Hungarian Darts Trophy 2025: Field, Schedule, Draw, and Predictions

Nicolas Gayer, Editor for DartsNews.DE has picked someone that isn't Luke Littler, a turn up for the books.

As open as the PDC circuit has been in 2025, and despite all the surprises we’ve witnessed over the past months and years, there are currently a handful of players who clearly stand above the rest.

Now that we are entering the decisive phase of the season, with the biggest titles to be decided in the coming weeks, I don’t expect that hierarchy to change anytime soon. Therefore, I am not anticipating any major shocks at the Hungarian Darts Trophy 2025.

Instead, I expect a classic case of “third time’s the charm.” Josh Rock, who has impressed at the last two European Tour events and only fell at the final hurdle, looks set to finally claim his well-deserved first European Tour title of the year.

At the same time, another name is increasingly establishing itself among the top contenders – a trend already evident last weekend. Gian van Veen is emerging as the next serious candidate for a televised title, long overdue for a trophy-breakthrough.

Of course, it goes without saying that Luke Humphries and Luke Littler will also leave their mark on this event. Additionally, Niko Springer could use this week’s floor events in Germany to build momentum and secure his European Championship spot in Hungary.

*** Josh Rock

** Luke Humphries, Luke Littler

*Gian van Veen, James Wade, Michael van Gerwen

Mats Leering, Editor for DartsNieuws.com sees Littler returning to his best again in Budapest.

With the results of recent weeks in mind, I think a number of players stand out as contenders for the title.

Although Littler did not get past the third round in Prague, he has shown his class several times on the Euro Tour this year. With his exceptional talent, he is always among the favourites. I also see Josh Rock going far again. He made it to the final in the last two tournaments, but both times he just fell short of the title. As we say in the Netherlands: 'Drie keer is scheepsrecht.'

Humphries finally won his first title of the year on the Euro Tour in Prague, which shows that he is slowly getting back into shape. James Wade also continues to amaze me this year, and who knows, he may go far again in Budapest. Price faced an unstoppable Van Veen in Prague, but is normally also one of the favourites.

Finally, I would like to mention a number of Dutch players. Van Gerwen showed a glimpse of his old form in the first round of the Czech Darts Open with an average of 112. However, he will have to maintain this over several matches in a tournament. Van Veen seems to be getting closer and closer to his first Euro Tour title, and who knows, he might just do it in Hungary. Wattimena and Van Barneveld are hovering around 32nd place, which means they will have to give it their all to qualify for the European Darts Championship. Both will be eager to perform well in the final tournaments in order to secure their place in the final tournament.

Favourites

***Luke Littler

**Josh Rock, Gian van Veen

*Luke Humphries, James Wade, Gerwyn Price

Pieter Verbeek, Editor for DartsNieuws.com also picks Littler for glory but has further outside picks.

We are entering the business end of the season, and that means players will be eager to bring their A-game, secure strong results, and build some extra confidence ahead of the upcoming majors.

Luke Littler has been the standout name of the summer, lifting titles at the World Matchplay, two World Series events, and the Flanders Darts Trophy. His surprise third-round exit at the Czech Darts Open will no doubt have stung, so I fully expect him to arrive in Hungary highly motivated to put things right.

Josh Rock has also impressed in recent weeks, most notably with a superb run to the semi-finals at the World Matchplay, followed by back-to-back Euro Tour finals. He’s shown he can push Littler, but actually getting over the line against ‘The Nuke’ is the next hurdle the Northern Irishman needs to clear. Luke Humphries has of course already proven he can do that on multiple occasions, though the reigning world champion has struggled for form this summer. That said, his solid showing in Prague — capped off with a long-awaited ranking title — suggests ‘Cool Hand’ is finding his rhythm again.

As for the outsiders, I’d highlight the names we’ve already seen featuring deep in tournaments earlier this year. James Wade is enjoying an excellent spell of form, while Gerwyn Price is another who looks sharp. And you can never count out Nathan Aspinall, especially given ‘The Asp’ has already picked up two Euro Tour titles this season.

*** Luke Littler

** Josh Rock, Luke Humphries

* James Wade, Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall