What is the PDGA Euro Tour Championship?

Article written by: Michelle Springett – DGPT Communications Coordinator

The culmination of the 2023 PDGA Euro Tour – The Andalucía Open is scheduled to unfold from October 20th to October 22nd, 2023, amidst the captivating beauty of Chipiona, Cádiz, Spain. The tournament represents a climax to an exhilarating European disc golf season, showcasing the surging popularity of this beloved sport throughout Europe. With players from diverse divisions vying for supremacy, the championship promises a display of skill and determination you won’t want to miss.

Disc Golf Network Broadcast Times

Live daily broadcasts from Friday 10/20 – Sunday 10/22

• FPO | 9:30 AM GMT+2 | 3:30 AM ET
• MPO | 2:00 PM GMT+2 | 8:00 AM ET

Post coverage will be available from MDG Media on their YouTube channel here.

Make sure to tune in on Disc Golf Network!

Do you want to be the first to know and catch this LIVE event, plus get access to new DGN off-season content? If so, the Disc Golf Network we’ve got you covered. As a subscriber to the network, you’ll have exclusive access to most new off-season content for two weeks before it becomes available to a broader audience. This means you’ll be among the first to experience the excitement and exhilaration. During the Andalucía Open, you can use the promo code AOLIVE to get a month for free! This promo lasts until 10/23/2023, so don’t miss out and grab that month for free.

You can subscribe to the Disc Golf Network for $12.99 a month. Additionally, DGN is running a yearly subscription promotion, and PDGA members can get 50% off the monthly option! Or, you can become a JomezPro Patreon subscriber and get most of this content early! Check out the complete schedule below for more information.

Jesse Nieminen throwing a backhand drive at the 2023 Alutaguse Open. Photo: PDGA Euro Tour / Matej Verl

The Road to Qualification: Rigorous and Rewarding

Earning a spot at the PDGA Euro Tour Championship is no small feat. The qualification criteria have been meticulously designed to ensure that only the most deserving players earn their place in this elite competition. Like the DGPT Championship, qualification for the PDGA Euro Tour Championship is based on season-long points standings. Here are the 2023 standings for FPO and MPO.  The PDGA Euro Tour also hosts Pro Masters divisions, but this article will focus on the MPO and FPO divisions. 

Open Divisions: FPO & MPO

• Competitors in the Open divisions amass their best results from 12 events, including the European Open. These results contribute to their points standings, determining eligibility for the Championship.
• A minimum of three PDGA Euro Tour events in 2023, European Open included, is a prerequisite for qualification in the Open Divisions.

Jenni Karppinen putting at the 2023 Krokhol Open. Photo: PDGA Euro Tour / Calixto García

The Invited Players and the Prize Purse:

A total of 64 players have received coveted invitations to participate in the PDGA Euro Tour Championship, and additional wildcard invitations add an extra layer of excitement to this gathering of disc golf talent. The default invitations have been allocated as follows:

• 48 invitations for the MPO (Men’s Open) players.
• 16 invitations for the FPO (Women’s Open) players.

The championship hosts various divisions, catering to players, including MPO, FPO, MP40, FP40, MP50, FP50, MP55, and FP55, offering a diverse and inclusive competition. While we’re excited to see the results of these divisions, only the FPO and MPO fields will be covered LIVE on the Disc Golf Network. 

In terms of prizes, the Open divisions guarantee at least 15,000€ in added cash, ensuring an enticing reward for the top performers. Entry fees are set at 250€ for Open divisions, offering accessibility for players across the board. 

The championship will adopt the standard singles-play format, spanning three days and rounds, with players teeing off in a standard tee schedule. A remarkable 50% of players will receive payouts in all divisions, underscoring this competition’s inclusive and rewarding nature.

Jakub Semerád putting at the Skelleftea Open. Photo: PDGA Euro Tour /  Matej Verl

Which Players Were Invited? 

Only the top competitors in season-long points (plus a few wildcards) are invited to play this culminating event.  This array of players will make this an exciting gathering of disc golf talent. The default invitations were sent out to 48 MPO players and 16 FPO players, with 40 invitations reserved for Masters.

Players to Watch:

The PDGA Euro Tour Championship is going to be a showcase of the top European talent. Among the players to watch are some top European players you’re likely familiar with from watching previous PDGA Euro Tour or DGPT events this season.  In the MPO division, the list includes players like Jesse Nieminen (58923), Jakub Semerád (91925), Jakub Knápek (68237), and Silver Lätt (61186), who have demonstrated their skills and dedication throughout the season in both Europe and the U.S. 

On the Women’s Open side, Silva Saarinen (107335) stands out as a top contender, having clinched the first position at the Euro Tour Swedish Open 2023 presented by Kastaplast. Their presence ensures that the championship will be a hotbed of talent and fierce competition.

Silva Saarinen tees off at the 2023 Krokhol Open. Photo: PDGA Euro Tour / Calixto García

The championship is an elite showcase of talent and an opportunity for players from different backgrounds to unite, compete, and celebrate their love for disc golf. It’s an event that promises excitement, fierce competition, and the crowning of champions in a stunning Spanish setting.

For more information and details about the 2023 PDGA Euro Tour Championship and the 2023 PDGA Euro Tour Event Page.