We’re down to our final 8 players in Germany, and by Sunday evening, a player will be crowned the 2026 European Champion.
With Gian van Veen out of the event, we are guaranteed a different player to win than last year.
There’s plenty of action on Sunday, so let’s dive into what to expect.
2026 European Darts Championship: QF, SF & F predictions and previews
Here are my predictions for Sunday’s slate
*Please note that the semifinal and final matches are what I predict based on the QF match outcomes
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QF: Ross Smith vs. Luke Woodhouse
Winner: Luke Woodhouse, 10-8
Both players have been great in the event so far, but Woodhouse has stood out slightly more to me.
He’s been very timely in big moments during the event and has punished his opponents when they’ve given him opportunities.
The pace should suit both players, so we could see each player reach their ceiling on Sunday.
QF: Gerwyn Price vs. Stephen Bunting
Winner: Stephen Bunting, 10-9
As good as Price has been this event and in recent tournaments, I like Bunting’s chances here.
It can easily go in Price’s favor, but I think Price is beatable, based on how Bunting has played in the opening rounds.
Bunting has looked a lot more composed and has a drive to win.
It’s been a while since Bunting made a major quarterfinal (last time was 2025 Matchplay), so with the final just a couple of games away, this is his chance to have a breakthrough performance at a major.
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QF: Martin Schindler vs. Jonny Clayton
Winner: Martin Schindler, 10-8
This is another matchup where you’d expect to see the more consistent player win, but Schindler has had a couple of great days and has the German crowd behind him.
They may play a large role in the outcome, whether it’s ethical or not, but Clayton is still searching for the consistency he had earlier in the year.
It should be another contest with little between the players in the scoreline, but don’t be shocked to see the home favorite make his first-ever major semifinal.
QF: Krzysztof Ratajski vs. Luke Littler
Winner: Luke Littler, 10-4
Littler has quieted the doubters, producing two incredible performances after some early exits at the past two majors.
Nathan Aspinall averaged 105.57 against him in the second round, yet Littler still won 10-5.
It’s going to take a career-best day from Ratajski to get past the immovable object that Littler has become.
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SF: Luke Woodhouse vs. Stephen Bunting
Winner: Stephen Bunting, 11-8
As mentioned earlier, Bunting has a great chance to set the tone for the rest of the year.
Woodhouse is a player you shouldn’t ignore, but if Bunting gets to this point, I don’t see him dropping a game like this.
SF: Martin Schindler vs. Luke Littler
Winner: Luke Littler, 11-6
As cool as it would be to see Schindler go all the way, it would be extremely hard to do if he runs into Littler.
Littler is virtually unbeatable in games that near the 20-leg mark, and if anyone had a chance at beating him, it was in the opening round.
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F: Stephen Bunting vs. Luke Littler
Winner: Luke Littler, 11-7
A Bunting/Littler final would be an ideal outcome for many, although it may not be the most 50/50 final possible entering Sunday.
The title seems like Littler’s to win, no matter who he runs into.
