What Is 2014 European Darts Grand Prix

Overview

The 2014 European Darts Grand Prix was the ninth event of the 2014 PDC European Tour season. It featured 48 professional darts players competing in a single-elimination format over three days in October 2014.

Hosted in Sindelfingen, Germany, the tournament attracted top PDC players from across Europe and beyond. It offered a total prize fund of £100,000, with the winner receiving £20,000 and 25 ranking points toward the PDC Order of Merit.

• Location: The event was held at the Glaspalast, a well-known multi-purpose arena in Sindelfingen, which regularly hosts PDC European Tour events.
• Dates: Play began on Friday, October 10, and concluded with the final on Sunday, October 12, 2014, spanning three consecutive days.
• Winner: Michael van Gerwen claimed his fifth European Tour title of 2014, reinforcing his dominance in PDC events during that season.
• Final match: Van Gerwen defeated Peter Wright 6–4 in the final, overcoming a strong performance from the Scottish player in the closing sets.
• Format: The tournament followed a straight knockout structure, with best-of-11 legs in early rounds and best-of-11 sets in the final.

How It Works

The European Darts Grand Prix is part of the PDC's European Tour, a series of events that contribute to player rankings and qualification for major tournaments. Each event features a mix of top-ranked players and qualifiers from regional competitions.

• Entry: The field included 48 players, with 16 seeded based on PDC rankings and the rest qualifying through regional events or tour cards.
• Scoring: Matches are played in a legs-and-sets format; each leg is won by the first to 501, and sets are best-of-five legs.
• Prize money: The total purse was £100,000, with £20,000 awarded to the winner and decreasing amounts down to the last 16 players.
• Ranking impact: Players earned ProTour ranking points, with the winner receiving 25 points, crucial for seeding in future events and World Championship qualification.
• Venue rotation: The European Tour rotates across different countries; this event was the German stop, drawing strong local fan support and media coverage.
• Broadcast: Matches were televised by Sky Sports in the UK and various international broadcasters, increasing the sport's visibility across Europe.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 European Darts Grand Prix compares to other PDC events in structure and scale:

While the European Darts Grand Prix had a smaller prize fund than major PDC events like the Grand Slam or World Matchplay, it played a key role in the European Tour calendar. Its location in Germany helped expand darts’ popularity in continental Europe, and the competitive field ensured high-level play throughout the weekend.

Why It Matters

The 2014 European Darts Grand Prix was significant both for player rankings and the growth of professional darts in non-traditional markets. It highlighted the sport’s increasing international appeal and competitive depth.

• Van Gerwen's dominance: Winning this title marked van Gerwen’s fifth European Tour victory in 2014, cementing his status as the world’s top darts player.
• German darts scene: Hosting the event in Sindelfingen boosted local interest and helped develop grassroots darts programs in Germany.
• Player development: The tournament provided emerging players like Max Hopp and Jyhan Artut with exposure to elite competition.
• Global expansion: PDC’s European Tour strategy expanded the sport beyond the UK, with events in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands gaining popularity.
• Media coverage: Sky Sports and international broadcasters increased darts’ visibility, attracting new fans and potential sponsors.
• Path to majors: Strong performances here helped players qualify for the PDC World Championship and Players Championship Finals later in the year.

The 2014 European Darts Grand Prix was more than just another tournament—it was a milestone in the globalization of professional darts and a showcase of elite skill under pressure.