European Darts Championship 2026 Draw Confirmed | Van Veen to face Gilding
The draw for the 2026 European Darts Championship has been confirmed, with Gian van Veen to launch his title defence against Andrew Gilding in Dortmund.
Following the conclusion of the 15-event European Tour series, the top 32 players from the European Tour Order of Merit form the field for this year’s European Championship at the Westfalenhallen from October 22-25.
Van Veen claimed his first major title in dream fashion 12 months ago, and the Dutch number one will mark his return to Dortmund with a tie against former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding on opening night.
Ross Smith, the 2022 European Champion, is the number one seed in the draw after picking up two European Tour titles this season, and he will open up against Karel Sedlacek – who clinched the 32nd and final qualification spot at the weekend.
Second seed Wessel Nijman, also a two-time European Tour event winner this season, starts out against German number one Martin Schindler.
Luke Littler is looking to add the final missing piece to his collection of major ranking titles, and the world number one will face in-form Irishman William O’Connor in Round One.
Last year’s runner-up Luke Humphries is also vying to lift this trophy for the first time, and the world number two will meet World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle in the opening round.
Four-time champion Michael van Gerwen faces a tough opening assignment against fellow Dutch star Kevin Doets – runner-up in this year’s Austrian Open.
Two-time European Champion Rob Cross takes on Gerwyn Price in a repeat of the 2019 final, while 2018 champion James Wade faces Damon Heta.
Niels Zonneveld, who clinched his maiden European Tour title in fairy-tale fashion at the Dutch Darts Championship on Sunday, marks his debut in the £750,000 major with a tie against Cameron Menzies.
Jermaine Wattimena, the 2024 runner-up, faces Ryan Joyce, while 2024 semi-finalist Luke Woodhouse comes up against World Matchplay semi-finalist Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Danny Noppert, twice a European Tour finalist this season, meets former Masters champion Stephen Bunting, as four-time major winner Jonny Clayton takes on home favourite Niko Springer.
Two-time major winner Nathan Aspinall comes up against in-form Cristo Reyes in Round One, while Austrian Open champion Josh Rock faces 2022 semi-finalist Chris Dobey.
Third seed Krzysztof Ratajski takes on eight-time European Tour event winner Dave Chisnall in another tasty tie.
The full schedule of play will be confirmed in due course.
European Darts Championship 2026 Draw Bracket
Ross Smith (1) v Karel Sedlacek (32)
James Wade (16) v Damon Heta (17)
Gian van Veen (8) v Andrew Gilding (25)
Luke Woodhouse (9) v Dirk van Duijvenbode (24)
Niels Zonneveld (4) v Cameron Menzies (29)
Gerwyn Price (13) v Rob Cross (20)
Danny Noppert (5) v Stephen Bunting (28)
Luke Humphries (12) v Ryan Searle (21)
Wessel Nijman (2) v Martin Schindler (31)
(Ryan Joyce (15) v Jermaine Wattimena (18)
Jonny Clayton (7) v Niko Springer (26)
Josh Rock (10) v Chris Dobey (23)
Krzysztof Ratajski (3) v Dave Chisnall (30)
Kevin Doets (14) v Michael van Gerwen (19)
Nathan Aspinall (6) v Cristo Reyes (27)
Luke Littler (11) v William O’Connor (22)
