Darts fans do not have to wait long for another huge weekend of action, with the Dutch Darts Championship returning to Maastricht from October 16 to 18. With some of the sport’s biggest names expected to compete, the final European Tour event of the 2026 season promises plenty of drama, pressure and opportunities for players looking to finish the campaign strongly.
For supporters in the United Kingdom, knowing where to watch is just as important as knowing which players are competing. The tournament runs across three days, with afternoon and evening sessions offering fans plenty of opportunities to follow the action.
The stakes extend beyond lifting the trophy. Players are also fighting to strengthen their positions ahead of the European Championship in Dortmund, making this a tournament worth watching even before the first dart hits the board.
When Does the Dutch Darts Championship 2026 Start?
The tournament takes place at MECC Maastricht in the Netherlands from Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18.
The opening day features the first round, with matches divided between afternoon and evening sessions. Saturday follows the same pattern for the second round, while Sunday brings the round of 16 in the afternoon before the tournament’s decisive matches take place in the evening.
Here is the schedule for fans planning their weekend:
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Friday, October 16: First round, afternoon and evening sessions.
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Saturday, October 17: Second round, afternoon and evening sessions.
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Sunday, October 18: Round of 16 in the afternoon, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in the evening.
The published session times are 1pm and 7pm local time in the Netherlands, which is also the same time in the UK during October. That means British viewers will not need to adjust their schedules for a time difference.
The final is scheduled for Sunday evening, bringing the 2026 European Tour campaign to a close.
How to Watch the Dutch Darts Championship in the UK
UK viewers can watch the Dutch Darts Championship live through PDCTV, the PDC’s subscription streaming service. A subscription is required to access the matches, so fans should check the available package and access arrangements before the opening session.
The published UK viewing schedule is as follows:
| Date | Session | UK start time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 16 | First round | 12pm and 6pm |
| Saturday, October 17 | Second round | 12pm and 6pm |
| Sunday, October 18 | Round of 16 | 12pm |
| Sunday, October 18 | Quarter-finals, semi-finals and final | 6pm |
These are scheduled session times rather than guarantees that every individual match will begin at the exact hour shown. Matches can run at different speeds depending on how the session develops.
For fans who cannot watch live, the PDC Europe social media channels are another useful place to follow scores and highlights, although these should not be confused with full live coverage.
Which Players Should Fans Watch?
The 48-player field includes several of the biggest names in professional darts. Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton and Michael van Gerwen are among the players expected to attract considerable attention.
Humphries enters as the tournament’s top seed, with Van Veen and Price also among the leading seeds. Clayton arrives after winning the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel, where he defeated Humphries 8-4 in the final.
That victory gives Clayton an excellent opportunity to carry momentum into Maastricht. Winning consecutive European Tour events is never straightforward, especially when opponents have time to study your performance and adjust their approach.
Van Gerwen will also be a major attraction. Playing in front of Dutch supporters could provide an extra lift, but home expectations can create pressure of their own. Dutch fans will be eager to see one of their country’s leading players finally lift this particular trophy.
There is an intriguing historical angle, too. No Dutch player has won the tournament since its inaugural edition in 2018, despite the country’s depth of talent. The return to Maastricht therefore offers Van Gerwen, Van Veen and their compatriots another opportunity to end that unusual drought.
Why the Tournament Matters Beyond the Trophy
The Dutch Darts Championship is the fifteenth and final event on the 2026 PDC European Tour calendar. That makes it more than another opportunity to collect ranking money and add a title to a player’s record.
The tournament also provides a final chance for players to improve their European Tour Order of Merit positions before the European Championship, scheduled for October 22–25 in Dortmund.
The top 32 players in the relevant standings qualify for that event, so every victory in Maastricht could prove valuable for those still fighting to secure their place.
Ross Smith has already secured the top position in the standings and will begin the European Championship as the number one seed. Other players will be under greater pressure, knowing that a strong weekend could determine whether their European Tour season continues at the next major event.
That creates an interesting mix of motivations. Some players will arrive focused on winning the trophy, while others may view every match as an opportunity to protect their ranking or secure qualification.
What Is the Tournament Format and Prize Money?
The event follows a knockout format involving 48 players. The leading 16 seeds enter in the second round on Saturday, while the remaining competitors must first negotiate Friday’s opening round.
The early rounds and round of 16 are played over a best-of-11-legs format. The semi-finals increase to best of 13 legs, while the final is best of 15 legs. Every leg uses the double-out format.
The total prize fund is £230,000, with £35,000 going to the champion. The runner-up receives £15,000, while semi-finalists earn £10,000 each.
Those rewards add another layer of pressure, particularly for players who have spent the season chasing ranking improvements. One strong weekend can make a meaningful difference to both a player’s finances and their position in the sport.
Final Thoughts
The Dutch Darts Championship 2026 offers three days of high-level darts, a packed schedule and plenty of storylines as the European Tour season reaches its conclusion.
For UK fans, the key details are straightforward: the tournament runs from October 16 to 18, afternoon sessions begin at 12pm UK time, evening sessions start at 6pm, and live coverage is available through subscription-based PDCTV.
With Clayton coming off a major European Tour victory and Dutch stars eager to deliver in front of their home supporters, there is plenty to look forward to.
Will Clayton continue his winning run, will Van Gerwen finally claim the title on home soil, or will another contender steal the spotlight? Let us know who you think will lift the trophy in Maastricht.