The 2026 Hungarian Darts Trophy delivered a full slate of thrilling matches and historic moments, culminating in a decisive victory for Ross Smith over Gary Anderson in the championship final. The event, which took place over three days, showcased a mix of established stars and rising talents, with several upsets and landmark achievements along the way. On the final day of competition, Smith secured the title after a commanding performance that saw him defeat Danny Noppert, Dave Chisnall and Jonny Clayton in earlier rounds before overcoming Anderson in the showdown.
Smith’s 8-2 win in the final highlighted his clinical finishing and steady composure under pressure, cementing his status as one of the tournament’s standout performers. The tournament also featured a notable early exit for world number two and top seed Luke Humphries. Humphries, who entered the event as the highest‑ranked player after the absence of Luke Littler, was dispatched 6-3 by Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode on Saturday.
Humphries’ loss was a surprise, given his recent form and high seeding, and it opened the draw for other contenders. Michael van Gerwen, a multiple‑time world champion and fan favourite, also faced an early departure. After advancing to the last‑16 stage, he was beaten 6-4 by England’s Nathan Aspinall, ending his run in the tournament earlier than many had anticipated. Aspinall’s victory over van Gerwen underscored his growing consistency and ability to challenge the sport’s elite.
A historic milestone was reached before the weekend’s marquee matches began. Beau Greaves made history by becoming the first woman ever to compete in a European Tour event.
Greaves faced former world champion Rob Cross in a tightly contested match that went the distance, ultimately falling 6-5 after a deciding leg. Her participation marked a significant step forward for gender inclusivity in professional darts and demonstrated that women can compete at the highest levels of the sport.
The detailed results from each session paint a vivid picture of the tournament’s flow. In the Sunday evening session, the semi‑finals saw Smith defeat Noppert 7-3, while Anderson edged out Aspinall 7-6 in a nail‑biting encounter. The quarter‑finals featured a series of close contests, including van Duijvenbode’s 6-5 win over Danny Noppert and a 6-5 victory for Anderson against Nathan Aspinall after a tense finish. Earlier, on Sunday afternoon, the round‑three matches produced several key outcomes.
Dirk van Duijvenbode overcame Rob Cross 6-4, while Danny Noppert dispatched Ryan Searle 6-4. Ross Smith continued his strong form, beating Jonny Clayton 6-4, and Dave Chisnall recorded a comfortable 6-2 win over Keane Barry.
In the same session, Gian van Veen edged Stephen Bunting 6-5, and Gary Anderson narrowly defeated Michael van Gerwen 6-4, setting up his later clash with Aspinall. Saturday’s round‑two matches saw Smith start his campaign with a 6-2 victory over William O'Connor, and Dave Chisnall beat Wessel Nijman 6-2. Danny Noppert continued his march by beating Jermaine Wattimena 6-4, while Ryan Searle overcame Ritchie Edhouse 6-4. The evening session featured Stephen Bunting’s dominant 6-1 win over Jonas Masalin, Jonny Clayton’s 6-3 triumph over Laszlo Kadar, and a 6-4 victory for Michael van Gerwen against James Hurrell.
Dirk van Duijvenbode also impressed, beating Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5, and Nathan Aspinall secured a 6-4 win over Ryan Joyce. The opening day, Friday, set the tone with a mix of seasoned professionals and newcomers.
In the afternoon session, Kevin Doets fell 4-6 to Jonas Masalin, while Andrew Gilding posted a solid 6-0 win over Milan Biro. Ritchie Edhouse dispatched Connor Scutt 6-1, and Niko Springer recorded a 6-1 victory over Maik Kuivenhoven.
The evening session saw Dirk van Duijvenbode dominate David Pisek 6-1, and Daryl Gurney narrowly lost 5-6 to Laszlo Kadar. Krzysztof Ratajski edged Callan Rydz 6-5, and Joe Cullen beat Adam Leek 6-3. Notably, Rob Cross defeated Beau Greaves 6-5 in a match that highlighted the competitive spirit of the event. Beyond the scores, the tournament offered fans multiple ways to stay engaged.
Darts enthusiasts could stream live coverage through the NOW platform, which provides contract‑free access to a range of sports. Additionally, the event’s highlights and video recaps were readily available for those who missed the live action, and the "Love the Darts" podcast offered in‑depth analysis and interviews with players. Looking ahead, the darts calendar continues to build momentum with the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix scheduled for late September through early October.
World number one Luke Littler, who will be defending his title, is expected to draw significant attention, and the tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans another opportunity to watch top‑level competition. Overall, the 2026 Hungarian Darts Trophy not only delivered exciting matches and surprising results but also broke new ground with Beau Greaves' participation, signaling a progressive shift in the sport. Ross Smith’s triumph, the early exits of high‑profile players, and the intense battles throughout the event have left a lasting impression on both participants and spectators alike.