"It was my dream to win a game" - Patrik Kovacs stuns Joe Cullen in Munich

On Saturday afternoon, Patrik Kovacs produced one of the biggest surprises on the opening day at the 2026 German Darts Grand Prix. The Hungarian claimed his very first European Tour win in Munich, and did so against a big name: Joe Cullen.

The opening day of the fourth Euro Tour event of the season delivered instant drama at the Zenith Arena. While several favorites fell early, it was Kovacs who stole the spotlight.

The 29-year-old Hungarian was under pressure beforehand. In his previous seven European Tour appearances, he had failed to win a single match. That changed in Munich, and how. Thanks to consecutive winning legs, he sealed a 6-3 victory over Cullen, a former Masters champion.

Afterwards, a visibly emotional Kovacs reflected on his achievement. “It’s unbelievable!” he said in his on-stage interview. “I tried to play my game. I was really nervous, it’s incredible to win here.”

Although Cullen wasn’t at his best, Kovacs was ruthless at the key moments. He made the difference on the doubles in particular, something he acknowledged himself. Joe [Cullen] didn’t play his best game, and I hit my doubles, I’m really happy.”

With this win, Kovacs also made history. He became the first Hungarian to win a match on the European Tour outside his home country. A milestone that means a lot to him personally. “It’s the first time I have won a game on the European Tour, it was my dream to win a game here.”

His reward for the upset is a meeting with Ross Smith, a former European champion. A tie in which Kovacs will again step to the oche as the underdog.