"I’m still lost for words and I can’t describe how painful" – Leon Weber crestfallen after missing World Championship and Tour Card chance
PDC
Leon Weber has spoken out with an emotional message after the bitter end to the Development Tour 2026. After missing the direct ticket to the 2027 World Darts Championship and a new Tour Card, the German openly addresses his disappointment.
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“I’m still lost for words and I can’t describe how painful the last few months, and especially the past few days, have been,” Weber writes in his Instagram story.
“I gave it everything”
Weber assesses his role in the disappointing season finale with notable self-criticism. He offers no excuses and describes how hard the final stretch towards his big goal felt.
“I gave it everything to make this dream happen—but sadly I got in my own way.”
He does not detail the specific issues he faced. However, he explicitly speaks of a “battle against myself.” His message shows that far more than recent defeats is weighing on him.
Two big chances missed on the Development Tour
Ahead of the final Development Tour weekend, Weber could still hope for a double success. He occupied a provisional World Championship qualifying spot and was well placed in the race for a new Tour Card for 2027 and 2028.
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But the key results didn’t come in the decisive run-in. At Event 23, Weber went out in the last 128. In the final tournament, he lost his opener to Adam Dee.
With £11,350 in prize money, he finished the Development Tour in seventh place. Jamai van den Herik and Jurjen van der Velde, by contrast, secured their World Championship tickets. Van den Herik also claimed a Tour Card for the next two years.
Emotional thanks to his supporters
Weber devotes a large part of his statement to those who stood by him through this difficult phase.
“I’m making this story for everyone who supported me and stood by me even in tough times! THANK YOU!”
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He also explicitly thanks his sponsors, friends, and fans. His words become especially personal when addressing those who experienced his frustration up close. With self-awareness, he mentions his “probably unbearable manner at times” and thanks them for staying with him on this path regardless.
Other routes to the World Championship remain open
The disappointment on the Development Tour does not mean Weber is out of the race for the 2027 World Darts Championship. He can still qualify for Alexandra Palace via the Pro Tour or the PDPA Tour Card Holder Qualifier. He could regain his Tour Card at Q-School 2027.
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First, though, he wants to process the recent setbacks with some distance. “I think it will take some time and space to reflect on and process everything — but one thing is certain: This is NOT the end!”
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Weber underlines his intent to come again: “A chance missed — but the chance to do what I’ve done best in this sport so far: learn and come back stronger.”
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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