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Jan Thoden/PDC Europe

The Story Behind the Proposal – and a Hero Behind the Scenes: A Memorable European Tour Weekend in Leverkusen

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:57 PM ET

The European Darts Open 2025 had everything a great tournament needs – top-class matches, thrilling finishes, and stories that tug at the heartstrings. And Dartsnews.de was right at the heart of it all.

Alongside the sporting highlights, such as Wessel Nijman’s run to the semi-finals and Nathan Aspinall’s second European Tour title, it was three particular moments that made the weekend in Leverkusen truly unforgettable: a marriage proposal, a new cult fan chant – and a quiet hero behind the scenes.

Marriage proposal

The most emotional moment of the entire weekend arguably came during the match between Damon Heta and Mickey Mansell on Saturday. Christian from Hattingen seized the opportunity to propose to his long-term partner Nadine. A cameraman captured the scene, which was then broadcast on the arena’s big screens just seconds later. The crowd’s roar was deafening – and Nadine’s “yes” followed immediately.

“I pretty much knew what the answer would be, which is why I dared to do it – I’d never have done it in front of that crowd otherwise,” Christian told Dartsnews.de. “But because I knew, I just went for it. I figured women love a big stage moment – and what better place than here? Everyone was in high spirits, and the crowd really celebrated with us.”

Nadine was visibly overwhelmed: “I had no idea. It was completely spontaneous – he’d only just decided to do it. I was a bit flustered – not because of the proposal, but because of the situation and all the people. I just love my husband so much – we’ve known each other for 30 years.” How did she experience the moment? “If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t really take any of it in – I was just so stunned and completely over the moon.”

Even Damon Heta, who had thrown eight perfect darts in the match, reacted to the love story unfolding in the crowd. “If I’d known there was going to be a proposal, I might’ve hit the 9-darter – but since I didn’t know, I didn’t throw it,” joked the Aussie with a grin.

Their journey into darts, as is so often the case, wasn’t exactly straightforward. “We’re members of the Dart Knights Hattingen club. It all started about a year and a half ago after an ice hockey match,” Christian explained. “A mate challenged me and said, ‘Right, we’re heading to the club now.’ I said, ‘What club?’ So off we went – and just like that, we joined. He lost, by the way – that’s important to mention,” he added with a laugh.

But how spontaneous was the proposal, really? “Not planned at all,” Christian insisted. And the ring? “We already had these friendship-style rings. I just pulled hers off her finger – and she immediately said, ‘Give me my ring back!’ I said, ‘Hang on a sec…’ And then it happened – and she realised why.”

Leverkusen’s Unsung Hero: A Portrait of Steward Dirk

No spotlight, no stage – and yet an essential figure behind the scenes: Dirk, from near Wolfsburg, has been a regular part of the PDC Europe crew for seven years. It all started with a call-out on Facebook: “They were looking for stage crew, but I had no experience – I lasted about 30 minutes at the board. Then I thought, better stick with the reds (referring to the stewards’ shirts – ed.), they needed people too – and that’s how it all began.”

Since then, Dirk has worked at countless events – including this one in Leverkusen. There, he helped keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring media had access to the press area and handling logistics with a calm and steady hand. While waiting for players like Peter Wright or Nathan Aspinall, conversations with Dirk often turned into fascinating chats – about darts, about life on the PDC circuit, and countless anecdotes he’s gathered over the years.

“The highlight for me every year is the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt. That team atmosphere is just unique – especially in a sport that’s usually all about individuals,” said Dirk. He also sees the European Championship in Dortmund as a fitting end to the darting year.

One of Dirk’s most heartwarming stories also came during the European Championship: “I was walking from the hotel to the venue on Sunday morning when I found a painted stone that said ‘Madhouse’. Later, by complete chance, I bumped into Ritchie Edhouse in the arena and gave it to him as a good luck charm. He was absolutely delighted – and ended up winning the tournament. I messaged the woman who’d left the stone via Facebook – she was thrilled. Even Ritchie’s wife thanked me the next day. It was just a brilliant story.”

Dirk’s own love of darts began around eight or nine years ago during the Christmas holidays. “I didn’t know anything about darts – I was channel hopping, saw Ally Pally, and stuck with it.”

"MAINZAAA!" - How a football anthem conquered the European Tour

The electric atmosphere at German darts events has long been likened to that of football stadiums – and Friday night in the Ostermann Arena brought one of those rare moments. During Niko Springer’s 6–1 first-round victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode, the crowd suddenly erupted with a thunderous chant – “MAINZAAA!” – the iconic call of 1. FSV Mainz 05 fans. Springer, a proud Mainz supporter, stood at the centre of a spine-tingling scene. You can watch the moment in the video below.

“It was an absolute highlight – something completely new for me, I’ve never experienced anything like it at a PDC event,” Springer told Dartsnews.de. “It was so special. I enjoyed every second – every single chant meant the world to me.”