Following the great successes of previous years, PDC Europe once again sent a clear signal for social commitment in 2026. At this year’s Poker Charity Tournament held at Motorworld Munich and the Drivers & Business Club Germany, darts giants once again met poker pros, prominent faces from sports and media, and fans of both darts and poker. The result of this unique gathering was an evening full of strategic brilliance at the poker table and an impressive record donation total of 50,000 euros.
Record-Breaking Aid for Social Projects
Thanks to the enormous generosity of participants and partners, last year’s results were significantly surpassed. The funds collected, totaling 50,000 euros, will be donated to three important institutions dedicated to inclusion and community. The Förderverein Inklusion, which promotes the participation and integration of people with disabilities, and Mohr-Villa Freimann e.V., dedicated to promoting art, culture, education, and monument preservation, will each receive 20,000 euros in support. An additional 10,000 euros will go to Marienkäfer e.V., which provides food, clothing, and other essentials to people in need in Munich.
A High-Caliber Lineup at the Poker Table
The blend of sporting ambition and a relaxed atmosphere once again attracted numerous world stars in 2026. The field of darts professionals was led by top stars Gian van Veen, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and the popular German pro Ricardo Pietreczko. Lukas Wenig and legends Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld also seized the opportunity to trade their darts for poker chips. TV expert Robert Marijanović was also in attendance, sharing his darts expertise in a masterclass for all participants. The action was accompanied by the unmistakable voice of caller legend Russ Bray, while Basti Schwele guided the evening with his usual confidence and even played a good hand at the poker table.
In addition to the greats from the world of darts, numerous other celebrities showed off their poker faces for a good cause. From the world of football, European champion Thomas Helmer was present, while TV expert and former pro Jan Stecker represented the colors of American football. Former national player Rüdiger Neitzel brought handball power to the table, and discus Olympic champion Lars Riedel proved that he is also a winner when it comes to poker.
The round was rounded off by “SOKO München” lead actor Michel Guillaume, along with a diverse supporting program that offered high-quality content away from the gaming tables. German Wine Princess Emma Meinhardt added elegant touches with exclusive wine tastings, while exciting insights were provided by various keynote speakers. Mario Leo, Dr. Jens Kohl, and Stephan Kalhamer shared valuable insights from their respective fields, making the event a well-rounded mix of entertainment, networking, and professional exchange.
Strategic Support from the Poker Elite
To ensure that luck wasn’t the only factor at the table, the celebrities were supported by absolute experts. Germany’s most famous poker pro Jan Heitmann and four-time WSOP winner George Danzer shared their expertise, as did poker coach Stephan Kalhamer and “Herzdamen” founder Mila Monroe. WSOP Circuit Champion Michael “Mayoman” Strauch also contributed significantly to ensuring that the sporting level of the tournament matched the high donation sum. At the end of the evening, it was clear that PDC Europe, together with its guests and partners, had set a new benchmark for charity.
