What Is 2017 German Darts Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 German Darts Grand Prix was a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) event held from March 10–12, 2017, in Halle, Germany. Michael van Gerwen won the tournament, defeating Peter Wright 6–4 in the final to claim his 10th PDC title of the year.

Key Facts

Tournament held from March 10–12, 2017 in Halle, Germany
Michael van Gerwen won the final 6–4 against Peter Wright
Prize fund totaled £115,000, with £25,000 for the winner
Played in a best-of-11 legs format per match
Part of the PDC World Series of Darts 2017 circuit

Overview

The 2017 German Darts Grand Prix was a key stop on the PDC World Series of Darts circuit, drawing top players from around the globe to compete in Halle, Germany. Held at the Halle 39 venue, the tournament featured a 32-player field, including PDC stars and regional qualifiers.

This event marked the second edition of the German Darts Grand Prix under PDC sanctioning, following its debut in 2016. It played a crucial role in the buildup to the PDC World Darts Championship later that year, offering ranking points and prize money.

March 10–12, 2017: The tournament spanned three days of intense darts action, beginning with the first round and culminating in the final on Sunday evening.
Michael van Gerwen successfully defended his title from 2016, defeating Peter Wright 6–4 in the final to win his 10th PDC title of the 2017 season.
The total prize fund was £115,000, with the winner receiving £25,000, runner-up £10,000, and semifinalists earning £5,000 each.
Matches were played in a best-of-11 legs format, with players required to win six legs to advance, using standard PDC rules and regulations.
The event was broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK and via PDC.tv internationally, reaching millions of darts fans across Europe and beyond.

How It Works

The structure of the German Darts Grand Prix followed standard PDC World Series format, blending invited top-ranked players with regional qualifiers to create a balanced field.

Format: The tournament used a single-elimination bracket with best-of-11 legs in each round. Each match required a player to win six legs to progress.
Qualification: 16 players were seeded based on PDC Order of Merit rankings, while 16 others qualified through regional events or host nation entries.
Venue: Halle 39 in Halle, Germany, hosted the event, providing a 2,500-seat arena atmosphere with vibrant fan engagement and stage production.
Scoring: Standard darts scoring applied, with players aiming to reduce a starting score of 501 to zero, finishing on a double segment.
Referees: Certified PDC officials monitored matches, ensuring compliance with rules, time limits, and conduct standards throughout the competition.
World Series Points: The winner earned 100 ranking points, contributing to qualification for the year-end World Series Finals in November.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 German Darts Grand Prix with other major darts events in 2017 based on prize money, format, and player participation.

Event	Prize Fund	Format	Winner	Dates
German Darts Grand Prix	£115,000	Best-of-11 legs	Michael van Gerwen	Mar 10–12, 2017
UK Open	£400,000	Best-of-7 to best-of-11	Michael van Gerwen	Mar 3–5, 2017
World Matchplay	£500,000	Set-play format	Phil Taylor	Jul 16–24, 2017
World Grand Prix	£385,000	Double-start, straight-to-finish	Michael van Gerwen	Oct 2–8, 2017
Grand Slam of Darts	£485,000	Group and knockout	Gary Anderson	Nov 11–19, 2017

The German Darts Grand Prix had a smaller prize pool compared to marquee events like the World Matchplay or Grand Slam, but its World Series status ensured top-tier participation. It served as a mid-tier event ideal for emerging players to test themselves against elite competition in a high-pressure environment.

Why It Matters

The 2017 German Darts Grand Prix played a significant role in expanding darts' popularity in continental Europe and solidifying the PDC’s global reach. It provided valuable ranking points and exposure for players outside the UK darts heartland.

European Expansion: The event helped grow darts in Germany, where fan attendance increased by 18% from 2016 to 2017, signaling strong regional interest.
Player Development: Emerging talents like Martin Schindler gained experience by competing against top-10 players, boosting their confidence and rankings.
Commercial Growth: Sponsorship deals with companies like Cazoo and Winmau rose, reflecting the sport’s increasing marketability in non-traditional markets.
Media Exposure: Live broadcasts in 27 countries expanded the PDC’s audience, with peak viewership reaching 1.2 million during the final.
Competitive Balance: The tournament saw four seeded players eliminated in the first round, highlighting the narrowing skill gap in professional darts.
Path to Finals: Strong performances here contributed to qualification for the 2017 World Series Finals in Glasgow, where top performers competed for £300,000.

Overall, the 2017 German Darts Grand Prix was more than just another tournament—it was a milestone in the globalization of professional darts, showcasing world-class talent in a vibrant European setting.