“The Ally Pally only holds 3,000 spectators, that’s not enough”: Mensur Suljovic names potential new PDC World Darts Championship destination
Mensur Suljovic is one of the most successful darts players in the German-speaking world. He won a major title in the Champions League of Darts and is one of the best players on the European Tour. In an interview with Laola1.at, he drew an honest conclusion about his sporting year. “I can’t complain. It could have been worse. The year started well, then I slowed down a bit. Now I have to focus on the World Championship again.”
Health problems also slowed him down. “I was tired and had health problems. I hope to be in top shape in 2026.” The Austrian wants to play more European Tour tournaments again next year, because for him these tournaments remain the “key to the really big tournaments”.
Pressure, expectations and memories: Suljovic on the World Championship
Suljovic has been attending the World Championships at Alexandra Palace for almost two decades. “The pressure is always huge. As soon as I get to London, everything starts all over again. Like a beginner, unfortunately,” he says. This time, however, he is starting without any expectations. “I have nothing to lose and nothing to defend.”
He will compete in his 17th PDC World Championship in December. He has only missed out on the World Championship in 2013 and 2024 since his debut in 2008. His first World Championship in particular remains a positive memory for him to this day. Back then, he beat 22nd seed Andy Smith and then met John Part, who later became World Champion. Although Suljovic lost 4:1, he still describes the World Championship as “one of my best World Championships”.
The expectations used to be much higher. “A few years ago, I was top 16 and the media wanted to see you in the final. It’s different today. It always depends on your condition on the day, how you slept, how you feel. At my first World Championships I had nothing to lose. Now it feels similar again.”
World Championship location: Suljovic sees Germany as a great opportunity
Suljovic has a clear opinion about the future of the World Cup. Basically, he would like to see a larger venue that does justice to the increased interest. “The Ally Pally only holds 3,000 spectators, that’s not enough. Many friends of mine want to come and can’t get tickets.”
Won the Champions League of Darts in 2017
Although he does not reject a move abroad, he believes that the tournament should traditionally remain in England. However, there is one exception: Germany. “Maybe somewhere else in England. I played Premier League, there are lots of nice places. Saudi Arabia? I have nothing against it. But it would be more traditional in England, just in a bigger venue.” Then he adds: “Germany would be a good place for the World Championship. There is huge potential there. Germany has done a lot for the sport of darts.”
He particularly emphasizes Werner von Moltke. “Without Germany, without Werner Moltke, without Phil Taylor and without Barry Hearn – that’s the most important man – darts wouldn’t be as big as it is today. Werner has done an incredible amount for Austrian and European darts.”
Austria’s darts scene: great talent, little support
Suljovic has clear words about the situation in Austria. “We have a lot of good darts players, but the problem is often the sponsors. Many don’t dare to take the step. Darts is work, and if you don’t play well, your existence is in danger.”
For a long time, he himself had almost exclusively sponsors from Germany. He now has a sponsor from Burgenland, but the sport is still not widely recognized in Austria. “Many people don’t see darts as a real sport like soccer, basketball or boxing. That’s where sponsors want to get involved – not in darts.”
He therefore advocates an open attitude towards new sports. “Not everyone can become a footballer or skier. We’re not as strong as we used to be there either. Children need sport, preferably two sports. Why not darts or chess? Many are afraid because darts is often played in coffee houses. Then they say: Hands off.”
Future plans: own academy and more tournaments in Austria
Suljovic is already thinking about the time after his professional career. “When I’m no longer playing professionally, I’m sure I’ll open an academy. That’s my goal, my dream.” At the same time, he would like to play more tournaments in Austria. The success of Schwechat is proof of how great the potential is. “Everything is sold out. Why not like in Germany?”
He is already noticing how more and more darts tournaments are being held in Austria, but there is still not enough prize money in his eyes. “Many English players don’t come because they can’t afford to travel. This cohesion between sponsors and players would be very important.”
The defeat to Fallon Sherrock and what triggered it
He becomes emotional when asked whether the defeat against Fallon Sherrock was the biggest. “For me, that was the biggest defeat. I gave my best, but she played great. You have to accept that. For a lady at that time, it was absolute madness.”
Lost 3:1 to Fallon Sherrock at the 2020 World Cup
He describes the particular challenge of having an audience working against you. “I didn’t have my nerves under control. Now Luke Littler and everyone can see what happens when the audience is against you. Then you have a huge problem. “But he also emphasizes: “Whether you’re twelve or 60 years old, male or female – anyone can play. The important thing is training and concentration.”
Rusty-Jake Rodriguez suspended for doping: Suljovic calls for clear rules
Finally, Suljovic also commented on the doping ban of his World Cup partner Rusty-Jake Rodriguez. “I knew it was a small mistake. I didn’t call him because I knew it was a shock to the system. I told him to lodge an appeal.”
The appeal was successful – and Suljovic is now calling for consistent testing. “The top 16 should be tested at every tournament. Then we’ll see what happens. But not the 250th in the world. That makes no sense.”
