What Is 2017 European Darts Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 European Darts Grand Prix was held from September 29 to October 1 in Sindelfingen, Germany, and won by Michael van Gerwen, who defeated Mensur Suljović 6–3 in the final. It was the 11th event of the 13-tournament 2017 PDC European Tour.

Key Facts

The 2017 European Darts Grand Prix took place from September 29 to October 1, 2017.
It was held at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen, Germany.
Michael van Gerwen won the tournament, claiming his 5th European Tour title of 2017.
Van Gerwen defeated Mensur Suljović 6–3 in the final.
The prize pool was €115,000, with €25,000 awarded to the winner.

Overview

The 2017 European Darts Grand Prix was the 11th of 13 PDC European Tour events that year, forming part of the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) broader ProTour calendar. Held in Sindelfingen, Germany, the tournament attracted 48 of the world’s top darts players, including seeded professionals and regional qualifiers.

This event followed the standard single-elimination knockout format used across the European Tour, culminating in a televised final. As one of the most competitive stops on the circuit, it offered ranking points and a significant purse, contributing to the PDC Order of Merit standings.

September 29–October 1, 2017: The tournament spanned four days, beginning with preliminary rounds and concluding with the final on Sunday, October 1.
Glaspalast, Sindelfingen: This indoor arena in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has hosted multiple European Darts events due to its central European location and capacity of over 5,000.
Michael van Gerwen: The Dutch player claimed victory with a 6–3 win over Mensur Suljović in the final, marking his 21st European Tour title overall.
€115,000 prize fund: The total purse was among the largest on the European Tour, with the winner earning €25,000 and even first-round losers receiving €500.
Top 16 seeds: The highest-ranked players in the PDC Order of Merit received automatic byes into the second round, reducing early upsets from qualifiers.

How It Works

The European Darts Grand Prix follows a standardized PDC European Tour structure, combining regional qualification with elite participation. Players compete in a knockout bracket, with matches played in legs and sets depending on the stage.

Format: Matches up to the semifinals were best-of-11 legs; the final was best-of-11 sets, with each set played to best-of-3 legs.
Qualification: 16 spots were filled by European qualifiers, including regional representatives from countries like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Seeding: The top 16 players in the PDC Order of Merit were seeded and entered in the second round, avoiding early matchups with qualifiers.
Scoring: Each leg requires players to finish on a double, and matches are played with a 15-second shot clock enforced in later rounds.
Television coverage: The event was broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK and Eurosport in continental Europe, reaching millions of viewers.
Ranking points: The winner earned 5,000 PDC Order of Merit points, crucial for qualification to the PDC World Championship and Premier League.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 European Darts Grand Prix compares to other major darts events in terms of structure and rewards:

Tournament	Location	Prize Fund	Winner's Share	Format
2017 European Darts Grand Prix	Sindelfingen, Germany	€115,000	€25,000	Best-of-11 legs (early), Best-of-11 sets (final)
2017 UK Open	Milton Keynes, UK	£100,000	£20,000	Random draw, single elimination
2017 World Matchplay	Blackpool, UK	£500,000	£100,000	Set play, best-of-21 sets
2017 European Championship	Germania, Germany	£400,000	£100,000	Best-of-11 sets (final)
2017 PDC World Darts Championship	London, UK	£1,000,000	£300,000	Best-of-sets, increasing by round

While the European Darts Grand Prix offers a smaller prize than premier events like the World Championship, it remains vital for players seeking ranking points and consistent performance validation. Its regional focus and packed schedule make it a cornerstone of the European Tour.

Why It Matters

The 2017 European Darts Grand Prix played a critical role in shaping the competitive darts landscape, influencing rankings and player momentum heading into the season’s final events. Its blend of elite and regional talent also promotes the sport’s growth across Europe.

Boosts player rankings: The 5,000 Order of Merit points awarded to van Gerwen helped him secure the year-end world number one position.
Develops regional talent: Qualifiers from 16 European nations gained exposure and experience against top professionals.
Expands darts’ popularity: Held in Germany, a strong darts market, the event drew over 4,000 fans per session, boosting local interest.
Supports PDC’s global strategy: European Tour events like this help the PDC compete with the BDO and expand its international footprint.
Provides consistent competition: With 13 events in 2017, the Tour offered players regular high-pressure match experience.
Enhances broadcast reach: ITV and Eurosport coverage brought the sport to over 10 million cumulative viewers across Europe.

Ultimately, the 2017 European Darts Grand Prix was more than just another tournament—it was a pivotal moment in the season that highlighted excellence, fostered growth, and entertained fans across the continent.