Niko Springer

Early career

Springer first took part in PDC Qualifying School (Q-School) in 2021, where he reached the final stage of European Q-School but was unable to obtain a PDC Tour Card.^[3] Due to his performances at Q-School, Springer received a wildcard for the 2021 PDC Europe Super League, where he was eliminated in the quarter-finals by the eventual tournament winner Martin Schindler.^[4]

During the 2021 PDC European Development Tour series, Springer made two finals, losing to Rusty-Jake Rodriguez on both occasions.^[5][6] His Development Tour ranking saw him qualify for the 2021 PDC World Youth Championship and the 2022 UK Open. Springer also reached his first PDC Challenge Tour final in 2021, losing 5–1 to José Justicia in Event 7.

In 2022, Springer qualified for his first two PDC European Tour events as a Host Nation Qualifier. At his debut tournament, the 2022 International Darts Open, Springer made the third round following wins over Jermaine Wattimena and Brendan Dolan, before losing 6–2 to Peter Wright.^[7] At the 2022 German Darts Championship, he lost 6–2 to Darius Labanauskas in the first round. Springer made the final of the 2022 PDC Europe Super League but lost the final 10–8 to Florian Hempel, missing out on qualification for the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship.^[8]

At the 2023 International Darts Open, Springer defeated Scott Williams in the first round before defeating Dimitri van den Bergh 6–1 in the second round.^[9] He lost in the third round to Damon Heta.

At the 2023 PDC Europe Super League, Springer achieved a nine-dart finish in a group stage match with Manfred Bilderl, notable for Springer achieving the perfect leg before Bilderl had the opportunity to complete his own nine-dart finish.^[10]

2024–present: Development Tour and European Tour success

During the 2024 PDC Development Tour series, Springer won his first three Development Tour titles, securing his third win in Event 20 against German compatriot Leon Weber.^[11] He finished second on the 2024 Development Tour final ranking, earning him a debut at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship and a PDC Tour Card for the next two years.^[12][13] He also won four titles on the newly established 2024 PDC Europe Next Gen series, where he hit a double-in double-out nine-dart finish in Event 4.^[14]

At the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, Springer played 2024 semi-finalist Scott Williams in the first round. Springer won the first set 3–0 but lost the match 3–1 in sets.^[15]

Springer made his second UK Open appearance at the 2025 event, and reached the third round. He defeated Cor Dekker 6–2 in the first round with a three-dart average of 115.92, his highest recorded PDC average and the second highest in the competition's history.^[16] In the second round, he beat Patrick Geeraets 6–5 in a deciding leg.

At the 2025 Dutch Darts Championship, Springer – then ranked 93rd in the world^[17] – reached his first PDC ranking final in his first year on the senior tour after wins over German compatriot Ricardo Pietreczko and Wessel Nijman in the final session. He missed out on his first senior title in an 8–6 loss to Jonny Clayton.^[18] At the 2025 Hungarian Darts Trophy, Springer won his first PDC ranking title. He defeated Luke Humphries and Josh Rock in the final session before an 8–7 victory over Danny Noppert in the final.^[19] He defeated six of the world's top 20 during his campaign.^[20]

PDC

• 2025: First round (lost to Scott Williams 1–3)
• 2026: First round (lost to Joe Comito 1–3)