"Have to acknowledge that he’s worked incredibly hard": Max Hopp lauded by Gabriel Clemens for comeback with Ally Pally tip given

In episode eleven of the popular darts podcast Darts auf die #1, Gabriel Clemens, Robert Marijanovic, and Marcel Althaus discussed at length the resurgence of German star Max Hopp — and their words were full of admiration. The trio not only praised Hopp’s strong ProTour campaign, but also tipped him to make headlines at the upcoming World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

“He can still play fantastically,” said Gabriel Clemens emphatically as the hosts turned their attention to the two-time PDC title winner. The German Giant highlighted just how much effort Hopp had put into reclaiming his Tour Card after a difficult spell away from the circuit.

“In the years without a Tour Card, he really wasn’t doing well,” Clemens admitted. “But when you see how he’s fought his way back — you have to acknowledge that he’s worked incredibly hard for it and is playing at a very good level again.”

Marcel Althaus also lauded Hopp’s progress, particularly his mental strength and perseverance. “I have great respect for Max,” Althaus said. “He was already under immense media pressure at the age of 16, carrying the hopes of an entire darts nation. When he had poor results, he was practically driven through the village.”

Robert Marijanovic recalled a moment when Gary Anderson publicly defended Hopp during a World Championship press conference. “I think it’s remarkable that Gary Anderson felt the need to stand up for Max and ask the media to ease off him a bit,” said Marijanovic.

For the Robstar, Hopp could even be a dark horse at this year’s World Championship. “I’m pretty sure Max will go far at Ally Pally,” he predicted. “He has this ability to produce his best darts when it really matters. Maybe he’ll get a favourable draw — a few things could fall into place.”

Despite their glowing words, the panel’s analysis remained measured. Marijanovic noted that Hopp’s seasonal average sits around 89 to 90. “That’s decent,” he said, “but for me, it’s borderline. If you want to stay on tour long-term, you have to break that 90 barrier. He needs to find more consistency — otherwise things can quickly turn the other way.”

Clemens agreed but added some context. “It’s generally not easy to keep hold of your Tour Card these days,” he explained. “You now need to earn around £90,000 to £100,000 over two years. That means qualifying for the World Championship twice and making deep runs on the European Tour. It’s not easy anymore — and it’s very tough relying solely on the Players Championships.”

In the end, the consensus was optimistic. While Sport1 pundit Marijanovic labelled Hopp an “insider tip” for the World Championship, Althaus reflected on the enormous pressure the Maximiser faced as a teenager. Tour colleague Clemens, meanwhile, praised Hopp’s determination and hard work in fighting his way back to the top level.