The PDC have confirmed more information about the
upcoming European Open, which will take place in Salzburg between June 18 and 20, 2027, with the words that they have taken inspiration from the UK Open in how they are producing the event, which will take place after the World Cup of Darts, which is played the week prior.
The field will be completed by 16 international qualifiers. The new three-day tournaments feature all 128 Tour Card holders, meaning not only no qualification is needed for Luke Littler and co., but also for the other names, including those only just on the tour in 2027.
This adds an extra caveat to those going to Q-School: not only will they get entry into the UK Open, but also the Austria equivalent. As well as those, the 16 will include players from Challenge, Development Tour and PDC Europe Start.
It will provide opportunities for emerging talents and amateurs to play the biggest names, with the usual multi-board room affair once again in operation, which is beloved by fans. There will be eight boards at once with fans able to see all eight with other activations, including a beer garden at the event.
Inspiration taken from UK Open
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter said the following on the news: that the UK Open was a big barometer and one they wanted to bring elsewhere as well as help the amateurs and rising stars to have something to aim at. “The European Open represents another significant step in the growth of our sport across Europe, and we’re delighted to be bringing this new event to Salzburg.
“The UK Open has shown that giving players from different backgrounds the opportunity to compete can produce memorable matches and unexpected results. That sense of possibility will be a big part of the European Open’s appeal.
“It also gives players progressing through our development and amateur circuits something new to aim for, and we look forward to seeing who takes their opportunity.”
The PDC Europe Start route will be similar to what is Riley's now, which sees the amateur qualifiers come through, and given it is run by PDC Europe, they will likely already have a grounding in their current product, which runs successfully through Next Gen, and also their running of the European Tour.
Day tickets will be available too solely for the sessions to be in that multi-board room on Friday and Saturday, with separate ones for Sunday. It will all kick off in terms of sales on November 12, 2026, giving fans time to plan their route to Austria for the mirroring UK Open now in Europe.