One of the things I enjoy most about being around the sport, whether studying results or spotting talent while marking and refereeing, is seeing the next generation before they burst onto the big stage. In recent years, Belgium and Germany have evolved from fringe nations into bona fide darts powerhouses, producing world‑class players to challenge the traditional dominance of the UK and the Netherlands. Poland and Czechia aren’t far behind either, each producing a steady stream of capable young talent.
But the nation I’ve been watching most closely lately? Hungary.
A Nation on a Steep Upward Trajectory
Hungary is not new to the world of darts, having competed at every PDC World Cup of Darts since 2012. But while they’ve always fielded solid representatives, they’ve yet to produce a consistent TV‑level star or a Tour Card‑holding regular who pushes deep in major events.
Based on what we’re seeing right now, that might be about to change.
The domestic structure in Hungary has been growing rapidly. The Budapest Open, Hungarian Classic, Hungarian Masters, and a now thriving WDF calendar have all recorded increasing participation numbers, including a record turnout at the Budapest Open in 2024. These events have become natural proving grounds for emerging players.
On the youth side, the progression is even more striking. Hungarian youngsters regularly feature in WDF youth events such as the International Youth Challenge Open Hungary, which continues to be held annually and showcases national U18 and U23 divisions. These events are producing a growing batch of competitive players who now test themselves internationally.
Names Already Making Noise in the WDF
Hungary has long had a healthy presence on the WDF circuit, and several players have been picking up strong results in recent seasons. Some of the names worth mentioning include:
Greta Tekauer – a standout Hungarian women’s player with consistent WDF performances.
Gergely Lakatos
Gábor Jagicza
Nándor Major
András Borbély
These players have been representing Hungary across various WDF and European events, including the Hungarian Darts Trophy and other PDC‑affiliated tournaments, which offer host‑nation qualifying spots. In fact, the Host Nation Qualifier for the 2025 Hungarian Darts Trophy included Nándor Major, András Borbély, Nándor Prés and Levente Sarai, all gaining valuable experience on the PDC stage.
This blend of national structure, youth development, and increased international exposure is exactly what helps produce the next breakthrough star.
A New Wave Is Coming - And One Name Stands Out
If there’s one thing that signals a nation’s imminent rise, it’s appearances on the PDC Development Tour, where the next generation of professionals cut their teeth. And last week, we saw a Hungarian player step up in a big way.
⭐ Peter Kelemen – A Name to Remember
During the opening weekend of the 2026 PDC Development Tour, Peter Kelemen reached the quarter‑finals of Event One, defeating Charlie Manby 5–4 before narrowly losing out to Dylan Slevin in the semis.
This is a huge result for a Hungarian competitor on the Development Tour, an environment traditionally dominated by English, Dutch, and German youth players. Kelemen’s run puts him firmly on the radar and may well signal the arrival of a genuinely competitive Hungarian prospect capable of earning a Tour Card in the next couple of seasons.
He’s not alone either. Increasingly, Hungarian youth names such as Adam Sepsi, Zsolt Csajbok, and Benedek Szabó are appearing in WDF youth brackets, regularly winning matches in events like the 2025 International Youth Challenge.
Momentum on the Professional Stage
The PDC European Tour’s Hungarian Darts Trophy, now a staple since 2021, has become a major focal point for darts in the region. Hungary has welcomed world starsV such as van Gerwen, Price, Littler, Humphries etc,while also giving home players a shot at competing through host‑nation qualifiers. The 2025 edition again showcased Hungarian talent on stage, with players like Nándor Major and András Borbély earning valuable experience against world‑class opponents.
As the sport grows, Budapest itself has become something of a darts hub. The MVM Dome hosts the Hungarian Darts Trophy yearly, and the atmosphere and crowd engagement have been praised repeatedly across coverage. Hungary hosting the World Masters and World Championship qualifiers for the WDF further cements its status as a rising darts nation.
So When Will Hungary Produce a TV‑Level Breakthrough Star?
Whether it happens in 2026 is still uncertain. But within the next two to three years, it feels increasingly likely that Hungary will produce a Tour Card holder capable of qualifying for TV majors, especially given:
A rapidly expanding WDF and national tournament calendar
A thriving and competitive youth system
More host‑nation opportunities on the PDC European Tour
A landmark Development Tour quarter‑final run by Peter Kelemen, signaling that Hungarian players are now competitive at the highest youth level
Hungary may not yet be a darts powerhouse, but the foundations are undeniably there. The trend lines are all pointing upward, and when the breakthrough comes, it won’t be a surprise to anyone paying attention.