Pondering a Second Act with Darts, Says Hopp
Former German darts champion Max Hopp muses about having a different profession in tandem with his beloved sport. "It's no secret that you live somewhat off the earnings. I've stockpiled some cash in the prosperous years, but indeed, I might just dive into a 9-to-5 job, playing darts only from Thursday to Sunday," Hopp disclosed to the German Press Agency. "It's something I've pondered upon."
In the upcoming Super League in Bitburg, Hopp will have the last shot at snagging a ticket to the PDC World Championships in London (commencing December 15). This German prodigy debuted at Alexandra Palace at a tender age of 16 and was once hailed as a "German child prodigy." In the recent past, Hopp's competitive career saw a downward spiral. Currently, he does not possess a 'Tour Card,' a privilege that renders him entitled to participate in important tournaments.
Instead, Hopp skirts around on the Challenge Tour, the secondary division of darts. "My start wasn't too promising this year; I was really up against it. The Challenge Tour is way different from the top-tier gigs. First, you do three matches for nothing, and then you play for just €75 - it calls for adaptability," explained Hopp.
Employing within the darts sphere, picnicking with colleagues five days a week, surrounds Hopp's thoughts as a possible alternative, given his financial buoyancy and savings from good years. Despite his struggle in the first part of the year on the Challenge Tour, Hopp soldiered on and still has the chance to compete in the PDC World Championships, having graced Alexandra Palace as a 16-year-old.
Finances and Professional Growth
Hopp's financial circumstances wade in a grey area, but his reentry into the ProTour speaks volumes. The Tour Card ensures him financial security for two years, owing to his elevated position in the professional circuit. Challenges on the Challenge Tour, a platform with rigid competitiveness and potential financial instability, were also not foreign to Hopp. His triumph in securing the Tour Card suggests Hopp managed to weather these struggles.
World Championship Qualification
The PDC Tour Card and robust performances on the ProTour augment Hopp's chances of nabbing a spot at the PDC World Championships. Premium 64 spots on the Order of Merit provide a direct pathway to the World Championships. Players outside the top 64, who possess a second-year Tour Card, also relish a viable chance of qualifying.
Regaining Footing and Experience
Hopp's comeback to the ProTour bodes well for his perseverance and commitment towards darts. The possibility of reclaiming previous glory and momentum, amplified by his recent Tour Card triumph, offers him a firm footing in the circumstances of his career.
