018 semi-finals.
First Local Hero: Rowby-John Rodriguez reached the quarter-finals in 2016, the best performance by an Austrian player in tournament history.
Memorable Moments
- Michael van Gerwen’s Hat-Trick (2019): Van Gerwen claimed his third title in dominant fashion, reaffirming his supremacy on the European Tour.
- Jonny Clayton’s Breakthrough (2018): Clayton’s surprise victory marked his rise as one of the sport’s elite players.
- Local Support for Rowby-John Rodriguez: The Austrian star’s deep run in 2016 electrified the home crowd and inspired a new generation of local players.
Current Year’s Tournament
The 2024 Austrian Darts Open is scheduled to take place from **May 3-5, 2024**, at the **Stadthalle Graz** in Graz, Austria. The event promises to deliver world-class darts, featuring the PDC’s top-ranked players and rising stars from across Europe and beyond.
Prize Money and Sponsorships
The total prize fund for the Austrian Darts Open is **£140,000**, distributed as follows:
- Winner: £25,000
- Runner-Up: £10,000
- Semi-Finalists: £6,500
- Quarter-Finalists: £5,000
The event is proudly supported by sponsors such as **Winmau**, **Unibet**, and **Red Dragon Darts**, along with local Austrian partners.
How to Watch
- Attend Live: Tickets are available through the official PDC Europe website.
- Live Streaming: Watch live on **PDC TV** and **DAZN**.
- Televised Coverage: Sky Sports broadcasts the key matches in the UK.
- Live Scores: Real-time results will be updated on the official **PDC website**.
Fan Engagement
The Austrian Darts Open offers a unique fan experience, including: – **Fan Zones:** On-site activities, including darts challenges and merchandise stalls. – **Player Meet-and-Greets:** Interact with top professionals and legends. – **Social Media Updates:** Follow live highlights and updates using #AustrianDartsOpen.
Gallery and Media
Explore highlight reels, match photos, and exclusive interviews on the **PDC YouTube channel** and event website.
FAQs
Q: When is the Austrian Darts Open held?
A: The tournament takes place annually in **May**.
Q: Where is the event hosted?
A: The current venue is the **Stadthalle Graz**, Austria.
Q: How can I watch the event live?
A: Matches are streamed on **PDC TV** and **DAZN**, with televised coverage on **Sky Sports**.
Q: Who are the top players to watch?
A: Past champions include Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, and Luke Humphries.
