Gerwyn Price emerged victorious over Ross Smith to claim the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix title in Sindelfingen on Sunday, capping off a thrilling weekend of high‑octane darts. The tournament, which represented the fifth stop on the 2026 European Tour, featured a packed field of 48 competitors battling for a top‑prize purse of £35,000.
The competition unfolded over three days, from April 17 to April 19, and delivered a cascade of memorable matches, surprising upsets, and standout performances that have now been chronicled in full detail. The final showdown saw Price, a seasoned campaigner known for his steely nerves and powerful scoring, edge out Smith in a tight 8‑6 encounter.
Smith, who had demonstrated remarkable form throughout the event, fought valiantly, but Price’s experience in pressure situations ultimately proved decisive. This win not only added a prestigious trophy to Price’s growing collection but also secured valuable ranking points that will influence his standing on the European Tour leaderboard. Beyond the headline final, the tournament offered a rich tapestry of results across all rounds.
In the early stages, Krzysztof Ratajski displayed his trademark precision, dispatching Danny Noppert 6‑5 in a nail‑biting match and later overcoming Michael van Gerwen 6‑5 in a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the darts community. Ratajski’s journey, however, was halted in the quarter‑finals when he fell 5‑7 to Ross Smith, who continued his impressive run.
The afternoon session of Round Three featured a series of closely contested battles. Joe Cullen was outplayed by Krzysztof Ratajski, who secured a 6‑2 victory, while James Wade suffered a narrow 3‑6 defeat at the hands of Nathan Aspinall. In another highlight, Jonny Clayton was overwhelmed by Martin Schindler, who posted a convincing 6‑1 scoreline.
These matches underscored the depth of talent present on the tour, with seasoned veterans and emerging stars alike showcasing their abilities. Round Two’s afternoon session saw Krzysztof Ratajski continue his strong form, defeating Mike De Decker 6‑4, while Jermaine Wattimena overcame Kevin Doets with a 6‑3 win. Wessel Nijman proved his consistency by beating Ryan Searle 6‑2, and Danny Noppert edged out Oskar Lukasiak 6‑5 in a tightly fought contest.
The session also featured a notable triumph for Stephen Bunting, who dispatched Mickey Mansell 6‑3, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable competitor. The evening sessions across the tournament were equally compelling. Ross Smith opened his campaign with a 6‑3 victory over Cameron Menzies, setting the tone for his eventual run to the final. Gerwyn Price began his campaign with a solid 6‑4 win over Dave Chisnall, while Nathan Aspinall dispatched Jeffrey de Zwaan 6‑1, demonstrating his scoring power.
James Wade, another fan favourite, recorded a 6‑3 win against Kim Huybrechts, and Joe Cullen added a 6‑3 triumph over Gian van Veen to his record. In the opening round’s afternoon session, Valters Melderis eked out a 6‑5 win against Karel Sedlacek, while Wessel Nijman posted a 6‑2 victory over Ian White. Keane Barry secured a 6‑3 win against Niels Zonneveld, and Krzysztof Ratajski continued his march with a 6‑3 win over Michael Hurtz.
These early results set the stage for a tournament brimming with competitive intensity. The evening session of Round One saw Michael Unterbuchner narrowly defeat William O'Connor 6‑5, while Joe Cullen dominated Maik Kuivenhoven with a 6‑1 score. Jeffrey de Zwaan recorded a 6‑3 win over Peter Wright, and Cameron Menzies overcame Raymond van Barneveld 6‑3, illustrating the unpredictable nature of darts where any player can triumph on a given day.
Beyond the matches themselves, the event was accompanied by a suite of related darts programming. Fans were encouraged to stream Premier League Darts and other major tournaments via the NOW platform, while the 2026 Premier League schedule was publicised, highlighting key dates and venues.
The Love The Darts podcast offered additional insights and commentary for enthusiasts seeking deeper analysis. The tournament also dovetailed with other high‑profile darts events. The BetMGM Premier League moved to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool for a pivotal night of competition, featuring a clash between Luke Littler and arch‑rival Luke Humphries, as well as a showdown between home favourite Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton.
Gian van Veen faced Gerwyn Price in a crucial battle near the top of the league table, while Michael van Gerwen sought to cement his position ahead of the Play‑Offs by taking on Josh Rock. Ranking points were allocated each night—five points for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—contributing to a league table that determines the top four players who will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28. The stakes were high, as the defending champion Luke Humphries aimed to retain his title, and fans could follow the action every Thursday on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW.
Overall, the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen delivered a compelling blend of elite competition, dramatic finishes, and narrative arcs that will resonate throughout the rest of the season. Gerwyn Price’s triumph, Ross Smith’s impressive run, and the numerous upsets throughout the draw have added fresh intrigue to the 2026 darts calendar, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tour and the upcoming Premier League showdown.