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'I'm not just back - I want to make life difficult for you' - Max Hopp on a mental restart and the dream of Ally Pally

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 9:31 AM ET

In an interview with Stargames.de, Max Hopp talks about his sporting comeback, the extension of his partnership with his long-standing sponsor, mental strength and the dream of further World Cup appearances at Alexandra Palace. The 29-year-old is focused - and as ambitious as in his strongest years.

"They always believed in my potential"

For Max Hopp, extending his contract with Stargames.de was more than just a formal step. "The decisive factor for me was that Stargames placed its full trust in me, even during the Challenge Tour," explains Max. He has always maintained close contact: "I was in close contact with the brand manager and he always believed in my potential."

After Hopp regained his tour card at the Q-School in the spring, the extension was a logical step. "I've played in 34 Players Championship tournaments - in England and Germany. Then it quickly became clear that we were extending the partnership, and I was delighted."

For Hopp, the joint appearance at the ADAC Truck Grand Prix, where Stargames was also present as a partner, was particularly impressive. "That was mega cool - we had a container on site, thousands of people came by, we had a show match in front of 14,000 fans. It's one of my favorite photos ever, it's even hanging here in the office. That was really special." Moments like these show how well gaming and darts go together: "At the end of the day, the joy of playing is the most important thing."

Technical work - and the realization: "It's just the head"

Hopp continues to work intensively on his athletic skills. He has optimized his technique and throw and slightly changed the alignment of his wrist. But the decisive breakthrough for him came in Hildesheim last year: "My first three darts were a 180 against José de Sousa. That's when I knew that everything was actually right with the technique - in the end it's just the head."

Since then, Hopp has been increasingly focusing on mental training and reading books on inner attitude. "The way you think influences your life. You have to accept that defeats are part of it. And you have to be patient."

Dual role as an expert - but the focus is on the board

During the World Darts Championship, Hopp also shone as a TV pundit - a role he appreciates. "I really enjoyed that. I loved commentating on sport even as a child." Nevertheless, he clearly wants to focus on his active career: "The sporting side of things must not suffer. I will still follow the Premier League, but otherwise the focus should be on playing."

Ambitions: Back to the top - and to the Ally Pally

Having regained his tour card, Hopp's big goal is clear: a return to the World Championship stage at Alexandra Palace. "I've already been there eight times. I definitely want to make ten appearances. And I want to invite the people who have supported me - not to show them the catacombs, but so that they can see me play on stage."

Hopp knows that the competition has become tougher. "We now have twelve tour card holders in Germany. The level of performance has increased enormously - Niko Springer in particular should be highlighted, who is already delivering fantastic matches." Nevertheless, Maximiser believes he has a chance: "I've already done it once. Why shouldn't I be able to do it again?"

Mature returnee with a clear goal

In the interview, Max Hopp presents himself as reflective, mature - and at the same time full of drive. The combination of trust from sponsors, mental work and sporting ambition should lead him back to the top of the world.

Or as he sums it up himself: "In the end, you have to want to win every game - whether it's against a buddy or at the World Championship at the Ally Pally."

This article first appeared on Dartsnews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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