Ross Smith secured his second European Championship crown on Saturday by edging Germany’s Martin Schindler 11‑8 in the euros final held in Dortmund. The best‑of‑21 showdown saw the Englishman pull ahead with a six‑leg streak, taking an 8‑2 lead before Schindler rallied to 9‑7, only for Smith to seal the win in the closing stages. The victory comes a month after Smith lifted the World Series of Darts Finals, confirming his place among the sport’s elite.
The final began with Smith in blistering form, rattling off six consecutive legs that left Schindler scrambling. By the time the scoreboard read 8‑2, the German contender had little chance of turning the tide, but he fought back, narrowing the gap to 9‑7 with a series of precise throws. Smith, who first claimed the European Championship in 2022, steadied his nerves and reclaimed the advantage, ultimately closing the match at 11‑8. His composure under pressure drew praise from the crowd and commentators alike.
Speaking to ITV after the win, Smith described the experience as “absolutely amazing” and admitted he was “a bit sweaty there.” He gave credit to his opponent, noting, “He wouldn’t let up would he? Full credit to him.” The Englishman also reflected on his recent form, having beaten Luke Woodhouse 10‑6 and Gerwyn Price 11‑7 to reach the final. “To win another major, not just this year, but just to win another major, I’m absolutely over the moon and drained. I’m buzzing,” he added, underscoring the physical and mental toll of competing at the highest level.
Schindler’s path to the final was equally impressive. He dispatched Jonny Clayton with a decisive 10‑1 victory before overcoming Krzysztof Ratajski 11‑6, the player who had eliminated world champion Luke Littler in the quarter‑finals. Schindler’s dominant early rounds suggested he could be the dark horse, but the final proved a stern test against a seasoned Smith.
The quarter‑finals saw a major upset when Luke Littler, the reigning world champion, fell to Ratajski 10‑6. Littler took to social media after his exit, writing, “Played well in the lead up to today, but just didn’t click for me earlier. Thank you for all the support this weekend. The wait for this one goes on.” His loss marked the first time the 21‑year‑old has failed to advance beyond the last eight in the European Championship, a tournament he has contested since his breakthrough in 2020.
The tournament’s structure, a best‑of‑21 format in the final, demands consistency and stamina. Players must deal with a field of 32, facing opponents from across Europe in a series of knockout rounds. For many fans, the European Championship is second only to the World Championship in prestige, offering a significant prize fund and a chance to cement a player’s legacy. Smith’s back‑to‑back titles place him among a select group of multiple‑time champions, a status that carries weight in the tightly‑knit darts community.
Reactions from fellow competitors highlighted the respect Smith commands on the circuit. Gerwyn Price, who lost to Smith 11‑7 in the semi‑final, praised his rival’s composure, noting that “the way Ross handled the pressure was a masterclass.” Meanwhile, Krzysztof Ratajski, after his defeat to Schindler, remarked that the German’s “firepower was evident from the start.” Such comments reinforce the high calibre of play witnessed throughout the event.
The win also has implications for the upcoming World Championship, where Smith will enter as a top seed. Analysts suggest his recent form, especially the back‑to‑back major titles, could make him the favourite to lift the sport’s most coveted trophy later this year. Fans will be watching closely to see whether the momentum from Dortmund can be maintained on the world stage.
As the tournament concluded, organizers announced plans to expand the venue capacity for next year’s edition, aiming to accommodate the growing audience for darts in Germany. The decision follows a surge in viewership across Europe, with the finals drawing a record‑breaking television audience. Stakeholders hope the larger setting will further elevate the sport’s profile and provide more opportunities for emerging talent.
In the immediate aftermath, Smith will return to the UK for a brief rest before beginning preparations for the World Championship qualifiers. His team confirmed that a training camp in Sheffield is scheduled for early November, where he will fine‑tune his technique and work on mental resilience. Meanwhile, Schindler returned to Germany to regroup, expressing confidence that his performance in Dortmund will serve as a springboard for future success.
The euros final delivered a blend of drama, skill and sportsmanship, encapsulating why darts continues to capture the imagination of millions across the continent. With Ross Smith now a two‑time European champion, the narrative for the sport’s upcoming season is set, and eyes will be on the next major showdown.
