World number two Luke Humphries is set to meet Dirk van Duijvenbode, a semi‑finalist from the recent World Matchplay, in the second round of the Hungarian Darts Trophy. Humphries has been absent from the European Tour circuit since his victory at the 2026 Belgian Darts Open in March, but he has arrived back in fine form after clinching the latest Players Championship title in Leicester on Wednesday.
The tournament also marks a historic moment for women's darts. Twenty‑two‑year‑old Beau Greaves is poised to become the first female competitor in a European Tour event when she faces former world champion Rob Cross this weekend.
Greaves' participation underscores the growing inclusivity of the sport and adds an extra layer of excitement to the draw. On the men's side, Dutchman Gian van Veen will take on his compatriot Niels Zonneveld or the qualifier Nandor Major, while former world number one Michael van Gerwen begins his quest for a second Hungarian Darts Trophy crown against either Damon Heta or James Hurrell. Van Gerwen, who has already secured multiple major titles, will be looking to add another trophy to his extensive résumé.
Fourth seed Jonny Clayton is drawn against Hungarian hopeful László Kádár, who shocked Daryl Gurney with a 6‑5 victory on Friday night, demonstrating that local talent can challenge the sport's elite. Defending champion Niko Springer will meet Maik Kuivenhoven of the Netherlands in what promises to be a tightly contested match. The first day of competition, Friday 28 August, featured a bustling afternoon session. Kevin Doets fell 4‑6 to Jonas Masalin, while Andrew Gilding dispatched his opponent 6‑0.
Milan Biro was beaten 6‑1 by Ritchie Edhouse, and Connor Scutt lost 6‑1 to Niko Springer. Maik Kuivenhoven overcame William O'Connor 6‑2, and Samuel Price was edged out 2‑6 by Martin Schindler.
Keane Barry secured a 6‑3 win over Ryan Joyce, and Cristo Reyes fell 6‑3 to Dave Chisnall. The evening session saw Dirk van Duijvenbode dominate David Písek 6‑1, and Daryl Gurney suffered a narrow 5‑6 defeat to László Kádár. Krzysztof Ratajski edged Callan Rydz 6‑5, while Joe Cullen dispatched Adam Leek 6‑3.
The marquee match of the night featured Rob Cross against Beau Greaves, and other fixtures included Niels Zonneveld versus Nandor Major, Cameron Menzies versus Tom Sykes, and Damon Heta versus James Hurrell. Fans can stream the action via NOW, a contract‑free service, and the tournament will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports, providing extensive coverage for darts enthusiasts worldwide. In addition to live matches, viewers can enjoy highlights, video recaps, and the "Love the Darts" podcast for deeper analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights. Saturday 29 August continues with the second round in the afternoon, starting at noon.
Ross Smith will meet William O'Connor, Wessel Nijman will face Dave Chisnall, Jermaine Wattimena will take on Andrew Gilding, Danny Noppert will play Ritchie Edhouse, Ryan Searle will challenge Niko Springer, and Luke Woodhouse will square off against the Cross/Greaves pairing. Gary Anderson will meet Krzysztof Ratajski, and Chris Dobey will face the winner of the Menzies/Sykes encounter. The evening session at 6 p.m. brings more high‑stakes matchups: Stephen Bunting versus Jonas Masalin, Jonny Clayton against László Kádár, Madars Razma versus Keane Barry, Luke Humphries versus Dirk van Duijvenbode, Michael van Gerwen versus the victor of Heta/Hurrell, Gian van Veen versus the winner of Zonneveld/Major, Nathan Aspinall against Ryan Joyce, and Josh Rock versus Joe Cullen.
Sunday 30 August will host the third round in the afternoon, followed by quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and the final in the evening session. The tournament will culminate with a champion crowned after a week of intense competition.
Beyond the Hungarian Darts Trophy, the darts calendar features the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, where world number one Luke Littler will defend his title from 28 September to 4 October. The Grand Prix will also be streamed live on Sky Sports, offering fans another opportunity to watch top‑level darts without a contract commitment. Overall, the Hungarian Darts Trophy promises a blend of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and historic firsts. With Humphries back in action, Greaves breaking new ground for women, and a packed schedule of matches across three days, the event is set to deliver thrilling moments, surprising upsets, and a showcase of the sport's growing global appeal.