Belgium Open
Tournament Overview
The Belgium Open is a premier tournament in the World Darts Federation (WDF) calendar, celebrated as one of Europe’s longest-standing and most prestigious darts competitions. Hosted annually in Belgium, the event attracts a mix of seasoned professionals, emerging talents, and passionate darts enthusiasts.
Renowned for its electric atmosphere and competitive edge, the Belgium Open plays a key role in the development of darts across Europe. It features singles, pairs, and youth categories, making it an inclusive and dynamic fixture on the darts calendar.
History
Established in the **1980s**, the Belgium Open has a storied history and has been instrumental in elevating the profile of darts in Belgium. The tournament has consistently drawn some of the biggest names in darts, including legends such as **Raymond van Barneveld**, **Phil Taylor**, and **Martin Adams**.
Throughout its history, the Belgium Open has been a proving ground for local talent, with Belgian players frequently making deep runs and inspiring the next generation of stars. The event’s reputation for showcasing high-quality darts has solidified its importance in the WDF and broader European darts circuit.
Format and Rules
The Belgium Open follows a structured format that includes multiple categories:
- Men’s Singles: Best of 7 legs in early rounds, increasing to best of 11 in the final.
- Women’s Singles: Matches progress from best of 5 to best of 9 legs in the final.
- Youth Singles: Best of 5 legs, designed to nurture upcoming darts talent.
- Pairs Competitions: Exciting doubles format, played over best of 5 or 7 legs.
The traditional 501 format is used, where players must reach zero with a double finish to win each leg.
Past Winners
The Belgium Open has seen iconic champions lift the title over the years. Some notable past winners include:
- Raymond van Barneveld (Netherlands) – 5-time winner
- Martin Adams (England) – Multiple-time champion
- Lisa Ashton (England) – Women’s Singles Champion (2018, 2019)
- Andy Baetens (Belgium) – First Belgian winner in 2017
Records & Stats
Most Titles: Raymond van Barneveld holds the record for most Belgium Open titles with **5 victories**.
Historic Moment: Andy Baetens’ win in 2017 marked the first Belgian champion in the Men’s Singles, creating a significant milestone in the tournament’s history.
Highest Tournament Average: Lisa Ashton recorded a tournament average of **96.3** during her dominant 2019 campaign.
Memorable Moments
- Andy Baetens’ Breakthrough Win (2017): Baetens’ emotional victory was a historic moment for Belgian darts.
- Lisa Ashton’s Back-to-Back Titles (2018-2019): Ashton’s unparalleled consistency showcased her dominance in the Women’s Singles.
- Van Barneveld’s Legacy: Raymond van Barneveld’s incredible 5-title haul cemented his legendary status in European darts history.
Current Year’s Tournament
The 2024 Belgium Open will take place from **September 20-22, 2024**, at the **Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Belgium**. The tournament promises thrilling matches, a passionate crowd, and opportunities for local and international players to shine.
Prize Money and Sponsorships
The total prize fund for the Belgium Open is **€40,000**, distributed across categories:
- Men’s Singles Winner: €7,000
- Women’s Singles Winner: €4,000
- Youth Winners: Trophies and cash awards for finalists.
The event is supported by sponsors like **Winmau**, **Red Dragon Darts**, and local Belgian businesses, ensuring its continued success.
How to Watch
- Live Attendance: Tickets are available on the official WDF website.
- Live Streaming: Matches will be streamed on the WDF YouTube channel.
- Social Media Updates: Follow live updates and highlights on Twitter and Instagram.
Fan Engagement
Fans can enjoy an interactive experience at the Belgium Open:
- Meet-and-Greets: Opportunities to meet top players.
- Fan Challenges: Participate in amateur darts competitions.
- Social Media Interaction: Use #BelgiumOpenDarts to share your experiences and follow real-time updates.
Gallery and Media
Explore exclusive photos, video highlights, and post-match interviews on the WDF’s official website and YouTube channel.
FAQs
Q: When is the Belgium Open held?
A: The tournament is held annually in **September**.
Q: Where is the event hosted?
A: The 2024 edition will take place at the **Lotto Arena in Antwerp**.
Q: How can I watch the matches live?
A: Matches will be streamed live on the **WDF YouTube channel**.
Q: Who are the notable winners?
A: Legends like Raymond van Barneveld and Lisa Ashton are among the past champions.
