Preview Thursday evening European Championship 2025: Price-Gurney, Van Gerwen, Wright and Bunting adorn Night One

Tonight the European Championship gets underway in Dortmund. This major is the conclusion of the European Tour 2025. The best 32 players on the European Tour Order of Merit will compete for the overall win. We will be looking for a successor to Ritchie Edhouse, who won the tournament last year by beating Jermaine Wattimena 11-3 in the final.

After fourteen tournaments of the European Tour, the apotheosis will take place from October 23 to 26 in the Westfalenhallen in Dortmund. Remarkably, the defending champion did not qualify for the European Darts Championship this year. So we get a different winner than last year anyway. By the way, for the winner there is a check waiting for no less than 120,000 pounds. Thursday night the first eight matches from the first round will be completed. They will be played to best-of-11 legs.

The opening match between Ryan Joyce and Luke Woodhouse is a duel between two Englishmen hungry for confirmation. Joyce, known for his calm demeanor and solid scoring ability, is currently ranked 23rd in the world. With that, he is doing several places better than Woodhouse. The latter has now climbed to 27th place thanks to a strong year. The two men are actually very close and this promises to be an exciting match.

Next it is the turn of Ross Smith and Peter Wright to enter the arena. Smith, the 2022 European champion, has built a reputation as one of the best 180-throwers on the circuit since his breakthrough. Although this year at the majors it certainly hasn't been great. Still, everyone knows: when his scoring machine gets going, he can make things difficult for any major.

Peter Wright is the big question mark of this tournament. 'Snakebite' has tinkered with his material this year - as always - but has yet to find a stable line. His averages fluctuate, his doubles let him down too often, and his confidence seems shaky. Still, Wright is capable of suddenly exploding; he has proven too often that he can turn everything around in one night.

What makes this duel extra exciting is the mental component. Ross Smith will want to prove that his 2022 title was no fluke, while Wright, on the other hand, will want to confirm his name as a living legend after a difficult year. If Smith gets into his rhythm quickly and gets his scoring machine running, Wright looks like he is going to have a tough time. But never underestimate Wright: he has been written off before and came back stronger afterwards.

For many darts fans, Gian van Veen is the talent of the future. The young Dutchman has impressed in a short time with his high averages, mature charisma and mental strength. His fast style and confidence are reminiscent of a young Van Gerwen, and he doesn't seem to be deterred by anything.

However, Damon Heta, the Australian with the infectious enthusiasm, is no easy target. He is experienced, solid, and can also come out scoring nicely. Heta's problem is that he often fails at the majors. Even though Heta is higher in the world rankings, Van Veen may start this match as the favorite.

When Gerwyn Price steps on stage, spectacle is guaranteed. The former world champion is intense, emotional and driven. After a difficult 2024, he managed to win several tournaments again this year. Although the Weslhman is still waiting for a new major title, his last dating back to 2022.

Daryl Gurney has had to take a step back in the world rankings in recent years, but remains a player who can rise in major tournaments. His fighting spirit and solid fundamentals make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. Gurney has proven in the past that he has what it takes to win a major.

Both men clashed at the last World Matchplay, so it promises to be a particularly charged affair.

Jonny Clayton is having an excellent year with a final at the World Masters and semifinals at the UK Open, World Matchplay and World Grand Prix. 'The Ferret' hopes to go one step further at the European Darts Championship and win that coveted major title.

With Ryan Searle he meets a player who can be very strong in his scoring, but who dares to fail on his doubles. And those dimes are one of Clayton's strengths. The difference will probably not be very big, but Clayton seems the most likely winner in this duel.

Martin Schindler is having the best year of his career. The German has finally fulfilled the promise that has hung around him for years. His concentration, calmness and impressive averages make him one of the dark horses of this tournament.

Dave Chisnall, on the other hand, is an established name who always does well on the European Tour. His ability to throw 180s is legendary, and when his doubles are clicking, he can win any tournament. The only question is: which Chisnall do we get to see? The genius version that wins 6-0 with an average of 108, or the erratic variant that suddenly misses three doubles in a row? We have seen the latter version too often this year, very much against his habit, Chisnall in 2025 is still dry as far as titles are concerned.

Schindler is playing at home in Germany, which will no doubt give him wings. The crowd adores him, and he knows how to use that enthusiasm. Chisnall, however, is not easily intimidated.

A duel with a special story. Wessel Nijman is making his comeback at the highest level after his suspension for match-fixing a few years ago. That he is now at the European Darts Championship is in itself an achievement: he already won a Players Championship this year and reached several semifinals on the European Tour.

Facing him, however, is none other than Michael van Gerwen, three-time European champion and the man who always goes for gold. Van Gerwen is having a difficult season with private problems and changing form, but his hunger remains unchanged. At major tournaments, he often manages to find an extra gear. If both men can showcase their scoring ability, we will have a match to lick thumbs and fingers at.

The final match of the evening is a delightful affair between two players who are in strong form this season. Stephen Bunting starts this match as a slight favorite. His technique, once considered erratic, now seems to be his strength: he throws with rhythm, confidence and composure. His recent performances suggest the best.

Chris Dobey has proven to be one of the top players in recent years. His fluid style, combined with his cool-headed finishes, make him one of the most dangerous customers in the field. Both players like open matches and high pace, which means this duel could produce fireworks.