“We’re going to tear a pub apart” - Arno Merk promises a wild night in London after dream PDC World Darts Championship debut

A German debutant is making waves in London: Arno Merk, who had never played in front of more than 4,500 spectators in Sindelfingen, sensationally wins his opening match at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship against the experienced Belgian Kim Huybrechts. Afterwards, the 33-year-old is overwhelmed—and wonderfully down-to-earth.

For Merk, it was the first step onto the biggest stage in the darts world, and it was immediately clear: the German had come to leave his mark.

“It was much louder than I expected,” he tells SPORT1. Friends and colleagues from the German darts scene had warned him, but reality topped it all: “I’ve played in front of 4,500 people in Sindelfingen—that was a punch in the face compared to Ally Pally.”

Although more than 1,000 fans were in the legendary Alexandra Palace, Merk appeared remarkably composed. Commentators and fans quickly agreed: nothing about his performance looked like a debut.

One key moment in the first set stood out, when Merk hit double 16 under maximum pressure. Huybrechts had just pinned a 140 or even 180 into the board—but the German stayed ice-cold.

“That was a big moment,” says Merk. “I already showed in the Superleague that I can take those chances. Today I confirmed it.” This coolness surprised even him: “I was really pretty calm. The atmosphere was overwhelming, but I apparently handled it well.”

Asked who he would like in round two, Noa-Lynn van Leuven or Peter Wright, Merk doesn’t hesitate: “Peter Wright. That would be the super special match.”

The two-time world champion, crowd favorite, and flamboyant character of the scene—a duel with him would be a dream for Merk. “Absolute top player. Yes, that’s what I’d like.”

After the sensational win, only one question remains: how do you celebrate a World Championship debut that ends like this?

Interviewer: “And tonight London gets torn down?” Merk, laughing: “We’re tearing a pub apart.”

A statement that perfectly fits his performance: relaxed, confident, grounded—and above all full of joy after an unforgettable evening.

Germany has a new crowd favorite at this World Championship—and London has one fewer pub coming through unscathed.