What Is 2019 German 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 2019 German Darts Grand Prix was a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) event held from March 1–3, 2019, in Munich, Germany. Rob Cross won the tournament, defeating Michael van Gerwen 8–4 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2019 German Darts Grand Prix took place from March 1–3, 2019.
It was held at the Zenith Munich, a major concert and event venue.
Rob Cross claimed the title by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8–4 in the final.
The tournament offered a total prize fund of £140,000, with £25,000 for the winner.
It was part of the PDC European Tour, the 10th event in the 2019 season.

Overview

The 2019 German Darts Grand Prix was a significant stop on the PDC European Tour calendar, drawing top players from around the world. Held in Munich, the event showcased elite-level darts in a vibrant atmosphere, attracting thousands of fans over the weekend.

As the 10th edition of the tournament in the PDC era, it featured a 48-player field, including top-ranked professionals and regional qualifiers. The format combined seeded players with last-16 byes, leading to a fast-paced, high-stakes competition.

March 1–3, 2019: The tournament spanned three days at Zenith Munich, a 5,000-capacity venue known for hosting major entertainment events.
Rob Cross: The Englishman won his first European Tour title of 2019, defeating Michael van Gerwen in a commanding 8–4 final performance.
Prize fund of £140,000: With £25,000 awarded to the champion, it was one of the most lucrative events on the European Tour.
Michael van Gerwen: The top seed and world number one entered as favorite but fell just short in the final after strong earlier rounds.
48-player field: Included 16 seeded players, 24 PDC Tour Card holders, and 8 regional qualifiers from Germany and surrounding countries.

How It Works

The German Darts Grand Prix follows the standard PDC European Tour format, blending ranking points, prize money, and qualification pathways. Players compete in a knockout bracket with specific rules governing progression and seeding.

Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket. Each match is played in legs, with sets used in later rounds; the final is best of 15 legs.
Qualification: 16 players are seeded based on PDC rankings. Others qualify via Tour Cards or regional events, including a Host Nation Qualifier for German players.
Scoring: Matches are played in legs (first to 3 legs wins a set). Early rounds are best of 11 legs, semifinals best of 19, and the final best of 15.
Ranking Points: Winners earn 11,500 PDC Order of Merit points, crucial for World Championship qualification and world rankings.
Venue Rotation: Unlike fixed-location events, the German Darts Grand Prix has moved between cities including Munich, Hildesheim, and Jena since its inception.
Broadcast: The event is televised live by Sky Sports in the UK and streamed globally via PDC.tv, reaching millions of viewers.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 German Darts Grand Prix compares to other major darts events in prize money, format, and prestige:

Event	Location	Prize Fund	Winner's Share	Format
German Darts Grand Prix 2019	Munich, Germany	£140,000	£25,000	Best of 15 legs (final)
World Darts Championship	London, UK	£2.5 million	£500,000	Best of 13 sets
UK Open	Blackpool, UK	£500,000	£100,000	Random draw, all rounds best of 11 legs
European Championship	Göttingen, Germany	£500,000	£100,000	Best of 21 legs (final)
World Matchplay	Blackpool, UK	£700,000	£115,000	Best of 32 legs (final)

While not as high-stakes as the World Championship, the German Darts Grand Prix remains a key European Tour event, offering substantial ranking points and competitive prize money. Its compact format and international field make it a favorite among players and fans alike.

Why It Matters

The 2019 German Darts Grand Prix had lasting implications for the PDC tour and the global growth of darts. Its success in Munich highlighted Germany’s growing role in the sport and boosted fan engagement across Europe.

Rob Cross’s momentum: The win marked Cross’s return to form, helping him climb back into the world’s top 10 rankings after a mid-season slump.
German darts growth: With strong local turnout, the event boosted grassroots interest and inspired youth participation in German darts programs.
Van Gerwen’s consistency: Despite losing, his run to the final earned him crucial ranking points, helping him retain the world number one spot.
European Tour balance: The tournament ensured more geographic diversity in the PDC calendar, reducing UK-centric scheduling.
Television exposure: Sky Sports’ coverage reached record viewership in Germany, increasing sponsorship appeal for future events.
Pathway for qualifiers: Regional players like Max Hopp gained valuable experience, bridging the gap between amateur and professional levels.

The 2019 edition set a benchmark for future tournaments, combining elite competition with fan-friendly presentation. As darts continues to globalize, events like this play a crucial role in expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional strongholds.