“I just wanted to have fun, and this time I took everything in” – Marcel Hausotter celebrates first European Tour win of his career against Raymond van Barneveld

For Marcel Hausotter, it was a moment he had worked toward for more than two decades: At the German Darts Grand Prix 2026 at Zenith Munich, the Berlin native claimed his first European Tour win on Saturday evening at his third attempt. He prevailed 6-4 against darts legend Raymond van Barneveld — a result that clearly meant a great deal to him.

Just moments after the match, Hausotter’s relief and joy were unmistakable. As he repeatedly clapped his hands in delight and celebrated in disbelief in the interview area, it quickly became clear how much this victory meant to him emotionally. “Super, really great. Honestly, it was an amazing crowd—they supported me a lot, and I’m just happy,” Hausotter said in an exclusive interview with DartsNews (YouTube).

The support of the Munich fans played a decisive role for Hausotter. He certainly didn’t miss the “Hausi” chants ringing around the Zenith. “Everything, really,” he said with a smile when asked how much he noticed the Munich backing. “I just wanted to have fun, and this time I took everything in.”

That shift in perspective showed on stage. While his previous European Tour appearances were marked by nerves, Hausotter looked far more relaxed this time. “I told myself after a few legs: just enjoy it, and then things can go better. That helped me relax more."

The fact that this approach worked against one of the biggest names in darts made the win all the more remarkable. “Of course, definitely. He’s a legend,” Hausotter said about facing five-time world champion van Barneveld. “But I also knew he hasn’t been at his very best recently. Still, he played very well at the last World Championship, so I think I was a bit lucky that he let me into the game.”

For the Berlin native, this win ranks highly in his career. After 22 years in the sport, he puts this success right at the top. “Yes, definitely right at the top—almost number one, I’d say,” he said with a laugh.

There’s little time to catch his breath, though. On Sunday, another top opponent awaits in Jonny Clayton. Hausotter, however, approaches the challenge without added pressure: “I’m just happy to be back on stage again with him. I’ll just enjoy it.”