Record number of entries for Dutch Open Darts 2026: more than 8,500 players taking part
WDFSunday, 18 January 2026 at 08:00
The Dutch Open Darts 2026 already promises to be an edition for the history books. Registration for the largest open darts tournament in the world has now closed and the number of entries is downright impressive: more than 8,500 players have signed up. This once again confirms the Dutch Open Darts’ unique status within the international darts scene.
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The enormous interest not only underlines the sport’s popularity, but also the appeal of the tournament itself. Year after year, players of every level – from passionate amateurs to seasoned stars – find their way to Assen. In 2026, the De Bonte Wever event complex will once again set the stage from 02/05/2026 to 02/08/2026 for what is already being seen as a gigantic darts festival.
Darts more alive than ever
The record number of registrations fits a broader trend: darts is more popular than ever. The sport is no longer just a pub activity, but has evolved into a professional and accessible elite sport with a massive following. TV broadcasts, expanding youth programs, and a strong club structure ensure that more and more players dare to step up to the major tournaments.
The Dutch Open Darts plays a key role in this. The tournament is known for its open format, international field, and unique atmosphere. Players from dozens of countries travel to the Netherlands each year to be part of this special event, where stage performances go hand in hand with camaraderie and sportsmanship.
De Bonte Wever as the beating heart
With thousands of participants and many more visitors, De Bonte Wever will transform into a true darts arena during the tournament. Multiple match days, hundreds of boards, and a tightly organized schedule are designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the event to the fullest.
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Jeffrey Sparidaans won the Dutch Open Darts 2026
Jeffrey Sparidaans, defending champion in the open category, will not be there this year, as he has just secured a PDC Tour Card. In the women’s event, Rhian O'Sullivan defends her title from last year.
The final day will be broadcast live in the Netherlands on RTL 7 and via the regional channel RTV Drenthe while abroad it is likely it will be shown on their YouTube channel.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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- If he can be bothered? He won't play darts in Germany yet he'll go over and get an award!??rick6702-09-2026
- Why is this the main story? He chose not to compete in loads of tournaments,yes he's number 1 in the world,but he does have to turn up at tournaments! Play the next world championship in Dortmund and see if he turns up!!rick6727-08-2026
- This is exactly what I mean,littler survives the 1st round,I think you'll find a lot of other players did. Can you just report on the real sport,and not just 1 person. I like Luke,but this is getting boring now,as Kevin painter once said to Taylor!! The sport is about every player,not 1 who everyone seems to have put the sport on the map.,which he hasn't,he's just got in when the money is massive. Great as he is,it seems like what's the point in anyone trying,he's going to win everything,unless it's in Germany or Australia!!!rick6726-08-2026
- I mean look, Littler's picture is first,wattimena is second and he won! Level it up. I know littler is fantastic,but the sport was here before him,and will be when he's retired. Any player in the top 64/128 can beat each other,it's not big news. Poor Jermaine,wins it,and not even the headline!!rick6726-08-2026
- I appreciate that littler is a fantastic player,but the top 3 articles are about him. Before he'd thrown a dart in the tournament. Level it out a bit, Taylor and van gerwen soon got disliked as the media could only see them,and nobody else seemed to matterrick6725-08-2026
- The two-point Lucky Loser qualifiers are Ross Smith, Robb, Whitlock, Sakai, Ilagan and Toylo. Jermaine is not on the entries list on Dartconnect for the TCH qualifier so the four from the main OoM are probably Searle, Nijman, Dobey, Wattimena.Scoobedybop24-08-2026
- The two-point Lucky Loser qualifiers are Ross Smith, Robb, Whitlock, Sakai, Ilagan and Toylo. Jermaine is not on the entries list on Dartconnect for the TCH qualifier so the four from the main OoM are probably Searle, Nijman, Dobey, Wattimena.Scoobedybop24-08-2026
- I'd happily pay for a site free of Van der Voort's every squeak and utterance.StraightArrowNoBull19-08-2026
- I think you miss the point. It is just a poll if you are willing to pay for an ad-free site. The content stays free.SheGotLegs16-08-2026
- It's great to see Mark Webster looking well,he's a top ladrick6715-08-2026
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