The big guns of darts are heading to Germany, and honestly, I couldn't be more pumped! Last year's tournament gave us one of those moments I still talk about at the pub - Gary Anderson finally breaking his European tour drought after ELEVEN years by taking down Rob Cross 8-6 in what was genuinely nail-biting stuff.

God. The Glaspalast crowd is something else entirely.

I remember watching Anderson's win while nursing a hangover from my cousin's wedding the night before. Worth it though. The Flying Scotsman looked absolutely chuffed as he lifted that trophy, and who could blame him? The man waited since 2014 for another European tour victory!

But defending a title? That's a whole different beast.

The Champ Returns (But So Does Everyone Else)

Anderson's back to defend his crown, but he's facing an absolute murderer's row of talent. World number one Luke Humphries is looking terrifying lately. My mate Dave bet me £30 that Humphries takes the whole thing, and I'm starting to think I made a terrible financial decision accepting that wager.

Interestingly, the wonderkid Luke Littler won't be making an appearance. Not sure if that's scheduling or what, but I texted my darts group chat and nobody seems to know teh real reason either.

What makes this tournament so unpredictable? Nine different winners across ten editions. That's bonkers. I've got a feeling we might see someone unexpected lifting the trophy on Sunday night... just hopefully not Humphries for the sake of my wallet.

When's This Darting Extravaganza Happening?

The action kicks off Friday, May 2nd and wraps up Sunday, May 4th. I've already warned my girlfriend I'll be essentially useless all weekend. Her response: "So no different than usual then?" Touché.

Afternoon sessions start at noon UK time, while evening sessions begin at 6pm. Perfect timing to either start drinking or continue drinking, depending on your personal philosophy.

Everything's happening at the Glaspalast in Sindelfingen. I went there back in 2018 for a tournament and the atmosphere was electric. Germans really know how to appreciate their darts!

Watching Without Breaking the Bank

If you're wondering how to catch all the action, PDCTV is your only option. A monthly subscription will set you back £4.99, which honestly isn't terrible for what you're getting.

I splurged on the annual subscription last November after three beers convinced me it was a wise investment at £49.99. In retrospect... actually, no regrets. I've definitely gotten my money's worth watching grown men throw pointy objects with incredible precision.

Friday's Carnage: First Round Bloodbath

The first day gave us some proper drama. Zonneveld absolutely demolished Ryan Searle 6-1, which nobody saw coming. Poor Searle looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

Martin Lukeman handled Benjamin Pratnemer 6-3 in a match that was closer than the score suggests. And how about Barney? Raymond van Barneveld turning back the clock with a solid 6-3 win over Ratajski!

The German crowd went mental for Martin Schindler's 6-3 victory against Callan Rydz. Like watching a rock concert where the rock star throws darts instead of guitars into the crowd.

Saturday: When Things Got Serious

Saturday's action was where my heart rate really started climbing. Anderson squeaked past Gian van Veen 6-5 in what might've been the match of the day. Classic Gary - making it harder than it needs to be, but delivering when it matters.

The biggest shock? Dirk van Duijvenbode taking down the mighty Michael van Gerwen 6-3! MVG looked about as happy as someone who'd just found a parking ticket on their windscreen after a dental appointment.

And Barney... again! The five-time world champ edged out Gerwyn Price 6-5. Vintage stuff from the Dutch legend who, let's be honest, I thought was finished at the top level about three years ago. Shows what I know.

Sunday's Showdowns: Who Takes the Crown?

The third round matchups are mouth-watering. Anderson vs Cross is a rematch of last year's final, which feels like it was scripted by someone with a flair for drama.

Humphries vs Michael Smith could be an absolute classic. Two guys who can hit 180s like they're ordering them in bulk.

Listen. If I had to put my (already endangered) money on it, I'd back Humphries to win the whole thing. But my heart's with Anderson to somehow defend his title against all odds.

The quarters, semis, and final all happen Sunday evening, which means I'll be glued to my screen with a takeaway curry and probably texting increasingly incoherent observations to friends who stopped caring hours ago.

Whatever happens, this tournament always delivers something unexpected. Like a ghost at a family reunion - impossible to ignore and guaranteed to create stories you'll tell for years.