Defending champion missing from the 2025 European Championship Darts: Which big names made the cut — and who didn’t?

The entry list for the 2025 European Championship brings some surprises. Several familiar names are missing this year, while a series of fresh faces are making their appearance at this prestigious major.

Among the most notable absentees we find some big names. Michael Smith, former world champion and a regular in major television tournaments, failed to qualify for the European Championship this year. His inconsistent performance on the European Tour cost him dearly. Joe Cullen, a player who often performs well on the big stage, is also missing this year.

But perhaps most notably, the defending champion is missing from the list of participants. Ritchie Edhouse, who very surprisingly won last year's European Championship, did not manage to qualify for this year's edition. Edhouse finished just outside the top-32 and therefore cannot take a shot at a second consecutive title at the European Championship.

Other familiar names like Andrew Gilding and Gabriel Clemens are also out. Especially the loss of Clemens will hurt the German fans, who are always present in large numbers in Dortmund. Gilding, who still surprisingly won the UK Open in 2023, could not continue that level in the current cycle.

With the absence of some established names, there is room for new talent and returning players who have regained their form. For example, young German Niko Springer is making his debut at the European Championship. Springer is one of the most promising talents on the Pro Tour and his rise on the European Tour has been rewarded with a coveted ticket to the European Championship.

Dutchman Wessel Nijman is also making his debut. The young Brabander has resumed his career handsomely after his suspension and has shown with strong performances that he is ready for the big time.

We also see the return of Krzysztof Ratajski, who seems to be returning to form after a dip. Ryan Joyce and Cameron Menzies, both players known for their erratic but sometimes brilliant play, complete the five new participants compared to last year.

With this new composition, the 2025 European Championship promises to be an exciting mix of experience, talent and surprise. The elimination of some of the top players opens the door for unexpected twists and turns in the tournament. Can the new names stunt, or will the established players seize their chance to reassert their dominance?