What Is 2016 European Darts Grand Prix

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 European Darts Grand Prix was held from September 23 to 25, 2016, in Sindelfingen, Germany. Michael van Gerwen won the title by defeating Dave Chisnall 6–3 in the final.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: September 23–25, 2016
Venue: Glaspalast in Sindelfingen, Germany
Winner: Michael van Gerwen claimed his 4th European Tour title of 2016
Final score: Van Gerwen defeated Dave Chisnall 6–3 in legs
Prize fund: €115,000 with €25,000 awarded to the champion

Overview

The 2016 European Darts Grand Prix was the eighth event of the PDC European Tour season, part of the Professional Darts Corporation's growing international circuit. Held in Germany, the tournament attracted top-tier players from across Europe and beyond, showcasing elite-level darts in a high-pressure environment.

As one of 11 European Tour events in 2016, it offered players valuable ranking points and prize money while helping expand darts' popularity on the continent. The event followed a single-elimination format with matches played to best of 11 legs in early rounds, increasing in length toward the final.

Location: The tournament took place at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen, Germany, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and strong darts support since 2014.
Dates: Played from September 23 to 25, 2016, the Grand Prix spanned three days with early rounds on Friday and the final on Sunday evening.
Format: A total of 48 players competed, including PDC tour card holders and regional qualifiers, in a knockout structure with no group stages.
Prize fund: The event had a total purse of €115,000, with the winner receiving €25,000 and points toward the PDC Order of Merit.
Attendance: Over 6,000 fans attended across the weekend, reflecting the growing popularity of darts in Germany and Central Europe.

How It Works

The European Darts Grand Prix follows a standardized PDC European Tour format designed for consistency and competitive fairness. Each stage of the tournament uses specific rules for scoring, progression, and tiebreaks.

Match Format: Early rounds were played to the best of 11 legs, quarterfinals best of 15, semifinals best of 19, and the final best of 11 sets (first to 6).
Scoring System: All matches used the standard 501 double-out format, where players must finish on a double to win a leg.
Seeding: The top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit were seeded and received byes into the second round.
Qualifiers:24 spots were filled through regional qualifiers from across Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Nordic countries.
Referees: Matches were officiated by PDC-certified referees who monitored conduct, scoring, and adherence to time limits per leg.
Television Coverage: The event was broadcast live on DAZN and Sky Sports in multiple European markets, increasing its visibility and commercial reach.

Comparison at a Glance

A direct comparison of the 2016 European Darts Grand Prix with other major darts events highlights its unique position in the PDC calendar.

Event	Location	Winner	Prize (Winner)	Format
2016 European Darts Grand Prix	Sindelfingen, Germany	Michael van Gerwen	€25,000	Best of 11 sets (final)
2016 World Matchplay	Blackpool, England	Michael van Gerwen	£100,000	Best of 35 legs
2016 UK Open	Bolton, England	Michael van Gerwen	£20,000	Random draw, no seeding
2016 European Championship	Germany	Michael van Gerwen	£100,000	Top 32 qualifiers
2016 PDC World Darts Championship	London, England	Gary Anderson	£300,000	Best of 13 sets

While the European Darts Grand Prix offers lower prize money than premier events like the World Championship, it remains critical for maintaining ranking points and securing qualification for larger tournaments. Its regional focus and consistent scheduling make it a staple for players aiming to stay competitive throughout the year.

Why It Matters

The 2016 European Darts Grand Prix played a significant role in the evolution of professional darts, both as a competitive event and as a cultural phenomenon in continental Europe. Its success helped solidify Germany as a key market for the PDC.

Player Development: The event gave emerging European players a chance to compete against top professionals, improving their experience and world rankings.
Global Expansion: Hosting in Germany expanded darts’ footprint beyond the UK, attracting new fans and sponsors from Central Europe.
Van Gerwen’s Dominance: Michael van Gerwen’s win marked his fourth European Tour title in 2016, reinforcing his status as the world’s best player.
Commercial Growth: Increased TV coverage and sponsorship deals boosted revenue, encouraging the PDC to add more European Tour events.
Fan Engagement: High attendance and interactive fan zones helped build a loyal, passionate darts community in Germany.
Legacy: The 2016 event contributed to the long-term success of the European Darts Grand Prix, which continues annually in Sindelfingen.

With its blend of elite competition and growing fan base, the 2016 European Darts Grand Prix exemplified how darts has evolved into a truly international sport with deep regional roots and global appeal.