What Is 2019 European Darts Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 European Darts Grand Prix was a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) event held from September 6–8, 2019, in Sindelfingen, Germany. Michael van Gerwen won the tournament, defeating Rob Cross 8–4 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2019 European Darts Grand Prix took place from September 6–8, 2019.
It was held at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen, Germany.
Michael van Gerwen won the tournament, claiming his 24th European Tour title.
The final score was 8–4 in favor of van Gerwen over Rob Cross.
The total prize fund was €125,000, with €25,000 awarded to the winner.

Overview

The 2019 European Darts Grand Prix was a key stop on the PDC European Tour, drawing top professional darts players from across Europe and beyond. Held annually in Germany, the event is known for its electric atmosphere and high-level competition, attracting thousands of fans to the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen.

This edition marked the eighth staging of the tournament and the 11th event of the 13-tournament 2019 PDC European Tour season. As a ranking event, it contributed to the PDC Order of Merit, influencing qualification for major televised tournaments later in the year.

September 6–8, 2019: The tournament spanned three days, beginning with preliminary rounds and culminating in the final on Sunday night.
Glaspalast, Sindelfingen: This indoor arena has hosted the event since 2015, consistently drawing crowds of over 5,000 spectators.
Michael van Gerwen: The Dutch star claimed victory, extending his dominance on the European Tour with his 24th title.
Rob Cross: The defending champion entered as a top seed but fell short in the final, losing 8–4 in legs.
€125,000 prize fund: The event offered substantial earnings, with the winner receiving €25,000 and the runner-up €10,000.

How It Works

The European Darts Grand Prix follows the standard PDC European Tour format, featuring a 48-player field with a mix of top-ranked professionals and regional qualifiers. Matches are played in a knockout format using the best-of format, increasing in length as players advance.

Format: Early rounds are best-of-11 legs, quarterfinals best-of-19, semifinals best-of-21, and the final best-of-15 legs. Each match requires a player to win by at least two clear legs.
Qualification: 32 top PDC players are automatically seeded, while 16 spots go to regional qualifiers from countries including Germany, Austria, and the Nordic region.
Scoring: Players use standard steel-tip darts, aiming for a bullseye worth 50 points or outer ring triples worth 60 (for treble 20).
Time Limits: Each player has 15 seconds per dart, enforced by a shot clock, with violations resulting in warnings or point deductions.
Referees: Two officials oversee each match, ensuring rule compliance and managing scoring in high-pressure scenarios.
Broadcast: The event was televised globally via Sky Sports and DAZN, with live commentary and player mic feeds enhancing viewer engagement.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 European Darts Grand Prix compared to other major darts events in structure and scale:

Event	Date	Location	Winner	Prize (Winner)
European Darts Grand Prix 2019	Sept 6–8	Sindelfingen, Germany	Michael van Gerwen	€25,000
World Darts Championship 2019	Dec 2018–Jan 2019	London, England	Michael van Gerwen	£500,000
UK Open 2019	Mar 1–3	Milton Keynes, England	Gary Anderson	£25,000
European Darts Open 2019	Apr 12–14	Mülheim, Germany	Michael van Gerwen	€25,000
World Matchplay 2019	July 20–28	Blackpool, England	Rob Cross	£115,000

While not as prestigious as the World Championship or Matchplay, the European Darts Grand Prix plays a crucial role in the PDC calendar. It offers consistent ranking points and prize money, helping players maintain form and secure spots in larger tournaments.

Why It Matters

The 2019 European Darts Grand Prix had significant implications for player rankings, fan engagement, and the global growth of darts as a spectator sport. Its success in Germany highlights the sport’s expanding footprint beyond traditional strongholds in the UK and Netherlands.

Rankings Impact: Van Gerwen’s win solidified his position at No. 1 in the PDC Order of Merit, gaining crucial points for World Championship qualification.
Player Development: Emerging talents like Martin Schindler and Danny Noppert gained exposure, helping them build confidence on the big stage.
Fan Experience: The event featured interactive zones, autograph sessions, and live music, enhancing its appeal beyond just darts fans.
Media Coverage: Broadcast in over 30 countries, it boosted the PDC’s international visibility and advertising revenue.
Sponsorship Value: Companies like Unicorn and Winmau increased investment due to high viewership and social media engagement.
Legacy: The 2019 event helped pave the way for future European Tour expansions into Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

Overall, the 2019 European Darts Grand Prix exemplified the competitive depth and entertainment value of modern professional darts, contributing to the sport’s rising popularity across Europe and beyond.