Heinola Makes History! Top Storylines & How to Watch the Heinola Open
The final DGPT Elite Series stop in Europe has arrived (note that a handful of PDGA A-Tier EuroTour events will still take place later this season), and the 2026 Heinola Open presented by MVP Disc Sports is set to deliver a historic conclusion to the EuroTour Elite Series swing. Elevated to DGPT Elite Series for the first time, this year’s event will take place at the Kippis Championship DiscGolfPark in Heinola, Finland, a venue with deep roots in the country’s disc golf tradition for over 20 years. Now, in 2026, the tournament reaches another milestone as it becomes the largest international disc golf event ever played in Finland, bringing together the world’s top competitors for one final European battle before the season shifts back across the Atlantic.
ℹ️ Click here to view the 2026 Heinola Open – Kippis Championship DiscGolfPark Caddie Book
Taking place at the Kippis Championship DiscGolfPark in Heinola, Finland, competitors will take on a modified version of the Kippis Pro layout, featuring a combination of signature Pro Course holes and adjusted holes from the Am Course. Ranked as the No. 3 disc golf course in the world, Kippis has been a cornerstone of Finnish disc golf for decades and has hosted some of the country’s biggest events, including the 2025 Finnish National Championship, where Daniel Davidsson and Silva Saarinen claimed national titles. The latest professional configuration challenged players with a par in the mid-60s and a layout stretching beyond 9,000 feet from the long tees, creating a demanding test that blends distance, precision, and course management.
Here is how you can tune in and follow all the action this weekend…
POINTS & MEDIA COVERAGE NOTE
Due to the Heinola Open’s position on the global calendar and its close proximity to the next PDGA Pro Major event, the United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC), this event will feature a unique points structure and coverage plan. The MPO division will compete for full DGPT Powerball World Standings points, including 150 points for the winner, as well as EuroTour points. However, the FPO division will compete for EuroTour points only, which remain an important pathway toward securing 2027 Tour Cards in the European region (announced August 27, 2025).
The broadcast schedule will also be adjusted to accommodate player travel logistics, with live coverage on Disc Golf Network focused exclusively on the MPO division. FPO fans will still be able to follow the action through dedicated post-produced coverage from MDG Media, while JomezPro will provide MPO post-produced coverage throughout the weekend (announced April 27, 2026).
Learn more about how this points structure was determined in consultation with the DGPT Player Council at the link below…
Everything You Need to Know About Points & Media Coverage at the 2026 Heinola Open
WEATHER THIS WEEKEND
For any weather-related updates, delays, or safety information, check the DGPT Event Status Updates page.
HEINOLA OPEN: FPO LOOKAHEAD
- FPO1 Feature Card: Kaidi Allsalu, Kristýna Jurčíková, Julia Fors, & Iida Lehtomäki
Here’s a look at the top FPO storylines headed into this weekend…
1️⃣ Iida Lehtomäki Leads the Field into Heinola
Iida Lehtomäki enters the 2026 Heinola Open as the highest-rated player in the FPO field at 965, giving her a prime opportunity to contend for the biggest victory of her career. Through four Tour starts this season, she has recorded two top-10 finishes (both at PDGA Pro Major events), including a top-5 performance at the PDGA Champions Cup, while showing resilience at the Ale Open by climbing 10 spots on Championship Sunday with a 5-under final round to finish tied for 21st. Returning to Finland, Lehtomäki will look to build on that late momentum against a field that is less crowded with the Tour’s biggest stars.
Although the Heinola Open will not award points toward the DGPT Powerball World Standings, where Lehtomäki currently sits 27th, it remains an important stop in the DGPT EuroTour Standings, where she is currently 14th after finishing 6th in 2025. With many of the world’s top FPO players returning to the United States for the upcoming PDGA Pro Major, the USWDGC, Lehtomäki has a valuable opportunity to strengthen her position in the EuroTour race while continuing her pursuit of a first Tour victory and just the second podium finish of her career.
2️⃣ Anniken Steen Looks to Reignite Her Season
Anniken Kristiansen Steen enters the Heinola Open as the second-highest rated player in the field at 962 and one of the most experienced competitors in attendance. A Tour winner at the 2024 Texas State Disc Golf Championships, Steen has quietly put together another solid campaign in 2026, recording four top-10 finishes in eight Tour starts, including a podium finish at the Queen City Classic. Her proven ability to contend gives her a strong opportunity to emerge as one of the favorites this week.
Steen’s EuroTour swing has been steady but without the breakthrough result she has been searching for. She opened the European stretch with an 8th-place finish at the PDGA European Open before posting consecutive T19 finishes in Sweden. With many of the Tour’s top FPO players returning to the United States for the upcoming PDGA Pro Major, Heinola presents an excellent opportunity for Steen to capitalize on a less crowded field, regain momentum, and position herself for a strong finish to the 2026 season.
3️⃣ Europe’s Next Wave Looks to Take Control
Kristýna Jurčíková enters the 2026 Heinola Open as the third-highest rated FPO player in the field at 962 and one of the hottest competitors on the European swing. She arrives after consecutive top-5 finishes, highlighted by a breakthrough 3rd-place podium finish at the PDGA European Open, her first career Tour podium, followed by a T4 finish at the Swedish Open. After skipping the Ale Open, Jurčíková comes into Heinola rested and ready to continue building on the strongest stretch of her career.
While the field may be missing several of the division’s biggest names, a number of Europe’s emerging talents are positioned to take advantage of the opportunity. Julia Fors has become one of the most intriguing young players on Tour, collecting two runner-up finishes in her last three events, including a 2nd-place finish at the Ale Open. Matilda Ringbom also remains a player to watch after breaking through with a 3rd-place finish at the Swedish Open, looking to rebound after a 16th-place result at Ale. Meanwhile, Keiti Tätte brings valuable experience and proven winning ability, having collected multiple B-Tier victories this season despite some inconsistency at Tour events. With several rising European players searching for another breakthrough, Heinola could become another key showcase for the next generation of FPO talent.
HEINOLA OPEN: MPO LOOKAHEAD
- MPO1 Feature Card: Jakub Semerád, Gannon Buhr, Aaron Gossage, & Nikola Arkko
- MPO2 Feature Card: Lauri Lehtinen, Ezra Aderhold, Silas Schultz, & Miio Hämäläinen
Here’s a look at the top MPO storylines headed into this weekend…
1️⃣ Gannon Buhr’s Bounce-Back Opportunity
Gannon Buhr enters the 2026 Heinola Open still firmly established as the world’s No. 1 player, but with a rare opportunity to reset after an uncharacteristic stretch by his standards. While he extended his Tour top-10 streak, his 10th-place finish at the Ale Open marked his lowest result of the 2026 season. Since his dominant victory at the PDGA European Open, Buhr has yet to return to the podium on the EuroTour swing, finishing T5 at the Swedish Open before the Ale result. For a player who has set such a high standard, Heinola represents a chance to quickly return to championship form.
Despite already accomplishing more than most players could dream of at just 21 years old, Buhr still has one notable European achievement left to check off his list: a DGPT Elite Series victory overseas. He has already captured multiple PDGA Pro Major titles in Europe, but an Elite Series win remains the missing piece in an already historic résumé. Still holding a commanding lead in the DGPT Powerball World Standings, Buhr enters Heinola with a chance to end his EuroTour swing on a high note before returning to the United States after the PDGA USWDGC break. A victory would not only restore momentum but also add another milestone to one of the sport’s most impressive young careers.
2️⃣ Can Calvin Finally Convert in Europe?
Calvin Heimburg enters the 2026 Heinola Open as one of the hottest players in the MPO field, riding one of the strongest EuroTour stretches of the season. After a T5 finish at the PDGA European Open, Heimburg has followed it up with back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Swedish Open and Ale Open, consistently placing himself in position to win deep into the weekend. Overall, his 2026 campaign has been among the best on Tour, with four total podium finishes, including a victory at the OTB Open where he defeated Gannon Buhr in a playoff.
The one thing still missing from Heimburg’s European campaign is the final step: a victory overseas. Time and time again this season, he has found himself on lead cards and in contention until the final holes, showing that his game is fully capable of winning against the world’s best. With Ricky Wysocki withdrawing from the Heinola Open and Heimburg currently sitting just 92 Tour points behind him in the DGPT Powerball World Standings, this event carries additional significance. A top-5 finish would move Heimburg into 2nd place in the standings for the first time this season, while a victory would deliver the European breakthrough that his recent performances have been building toward.
3️⃣ A Final Euro Elite Series Opportunity
The 2026 Heinola Open represents a critical opportunity for several MPO contenders looking to close the European portion of the season on a high note. Niklas Anttila enters as one of the biggest names searching for a reset after a difficult EuroTour stretch. The European standout, currently 8th in the DGPT Powerball World Standings, is coming off a T48 finish at the Ale Open, his lowest result of the season and a surprising outcome after entering as the defending champion. Despite the recent struggles, Anttila still owns one of the biggest accomplishments of 2026 with his PDGA Pro Major victory at the Champions Cup, and Heinola provides a chance to remind the field why he remains one of Europe’s premier players.
Anthony Barela is another major name looking to capitalize, entering as one of the highest-rated players in the field while still searching for his first victory of the season. Currently sitting 6th in the DGPT Powerball World Standings, Barela has recorded three top-5 finishes in 2026, including a podium finish, but has yet to fully convert his consistency into a win.
Meanwhile, the final European Elite Series stop creates a massive opportunity for the homegrown talent in attendance. Players such as Mauri Villmann and Jesse Nieminen, both already Tour winners, look to return to the podium, while Lauri Lehtinen, Daniel Davidsson, and Teemu Lampainen see Heinola as a chance to capture a career-defining first Tour victory on home soil after strong European performances. Finally, Jakub Semerád remains a player to watch, returning as the defending champion after winning the 2024 edition when the event was a DGPT Silver Series stop. With many European players potentially facing their final chance to make a major impact before the season’s overseas travel demands, Heinola could deliver one of the most competitive fields of the year.
All the action starts Friday, July 10th! Tune in to the Disc Golf Network for live MPO coverage, then catch post-produced coverage throughout the weekend from JomezPro for MPO and MDG Media for FPO.
HOW TO WATCH THE HEINOLA OPEN:
Heinola Open presented by MVP Disc Sports | PDGA Event Page
Official scores, tee times, PDGA Live scoring, and round ratings can be found on the official event page on PDGA.com.
DISC GOLF NETWORK BROADCAST TIMES
Live daily broadcasts from Friday 7/10 – Sunday 7/12
- MPO Coverage begins with Tournament Central at 4:00 PM (EEST) / 8:00 AM (CDT) / 9:00 AM (EDT) / 6:00 AM (PDT)
WATCH THE FIRST HOUR FREE ON YOUTUBE THIS YEAR!
As announced at the start of the season, thanks to our new partnership with Powerball, fans can watch even more disc golf for free this season! The first hour of every round will stream free on YouTube, and full MPO Round 1 coverage is still available at no cost on Disc Golf Network. Fans can simply create a free account at www.discgolfnetwork.com and select DGN Free from the list of available options to enjoy complete round one coverage without having to enter payment information.
LIVE SCORES AND STATS
Live scores and stats will also be available on both the DGPT website and on PDGA Live all weekend.
WATCH THE PROS IN PERSON!
The DGPT and Heinola Open team invite fans to experience the action live at Kippis Championship DiscGolfPark! From watching Anthony Barela crush 500-foot drives to seeing Ohn Scoggins cash clutch putts and witnessing unforgettable moments unfold in real time, there’s nothing quite like being there in person. Treat yourself or a fellow disc golf fan to an unforgettable weekend and experience elite competition up close at the Heinola Open.
🗓️ Click here to view the full Heinola Open full event schedule!
Find U.S. ticket information at tickets.dgpt.com or EuroTour ticket details at europe.dgpt.com, or click the link below to explore options including General Admission, Fairway VIP, Silver VIP, Gold VIP, and more.
EUROPEAN OPEN PRESS CONFERENCE
Watch the 2026 PDGA European Open Press Conference on Disc Golf Network or the DGPT YouTube channel. Hear from defending champions Calvin Heimburg and Silva Saarinen, the leaders in the DGPT Powerball World Standings Gannon Buhr and Holyn Handley, Estonia locals Mauri Villmann and Anneli Tõugjas-Männiste, and more as they preview one of the biggest stops of the season!
DGPT BETTING & DAILY FANTASY GUIDE: GAMING OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK
Your picks are waiting! Disc golf fans now have the opportunity to engage in various gaming opportunities, including Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and regulated sports wagering. Check out NXTbet’s event analysis for the top bets and picks ahead of the weekend.
Click the button below to see winner odds, expert picks, finishing positions, and more for the 2026 Ale Open…
WHERE TO BET ON DGPT
Fans can visit nxtbets.com/playdgpt to view available gaming opportunities in their location and learn more about how to play DFS & Legal Sports Betting on DGPT events. Regulatory approval at the state level is required to offer gaming in each jurisdiction, and additional states will be added as approvals are secured.
In addition to exploring currently available opportunities, fans can read more about how to wager on the Disc Golf Pro Tour in NXTbets.com’s ultimate how-to guide. This educational resource provides information on how to research and choose a gaming platform or sportsbook, overviews the different kinds of wagering options available, explains how odds work in disc golf, and offers strategies for successful wagering.
Remember: The Disc Golf Pro Tour has strict rules governing who can and cannot bet on professional disc golf. Tour and tournament staff, volunteers, rules officials, and players are explicitly prohibited from participating in wagering. These rules help maintain the integrity of the game and ensure a safe, regulated betting environment for both fans and players. Additionally, the DGPT partners closely with IC360, a leading sports betting integrity and compliance organization that continuously monitors and analyzes betting activity across multiple platforms to detect potential abuse. To learn more about the DGPT’s gambling policy and safeguards, read the official announcement and visit dgpt.com/rules for the full policy.
DFS: Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).
Sportsbetting: 21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
LIVE COVERAGE
Disc Golf Network | Subscribe
The Disc Golf Network (DGN) is the home of live disc golf. The DGN is a subscription streaming and on-demand platform built by the Disc Golf Pro Tour. Covering the world’s best players competing in the sport’s most elite tournaments. For more information on Disc Golf Network offerings, check out this article → Check out the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s 2026 live media plan.
👉 What are the subscription tiers offered by the Disc Golf Network?
👉 Active PDGA members receive a discount on their monthly DGN subscription
👉 How to upgrade or downgrade your Disc Golf Network subscription
POST-PRODUCTION COVERAGE
JomezPro | Subscribe
JomezPro will continue providing free next-day lead card coverage with chase card inclusions for the FPO and MPO divisions at all DGPT (U.S.) and PDGA Pro Major events. At the European Open and the USDGC, post-pro coverage will first be available to DGN Pro subscribers (next-day) before being made available to DGN Standard subscribers and YouTube subscribers later.
