“The first time I watched darts on TV was during the World Championship” – Not Van Barneveld or Van Gerwen: Niko Springer cites a different surprising Dutch name as his inspiration

For many prospects, the MODUS Super Series is a springboard to the big stage. But every now and then, a player steps onto the oche who has already made that leap. When Niko Springer made his debut in Portsmouth, he didn’t arrive as an unknown challenger, but as a player with a PDC Tour Card and a World Championship ticket in his pocket.

“Of course I qualified for the World Championship and have a Tour Card, so I'm very happy,” he says with a smile. “I know the Modus Super Series well and I've watched a lot of it on YouTube. I'm happy to be here.”

That Springer is now among Germany’s most promising players was anything but a given. His first sporting love lay elsewhere. “To be honest, I was always playing football,” he explains. “But I got injured. I played for about 10 years.”

The Mainz native was a midfielder and didn’t see himself as a future darter at the time. Yet his injury ultimately triggered an unexpected turn. “I just love sport and there was something missing. Getting into darts was more of a surprise than something I planned."

The early results were far from spectacular, but Springer quickly discovered a strong drive to improve. “That was the beginning. I started playing and, to be honest, I wasn't very good, but I wanted to get good. So I practised a lot, worked on different things and tried to improve. I think I did a good job."

Although darts now plays a major role in his life, Springer still follows football closely. Asked about his favourite player, he doesn’t hesitate. “At the moment I really like Jonny Burkardt,” he says of the striker at his favorite Bundesliga club Mainz 05. “He’s from my hometown. He's a striker. I always loved scoring goals as well.”

As with many top players, there was a specific moment when Springer began to believe a professional darts career was possible. That moment came during his first appearance on the European Tour. In Riesa he reached the last 16 straight away, where a meeting with former world champion Peter Wright awaited.

Although Wright ultimately came out on top, the German impressed. “I had chances in that match, but he punished a lot of mistakes. That made me realise that if Peter wasn't playing his A-game, I had a chance to win."

More important was the confidence he took from that match. “It showed me that I could compete with some of the best players in the world, and that helped me a lot.”

The growth of darts in Germany has been impressive in recent years. Since Gabriel Clemens reached the World Championship semi-finals in 2023, the sport seems to have only gained in popularity. Springer sees the same trend. “It keeps growing,” he says. “If you look at players like Pascal Rupprecht, for example, and if you watched the Super League this year, Paul Krohne reached the final and played really well. Kai Gotthardt was also here and won the title. The standard is just very good and it keeps improving."

One of the key moments in Springer’s development came in the PDC Europe Super League. On debut he reached the quarterfinals straight away, but there he received a harsh lesson from Martin Schindler. “I lost 10–1 to Martin Schindler,” he recalls.

Instead of being discouraged, Springer used that defeat as motivation. A year later he even reached the final of the tournament against Florian Hempel. For a long time he looked on course for victory. “I was 6-2 up.” Yet the match completely turned and he eventually lost 10-8. “The game got a bit heated. But I learned a lot from that match and tried to become calmer afterwards."

For Springer, the defeat may even have been more valuable than a win. “I think things may have happened too quickly otherwise. Losing gives you experience and teaches you how to deal with things you don't want.”

That’s why he doesn’t look back on that painful evening with regret. “II think everything happens for a reason. Of course I didn't want to lose, but in the end it was good for me.”

One aspect many fans may not know is that Springer combined his darts career with a regular job for years. While many prospects commit to darts early, the German worked in an office at a court. “At the moment I'm working full-time,” he says. “Next year I'll reduce that to 40% so I can play the full ProTour schedule.”

It shows how many sacrifices he has made to pursue his sporting dream. “I work in an office at the local court. I'm trying to balance everything, but next year darts will obviously take up much more of my time.”

Springer’s capture of a Tour Card didn’t come out of the blue. His 2024 season was nothing short of outstanding. With three titles on the Development Tour and four wins on the PDC Europe Next Gen Tour, he ranked among the most successful players of the year.

According to Springer, those many matches were crucial. “Those tournaments were very important for me.” The German describes himself as a player who needs a lot of match rhythm. “II'm a player who needs to play a lot to get match practice.” That often meant long weeks away from home. “II spent many weeks away from home, but that helped me keep improving, stay sharp and gain experience against good players.”

What stands out is how relaxed Springer sounds when the conversation turns to his future. Despite the expectations now resting on his shoulders, he seems to feel hardly any pressure. “I think I've done the right thing and the right job,” he says. For him, enjoyment remains the key factor. “It's a lot of fun and there's no pressure. That's the main thing.”

When the conversation shifts to his darts idols, you might expect a German name like Max Hopp. But Springer surprises with a different choice. “Jelle Klaasen.”

Springer says his admiration for the Dutchman began years ago during the World Championship. “The first time I watched darts on TV was during the World Championship when Jelle Klaasen reached the semi-finals.” ‘The Cobra’ made an impression on the German. “He played so well and really inspired me.”

Since then, he has been fascinated by Klaasen’s equipment and style. “From that moment on I didn't try to copy him, but I started using his darts and flights.” And that proved pivotal. “They worked really well for me. I've used a similar setup for years.”

Even his search for the perfect setup was influenced by Klaasen. “I always felt I needed a barrel that was similar to his because it suited my throw.” On the Pro Tour there’s a good chance Springer will soon actually face his idol. A thought that immediately excites him. “I’ve never played against him.”

He also realises such a meeting could be very special. “Maybe I'd be very nervous,” he laughs. “But I'd really look forward to it.”