### The Thrilling Start of the 2026 European Tour in Krakow
Last weekend marked a significant moment in the world of darts as the inaugural tournament of the 2026 European Tour unfolded in Krakow, Poland. The atmosphere was electric at the Poland Darts Open, where the young and talented Luke Littler showcased his skills on the stage, clinching the title with a commanding 8-4 victory over fellow competitor Gian van Veen. The excitement was palpable as fans filled the venue, eagerly cheering on their favorite players.
### Luke Littler’s Impressive Win
At just 19 years old, Luke Littler has already cemented his status as a rising star in the darts community. His triumph at the Poland Darts Open marks his fifth European Tour title, a remarkable achievement for someone so young. Throughout the tournament, Littler demonstrated consistency and skill, ultimately finishing with a dazzling average of 105.37. This impressive performance not only secured him the trophy but also highlighted his potential for future success in the sport.
### Historical Tournament Averages
Littler’s average of 105.37 places him among the elite in European Tour history. In fact, only two players have ever achieved a higher tournament average. Michael van Gerwen, often referred to as ‘Mighty Mike,’ has set the bar incredibly high with his astonishing 37 European Tour titles. Notably, Van Gerwen recorded a tournament average of 107.58 during his victory at the European Darts Grand Prix in 2018, a record that still stands strong today.
In addition to his landmark 2018 performance, Van Gerwen also showcased his talent with averages of 106.67 in the German Darts Masters and 105.82 at the European Darts Trophy in 2017 and 2018, respectively. His ability to consistently deliver high averages underscores why he is revered as one of the greatest players in the history of darts.
Michael van Gerwen is ‘the king of the European Tour’
### Humphries Joins the Elite
Luke Littler is not alone in the spotlight; he shares this elite group with fellow competitor Luke Humphries. Known as ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ Humphries has also managed to achieve remarkable tournament averages on the European Tour. In 2024, he won the German Darts Grand Prix with an impressive average of 107.51, just shy of Van Gerwen’s record mark. Following this achievement, he continued to impress with a solid performance at the Czech Darts Open, finishing with an average of 105.42.
### What’s Next for the European Tour?
Darts enthusiasts need not wait long for the next thrill, as the European Tour continues with upcoming events on the weekend of March 13-15, 2026. The next tournament, the European Darts Trophy, will take place in Göttingen. Nathan Aspinall, who triumphed last year by defeating Ryan Joyce 8-4 in the final, will enter this year’s tournament as the defending champion.
Just a week later, the tour moves to Wieze for the Belgian Darts Open, where Luke Littler will be looking to defend his title yet again. Fans and players alike are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how this exciting season unfolds as top players compete for glory.
