"Sometimes you have to take one step back to take two forward” – Niko Springer assesses a positive start to the season after World Championship setback

Niko Springer is satisfied with his start to the season. After a strong 2025, the Siefersheim native traveled to the World Darts Championship in London with high expectations — and buckled under his own pressure. Germany’s number four later admitted that openly. Now, after Players Championship 6, he spoke out on Instagram and looked ahead.

In 2025, Springer delivered one of the strongest first Tour Card years ever. Hardly any player knocks on the door of the top 50 in the world rankings after just one season. Springer reached the last 16 at the Grand Slam of Darts and defeated, among others, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson on the way. He also reached a European Tour final and, at the Hungarian Darts Open in Budapest, even claimed the title with a final win over Danny Noppert.

But the near-perfect year took a heavy hit at the World Darts Championship. Springer lost in the first round to Australian Joe Comito. He later admitted openly that he couldn’t cope with the weight of expectation. The disappointment ran deep.

The start to 2026, by contrast, has been promising. “The recent tournaments have shown one thing: things are moving in the right direction again,” Springer wrote on Instagram. After six Pro Tour events, he already has two last-16 runs — as many as in the entire previous year. “That’s definitely a step forward,” the 24-year-old emphasised in his post.

The Players Championship events in particular still caused Springer problems in 2025. He only qualified for the Players Championship Finals at the last minute. He then had to withdraw due to illness. This year, his game on the floor looks far more stable.

Springer has deliberately opted for a clear change of course. “I consciously went back to the basics: focusing on fundamentals, clean routines, and mental clarity,” he explained. He added: "Sometimes you have to take one step back to take two forward. That’s exactly how it feels right now." His self-assessment is candid. “Of course, consistency is still a work in progress here and there – but everything step by step."

Springer received an extra dose of motivation at the end of January. The professionals voted him “PDC Newcomer of the Year” for his outstanding first season. “ It means even more to me to have been awarded Newcomer of the Year. A huge honor and at the same time a strong source of motivation,” he wrote. “It shows me that the hard work is paying off – and that’s something I can build on.”