This weekend the Blaklader Darts Open, the seventh round of the European Tour, will be played at the Oktoberhallen in Wieze. It was a series of tournaments taking place outside Great Britain and after which the top 32 qualified for the European Championships at the end of October. Top tournaments with almost all the world’s top players, including Dimitri Van den Bergh and Kim Huybrechts.

Organizer Golazo was surfing amidst the hype in Belgium because after the success of the first edition, the second edition was also almost sold out. So 17,000 to 18,000 people are expected from May 5 to 7. They have also seen that success in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). It’s “too early” for Premier League eve, but in 2024 two legs of the European Tour will take place in Belgium.

One in spring and one in fall. “The location can still be seen based on existing data. We are very happy with it. Anyway, for the Belgian darts players, who therefore have to travel less.”

PDC reports that the calendar will be announced in September-October.

Gala night

In the same period this year, the Golazo group will perform with a new concept: the Belgian Darts Gala. The world’s top six players will then play the tournament together at the Trixxo Arena in Hasselt.

“Thursday night because of the availability of players, plus because of the opening of the student year in Hasselt and Diepenbeek. There will be six pros for a tournament, in addition there will be a doubles tournament with the Belgian pros and four BVs. There will also be an award ceremony and after party at Versuz. It fits the whole darts experience”, it sounds.

The six professional players are: Dimitri Van den Bergh, Kim Huybrechts, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Fallon Sherrock. And tickets are available.

“Especially now that darts are in Belgium, it’s a pleasure. A gala was my first time”, said Huybrechts. “I’m looking forward to it anyway. First and foremost it’s fun, but I’m a winner so I won’t be short of an overall win. It will be ridiculous, but when the referee says ‘game’ then they mean it. BV? I immediately thought of Andy Peelman, Hans Van Alphen… There are still a few. Luca Brecel, for example, our new world snooker champion. Elke Clijsters even played a tournament. I’m mainly a soccer fan, so I want to play with soccer players. Like Toby Alderweireld or something. Or Hans Vanaken, Stijn Stijnen… As non-football player Tom Waes.”