Gabriel Clemens finally clinches his first Pro Tour title: "I have lost so many matches in the final and it's in the head, it's normal"

PDC
Wednesday, 08 July 2026 at 08:39
Gabriel Clemens looks on.
After years of near misses, lost finals and missed opportunities, Gabriel Clemens has finally claimed his first Players Championship title. The German capped off an outstanding day in Leicester with a hard-fought victory in the final, sealing the win with a stunning 170 checkout.
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Speaking immediately after winning Players Championship 24, emotion was clearly the overriding feeling for the 42-year-old. The relief was obvious, and he struggled to find the right words.
"I lost so many finals and I'm very happy. I have no words now," said Clemens post final.

Finally rewarded after multiple lost finals

For Clemens, the victory meant far more than simply adding another title to his résumé. Over the past few years, the German had reached several Players Championship finals, only to fall short each time. As a result, the pressure only increased whenever he found himself in contention again.
The memories of those defeats inevitably resurfaced during this latest final. "Of course. I have lost so many matches in the final and it's in the head. It's normal."
He never lost hope though adding that after wins over Michael van Gerwen and Scott Williams among others, he started to believe but that he always has belief. Pretty steadfast for a player who has spent the last few years having near misses. "I hope every day is my day, but today is my day."
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Confidence growing

While the victory may have come as a surprise to some, Clemens had already noticed signs that his form was improving over recent weeks.
He reached the quarter-finals of a Players Championship event last week, having also made the last eight earlier this season. According to the German, those results were clear indicators that he was heading in the right direction.
"Yeah, hopefully. Last week I had a quarter-final and it was good, At the beginning of the year I had a quarter-final and now I hope it will go better. It's the start I hope, yeah."
Gabriel Clemens looks on.
Gabriel Clemens finally achieved darting destiny.
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Thanks to his biggest supporter

After the match, Clemens also made sure to thank those who had stood by him throughout his journey. In particular, he paid tribute to his wife.
According to Clemens, the support of his family was invaluable during the difficult periods when results were hard to come by. After so many disappointments, that made this victory even more emotional.
"I'm very proud and I must say thank you to my wife. They always believe in me and I'm very happy now."

A major boost for the rest of the season

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With his first Players Championship title, Gabriel Clemens has sent a strong message for the remainder of the season. The German showed not only that his game is back at a high level, but also that he has finally put the disappointment of previous final defeats behind him.
For Clemens, it feels like a fresh start. After years of coming agonisingly close, he has finally rewarded himself with a victory that will undoubtedly give him enormous confidence heading into the coming months.
The feeling after the match was one of relief even more than euphoria. The curse of the lost finals has finally been broken.
Gabriel Clemens is at last a Players Championship champion.
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