German prospect Niko Springer has named Jelle Klaasen as his darts inspiration, surprising fans who might have expected a Dutch legend like Raymond van Barneveld or Michael van Gerwen. Springer, who holds a PDC Tour Card and has qualified for the World Championship, told Darts News that his first memory of watching darts on TV was during the World Championship when Klaasen reached the semi-finals. “He played so well and really inspired me,” Springer said. “From that moment on I didn't try to copy him, but I started using his darts and flights. They worked really well for me. I've used a similar setup for years.”
Springer made his debut in the MODUS Super Series in Portsmouth not as an unknown, but as a player already on the big stage. “Of course I qualified for the World Championship and have a Tour Card, so I'm very happy,” he said. “I know the Modus Super Series well and I've watched a lot of it on YouTube. I'm happy to be here.” The Mainz native originally played football as a midfielder for about 10 years before an injury led him to darts. “I just love sport and there was something missing. Getting into darts was more of a surprise than something I planned,” he explained. “I started playing and, to be honest, I wasn't very good, but I wanted to get good. So I practised a lot, worked on different things and tried to improve. I think I did a good job.”
A key moment came during his first European Tour appearance in Riesa, where he reached the last 16 and faced former world champion Peter Wright. Although Wright won, Springer impressed. “I had chances in that match, but he punished a lot of mistakes. That made me realise that if Peter wasn't playing his A-game, I had a chance to win. It showed me that I could compete with some of the best players in the world, and that helped me a lot.” Springer also highlighted the growth of darts in Germany, citing players like Pascal Rupprecht, Paul Krohne, and Kai Gotthardt. “The standard is just very good and it keeps improving,” he said.
One of the toughest lessons came in the PDC Europe Super League, where he lost 10-1 to Martin Schindler in the quarterfinals on debut. A year later he reached the final against Florian Hempel, leading 6-2 before losing 10-8. “The game got a bit heated. But I learned a lot from that match and tried to become calmer afterwards,” Springer recalled. “I think everything happens for a reason. Of course I didn't want to lose, but in the end it was good for me.” He currently works full-time in an office at a local court, but plans to reduce to 40% next year to play the full ProTour schedule. “I'm trying to balance everything, but next year darts will obviously take up much more of my time,” he said.
Springer’s 2024 season was outstanding, with three titles on the Development Tour and four wins on the PDC Europe Next Gen Tour. “Those tournaments were very important for me. I'm a player who needs to play a lot to get match practice,” he said. “I spent many weeks away from home, but that helped me keep improving, stay sharp and gain experience against good players.” Despite the expectations, Springer feels no pressure. “I think I've done the right thing and the right job. It's a lot of fun and there's no pressure. That's the main thing.” He has never faced his idol Klaasen, but looks forward to the possibility. “Maybe I'd be very nervous,” he laughed, “but I'd really look forward to it.”
