“I’m here to win the tournament. Why not this year?” – Ricardo Pietreczko floors Jose de Sousa on his way to the second round at the 2026 World Darts Championship

Ricardo Pietreczko has once again shown that the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace suits him perfectly. The German booked his place in the second round after a hard-fought victory over Jose de Sousa, underlining why he has become an increasingly reliable presence on the sport’s biggest stage.

It was not an easy match, nor a display of outright dominance, but it was a contest in which Pietreczko stood firm in the decisive moments. And that, more than anything, is what makes him dangerous.

“It was a difficult game,” Pietreczko admitted afterwards. “In the first two sets it went to the decider. In the first set I was 2–0 down, but in the end it was okay for me to get the win. I’m in the second round now.”

Pietreczko was pushed hard by De Sousa, who started sharply and gave nothing away. In the early stages, the German looked slightly unsettled, but as has often been the case this year, he managed to reset himself when it mattered most. Where his opponent missed opportunities, Pietreczko took them.

“Jose fought well,” he said. “But in the deciders he didn’t play so well. I played well in the right moments, and that makes the difference.”

That ability to deliver when the pressure is highest is increasingly becoming a hallmark of Pietreczko’s game. Not always spectacular, but consistently effective. It also helps explain his recent television results, where he has often progressed deep into tournaments without necessarily producing the highest averages.

After the match, Pietreczko openly expressed his hope that De Sousa can regain his PDC Tour Card next year. It was a remark that underlined his sporting respect, but one that can also create a mental challenge during a match.

“I hope for Jose,” he said honestly. “But it’s not good for me to think about that during the game — about him losing his Tour Card. I have to think about myself, and that’s sometimes difficult.”

Playing against someone he respects does not make the task any easier, but Pietreczko stressed that he is learning how to manage those situations.

With a quarter-final at the European Championship, a semi-final at the World Cup of Darts and several strong television performances, 2025 can comfortably be described as a solid year for Pietreczko. The obvious question is whether he feels ready to take the next step.

“Why not?” he said. “I’m here to win the tournament. Why not this year?”

It is a statement that reflects ambition rather than bravado. Pietreczko is fully aware of the level of competition at this World Championship, but he also believes in his own development. He feels at home on stage and increasingly resilient under pressure.

In the next round, Pietreczko will face either Dave Chisnall or Fallon Sherrock — two very different opponents with very different dynamics. Sherrock would inevitably enjoy strong crowd support, while Chisnall is known for his relentless scoring power.

A preference? Pietreczko has none. “If you want to win the tournament, you must beat everyone,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who it is.”

That mindset sums him up well: no distractions, no focus on side issues, just the end goal.

A significant part of the press conference also focused on the development of German darts. The name of Max Hopp came up repeatedly. The former European Tour winner and youth world champion was for many years the face of German darts and recently returned to the World Championship stage.

“Max is very important for German darts,” Pietreczko said. “He was the first European Tour winner, he won the Youth Championships. That’s very important for Germany.”

Asked whether he has now taken over the role of Germany’s number one, Pietreczko was non-committal. “Maybe I’m the number one in Germany. Maybe Martin is,” he said. “We have many good players, and that’s only positive.”

Alongside Martin Schindler and Hopp, Pietreczko also referenced the growing depth within German darts, stressing that the overall picture is a healthy one.

Another recurring theme was the atmosphere at Alexandra Palace. The venue is famous for its loud and unpredictable crowds, something that can be particularly intense when Fallon Sherrock is on stage. Pietreczko was reminded of earlier matches where the crowd appeared to affect him.

“I don’t hear the crowd,” he said. “I stay with myself, and then it’s okay.”

According to Pietreczko, that is a clear sign of progress.

“I’ve learned a lot,” he added. “The crowd is good — I love the crowd — but I don’t hear it.”

What stands out is how much he enjoys performing on the biggest stages.

“I like stages,” he said with a smile. “Dortmund, the European Championship, the Players Championship Finals — every stage is my stage, and I love it.”

Although the World Championship takes place in England, German support is clearly present in large numbers. That was also noticeable during this match.

“There are a lot of English fans and a lot of German fans,” Pietreczko observed. “I hear support for Jose, and I hear support for me.”

With another place in the second round secured, Ricardo Pietreczko once again confirms his status as a consistent World Championship performer. In just two appearances at Alexandra Palace, he has made an impression both times. As for the secret behind it?

“I don’t know,” he said simply. “I just love the stage.”