Fan Survey at 2025 German Darts Grand Prix: How Spectators view the current state of German Darts

The 2025 German Darts Grand Prix in Munich wrote a new chapter in European Tour history over the past weekend. With over 20,000 fans packing into the sold-out Zenith – a new attendance record – the event once again showcased the remarkable passion for darts across Germany.

But the growing crowds are only part of the story. With twelve Tour Card holders, Germany has never had a stronger presence on the PDC circuit. Martin Schindler’s win at Players Championship 8 marked the first German floor title in nearly seven years, underscoring a new era of competitiveness.

It was reason enough for Dartsnews.com to be on-site in Munich, speaking directly with fans to ask: How do they view the rise of German darts? What has changed – and what still lies ahead? We collected perspectives from across the hall and captured the current pulse of the sport.

Michael, 38, from Nuremberg: “We started a darts section in our local football club two years ago, and it’s turned into a really great group. Within our regional league, you can see how much interest in darts has grown – it’s incredible. There are already more teams lined up for next year, so things are definitely happening. The hype is real, and it's reaching the grassroots level too.”

“What we’re still missing is that one big win – a marquee title for someone like Martin Schindler. That would give the sport another massive push.”

“For me, Schindler is our brightest hope. You can see how much work he’s put in since he lost his Tour Card – the way he’s fought back, the hours of practice. I really believe he can take the next step and push German darts even further.”

“The next big milestone would be either a German World Champion or a title at the World Cup of Darts. If Germany lifts that trophy, it could really spark something. I’m not sure an event like the World Matchplay would have the same impact. But honestly? I don’t think we’re quite there yet. I’d love to be wrong, but I don’t see a German major winner or world champion emerging in the next two or three years.”

Emil Bauer, 25, from Upper Austria: “As Austrians, we naturally watch German darts from the outside, but we still notice a lot of the developments. There’s clearly momentum. More players are coming through, especially in terms of depth – you see it on the European Tour and the Challenge Tour. But even at the top end, Germany is starting to deliver better results.”

“I still think Ricardo Pietreczko has huge potential. Here in Austria, it feels like we’re lacking new talent at the moment. The Rodriguez brothers are still our top prospects. As for Mensur Suljović – I honestly can’t imagine him climbing back to the top of the world rankings.”

“If a German can make it to a major semi-final, that might spark a bigger breakthrough. Someone to become a figurehead for the sport – that’s what the younger generation really needs. Darts is growing rapidly around the world, with more new players than ever, and I believe there’s still so much that can happen in Germany and Austria.”

Nikolas Rückel, 24, from Upper Austria: “You can really see how many tournaments are happening in Germany – it’s doing wonders for the sport there. In Austria, we don’t have the same variety. With just one big event, it’s tough to build a scene. But the Host Nation Qualifiers on the European Tour are a great gateway for aspiring players.”

“And of course, the World Championship is a massive highlight. That’s when everyone tunes in.”

Markus, 38, from Regensburg: “Ten years ago, when darts started growing here, I thought we’d be further along by now. Back then, it looked like we were on the verge of something big – that a German player would soon crack the Top 10 or win a major. But if I look at where we are now, I have to say we often fall short in the big moments.”

“Twelve Tour Card holders is fantastic and a real sign of progress. But when you look at the results, the big performances are still too inconsistent. The talent is there – we’ve got players who can compete – but when it matters most, we don’t deliver.”

“Schindler, Pietreczko, and the newer faces on tour all have their strengths. But when it comes to the key matches at the World Championship or the World Matchplay, they tend to fall early. That’s frustrating, because you know the potential is there, but they haven’t been able to show it consistently.”

“It’s time for someone to really break through and show what they’re capable of. Until then, German darts will continue to be seen as an outsider on the big stage – despite the growing numbers. A lot has improved, no doubt. But we’re still not making the most of it. The Tour Card holders could achieve more, but what’s missing is consistency – and maybe a bit of luck when it matters most. I still hope someone will rise to the top, but honestly, I’m not sure we’ll see a German major winner or world champion anytime soon.”

Erich, 60, from the Allgäu region: “Right now, it still looks a bit bleak because we’re missing true top-level players. You need those elite players who can perform consistently. Sure, the Germans have their moments, but they also crash out far too often.”

“But – and it’s an important but – we’re definitely on the rise. Things are moving forward. We still need to do more with youth development, but once we take that step, we’ll be in the mix. Then we’ll head to Ally Pally too!” (laughs)

“Getting to a major final or even winning one – that takes more than just skill. You need the right draw, a good day, and top form. There’s a lot that has to come together.”

Richard, 54, also from the Allgäu region: “At the end of the day, we’ve only got one truly top player – Martin Schindler. Sure, Pietreczko is doing well too, but he’s still too inconsistent. What we really need is a breakout talent like Luke Littler.”

Korbinian, 27, from Augsburg: “German darts has come a long way in recent years – but there’s still a lot of untapped potential. What stands out to me is how much the sport has grown at the amateur level too. There are more darts clubs popping up around here, and people are genuinely excited about it. It used to be seen as just a pub game – now people understand there’s so much more to it.”

“Our local club’s level of play is really improving, and more young players are getting involved. That’s the key – once the base gets bigger, the top talent will follow. But we have to be realistic – a German world champion? That’s still going to take time. We’re on the right path, but the big breakthrough hasn’t happened yet.”

“I think we’re still missing the right balance between experience and new energy. Take Schindler – huge potential, but he still needs to be more consistent. And the younger players need more opportunities to prove themselves on the big stage. If more Germans can start delivering strong, regular results on tour, the hype will grow even more. You can already feel the fans getting more invested – but it can’t just be Schindler carrying the torch.”

Christian, 51, from Upper Bavaria: “Being here at the venue really shows how fast darts is developing in Germany. Even in the media, things have changed so much. I remember when the sport barely got any coverage five years ago – that’s totally different now.”

“This is my first time at an event like this. I used to just watch it on TV, but this time I wanted to see it live – and I’m honestly impressed. Especially the crowd – sure, it has a carnival vibe, but the atmosphere is amazing. You could really feel it during Schindler’s match. The whole hall was buzzing.”

German darts has gained undeniable momentum in recent years. With twelve Tour Card holders, a thriving amateur scene, and growing media exposure, the foundation is stronger than ever. But the decisive leap – that one iconic moment to elevate German darts to the global elite – still hasn’t arrived.

Veteran performers like Martin Schindler and promising talents such as Niko Springer offer hope, yet many fans express concerns over consistency and composure in the sport’s defining moments. Optimists point to youth development as the way forward. Others yearn for international breakthroughs – the kind of nights that make legends.

One thing unites everyone: the question of what’s next.

Germany stands at the oche among darts’ major nations – ready, but not quite there. Whether a German player can lift a major trophy in the near future remains uncertain. But the trajectory is clear. The dart has been thrown – now it’s time to hit the bullseye.