Top-class darts action in the Ostermann Arena Leverkusen! PDC Europe is back, bringing the Winamax European Tour to the city of colour. In front of around 14,000 fans, true darts festivities unfolded from Friday to Sunday. The tournament delivered big surprises, high-quality matches, and above all: a well-deserved winner.
Nathan Aspinall wins his second European Tour title of the season and is crowned champion of the ELTEN Safety Shoes European Darts Open.
In a thrilling final, he triumphed over Damon Heta with a score of 8–6.
For “The Asp”, it was his third final on the 2025 European Tour. The Brit saw off Bradley Brooks (6–4), Ricardo Pietreczko (6–3), Chris Dobey (6–5), and Wessel Nijman (7–6), repeatedly showcasing his fighting spirit along the way.
“It was a tough road to the title, but that’s just how I do it. I make sure the fans get their money’s worth,” said a laughing champion, adding: “That was a final of the highest quality. The support I’ve received this weekend has been absolutely incredible. Respect to Damon—he played an unbelievable semi-final against Jonny.”
For Damon Heta, this was only his second ever European Tour final (his last was in Gibraltar 2022).
“The Heat” was one of just two seeded players to make it to the Last 16 on Saturday afternoon. In his match against Mickey Mansell (6–2 win), he came close to hitting a Nine-Darter—missing the Double 12 by a whisker. He then defeated Sweden’s Andreas Harrysson (6–4), Matt Campbell (6–5), and “The Ferret” Jonny Clayton (7–3).
“I’m gutted, but I have to say I played some great darts, especially in the semi-final against Jonny. We both had chances in the final—I missed mine, Nathan took his. That’s the game,” said Heta after the final.
But it wasn’t just the final that caused a stir — Cameron Menzies also made headlines: the Scotsman knocked out defending champion Dave Chisnall in the second round. It was clear early on—Leverkusen would see a new champion!
Chris Dobey, who impressed not only with his new Walk On Song “Hey Jude”, left Andrew Gilding no chance in the Last 16. With an outstanding Average of 110.84 and three High Finishes, he advanced to the quarter-finals, where he was eventually defeated by the later winner, Nathan Aspinall.
Andreas Harrysson, with an Average of 106, celebrated the first European Tour Last 16 appearance of his career after a victory over former World Champion Michael Smith. As we know, his run ended at the hands of Damon Heta.
Another Darts weekend full of highlights and drama is now behind us.
The European Tour now takes a break. But: Darts fans won’t have to miss out on the biggest party in sports.
From June 12 to 15, the BetVictor World Cup of Darts takes place at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt. 40 nations will battle it out for the title! The team world championship is a very special highlight on the PDC calendar. No other event combines tension and team dynamics quite like this one, as all matches are played exclusively in pairs. After the thrilling 2024 tournament, which was won by Team England, the 2025 World Cup also promises to be a spectacular event. Tickets available here.
