"I’ve lost my focus on professional darts" - Florian Hempel's career in doubt with German set to lose PDC Tour Card

These are testing times for Florian Hempel on the professional darts circuit. The German, who had become a regular fixture on the PDC Tour in recent years, is currently in a difficult spot. He has failed to qualify for the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship, and his Tour Card for 2026 is, for now at least, out of reach. Speaking candidly during a live recording of the Game On Podcast in Maisach, alongside Elmar Paulke, Hempel opened up about his struggles.

Paulke broached a sensitive subject during the conversation, wondering whether Hempel could still make a living purely from prize money, or whether he now relied more heavily on exhibitions and workshops. Hempel responded with refreshing honesty. “First and foremost, I consider myself a professional darts player. That’s always been my intention,” he explained. “But over the past 18 months, a lot of opportunities have come my way — and I’ve taken them.”

Hempel has become an increasingly familiar face in the media, regularly appearing as a co-commentator on DAZN and taking part in Sport1’s Darts Party format, often alongside Paulke. He also organises workshops and exhibitions, which he sees as a welcome change of pace. “Of course, it’s a way to earn money — but it doesn’t feel like that. It brings me joy, especially because of the connection with the fans,” Hempel said.

Even more striking was how openly he discussed his current dip in form. “To be honest, I’ve lost my focus on professional darts this year,” he admitted. “Maybe I’ve spread myself too thin, taken on too many things here and there. But these opportunities don’t come along every day. Sometimes you’ve got to take them to get a foot in the door — to explore what else is out there.”

He acknowledged that his performances have suffered as a result. “This year, darts has taken something of a back seat — and that’s reflected in where I am now. My ranking’s poor, I’m not playing good darts. I’ve made some changes mentally. That’s not an excuse — it was a conscious decision, and one I fully stand by. I’m doing my best with the path I’ve chosen,” Hempel concluded.