Darts
European Darts Open 2026 Predictions: Van Gerwen Tipped in Leverkusen
The PDC European Tour heads to Leverkusen this weekend for the European Darts Open, with three days of action getting underway on Friday as many of the sport’s biggest names battle it out for another important ranking title.
With world number one Luke Littler and Luke Humphries both absent from the field, the tournament looks one of the most open European Tour events of the season, creating opportunities for several of the game’s in-form stars.
The Prediction
Without Littler and Humphries, this feels like one of the most open European Tour events of the year.
Nijman and Van Veen deserve their places near the head of the market, while Dobey, Clayton and defending champion Aspinall are all capable of going deep into the weekend.
However, Michael van Gerwen looks ready to remind everyone why he remains one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen, while Cameron Menzies appeals as an outstanding each-way selection at 40/1.
Nijman heads the betting
Dutch star Wessel Nijman tops the market at 5/1 following another impressive campaign that has seen him establish himself among the most consistent performers on the Pro Tour.
Close behind is fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen at 13/2, while three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen is next in the betting at 8/1.
Chris Dobey also sits at 8/1 after another strong season, with Jonny Clayton available at 9/1 and Stephen Bunting, fresh from another successful European Tour campaign, priced at 11/1.
Nathan Aspinall is 12/1 while Ross Smith can be backed at 14/1.
Further down the market, Rob Cross is 18/1, Kevin Doets is 20/1, James Wade and Danny Noppert are both 22/1, Luke Woodhouse and Jermaine Wattimena are each 28/1, with Cameron Menzies available at an eye-catching 40/1.
Van Gerwen worth supporting
While he no longer dominates the sport in quite the same fashion as during his peak years, Michael van Gerwen still possesses the quality to win any tournament he enters.
The Dutch legend has looked sharper in recent months and, with several of the biggest names absent from the draw, this represents an excellent opportunity to add another European Tour title to his remarkable collection.
At 8/1, he looks attractively priced given both his pedigree and proven ability on these stages.
Menzies appeals each-way
If you’re looking for a bigger-priced runner, Cameron Menzies stands out at 40/1.
The Scot continues to produce high-quality darts on the floor circuit and has shown on numerous occasions that he can trouble the very best when his scoring clicks.
European Tour events have often produced surprise finalists and winners over the years, and Menzies has the heavy scoring and fearless approach to make a deep run if the draw falls kindly.
At those odds, he looks an excellent each-way proposition.
*Prices accurate at time of writing – odds subject to change*
