The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) will add a new major tournament to its calendar in 2027, expanding the number of televised majors from 11 to 12. The inaugural European Open is scheduled to take place in Salzburg, Austria, from June 18 to 20 next year.

The event is expected to feature 160 players competing for a substantial prize fund. While the exact qualifying format has not yet been announced, it is anticipated to resemble the structure used for the UK Open. This addition offers another competitive opportunity within the PDC’s growing schedule of major tournaments.

Luke Littler, currently ranked world number one, is preparing for the upcoming European Championship in Dortmund, where he aims to secure a title that would bring him closer to capturing all the major televised events in the PDC circuit — an achievement previously accomplished only by Michael van Gerwen. The introduction of the European Open presents an additional challenge for Littler as he continues to build his professional legacy.

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter described the new tournament as “another significant addition to the calendar,” emphasizing that it will enhance an already robust calendar of events. The European Open is expected to attract top players from across the global darts community, further raising the sport’s profile in Europe as the PDC pursues growth and broader engagement.

Details regarding the full tournament structure, qualification process, and prize distribution are expected to be released in the coming months, as preparations for the first European Open proceed.