# Ross Smith wins 2026 European Darts Championship

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wessel-nijman-professional-darts-career
> Updated: 2026-10-25T19:58:22.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 3.

In the final of the 2026 European Championship in Dortmund, Ross Smith secured his second title at the Westfalenhalle by defeating Germany’s Martin Schindler 11–8. Smith, who previously won the championship in 2022, claimed the £150,000 winner's prize and saw his world ranking elevated to sixth place.

Schindler, who made history as the first German player to reach a PDC major final, was unable to overcome a decisive period in the match where Smith won six consecutive legs to establish an 8–2 lead. Despite a late comeback attempt by Schindler, which narrowed the gap to 9–7, Smith maintained control to secure the victory. Schindler’s performance, which included victories over Jonny Clayton, Wessel Nijman, Jermaine Wattimena, and Krzysztof Ratajski, earned him approximately £80,000 and secured his spot in the upcoming Grand Slam of Darts.

The tournament was also marked by the quarter-final exit of top favorite Luke Littler, who was defeated by Krzysztof Ratajski. Smith’s path to the title included victories over Karel Sedlacek, Damon Heta, Luke Woodhouse, and Gerwyn Price.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Ross Smith wins European Darts Championship in Dortmund

Ross Smith won his second European Darts Championship title, defeating Martin Schindler 11-8 in a historic final in Dortmund.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martin-schindler-defeats-krzysztof-ratajski-in-european-darts-championship-semi-final

### 2026-10-23: Martin Schindler and Krzysztof Ratajski reach European Darts Championship semi-finals

Martin Schindler and Krzysztof Ratajski have advanced to the European Darts Championship semi-finals in Dortmund after dominant wins, with Ratajski upsetting favorite Luke Littler.

33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wessel-nijman-to-face-martin-schindler-at-european-championship-2026

### 2026-09-27: Wessel Nijman leads PDC Pro Tour rankings

Wessel Nijman leads the 2026 PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit and has advanced to the second round of the World Grand Prix following a victory over Rob Cross.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wessel-nijman-leads-pdc-pro-tour-rankings

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Cite as: Ross Smith wins 2026 European Darts Championship. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wessel-nijman-professional-darts-career