Darts star withdraws from tournament for first time ever – but he has a heartwarming reason

You won’t catch Luke Woodhouse in action at this weekend’s European Grand Prix, and for good reason.

For the first time in his career, the English darts star is skipping a European Tour event, due to his wife’s 40th birthday.

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The fifth instalment of the 2026 European Tour is currently underway in Sindelfingen, Germany.

A number of high-profile names have travelled overseas for the event – which got underway on Friday – including Gerwyn Price, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen.

However, one man not in the draw in Woodhouse, who has swapped the oche for birthday candles – just this once.

Ranked No. 21 on the PDC Order of Merit, the Englishman is a mainstay on the European circuit.

Since making his debut on the Tour in 2017, he has not missed a single event for which he has qualified.

Priorities

Back in February, ‘Woody’ revealed he would be breaking his 100 per cent attendance on the European tour for a special reason, despite these events being a top priority.

He told Tungsten Tales: “I’m going to have to miss one European Tour this year for my wife’s 40th birthday party.

“But I’ll make sure I’ll be at every other single one of these.”

This clearly wasn’t a decision Woodhouse took lightly, even if it was for a heartwarming reason.

European Tour events are crucial for many players in the battle for ranking points and prize money, which the PDC star was quick to add.

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Woodhouse said: “For me these are so important for the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, make sure the rankings stay high because the prize money is so good here.”

Reiterating his commitment, he added: “Last year I didn’t miss one event, and I won’t miss a single event other than Sindelfingen this year.”

But Woodhouse quickly added that it was a no-brainer to make his wife’s special day the priority for once.

He explained: “It’s her birthday party and she’s got about a million people coming.

“So I’ve got to make sure I’m there.”

Woodhouse’s heartfelt decision means he is missing out on a chance to play for a £35,000 winners’ prize in Sindelfingen.

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But his position within the PDC Order of Merit is still well-established, having amassed over £720,000 in career prize money.

This is due in no small part to his consistent European Tour appearances, which plays a major role in ranking points.

These points also carry significant weight for qualifying for majors like the World Matchplay and the Grand Prix.