Mensur Suljovic

Austrian professional darts player, born in Bosnia, who became Austria's first PDC major champion by winning the 2017 European Championship.

Born in Vienna, Austria on 22 August 1970, Mensur Suljovic grew up in the Austrian capital before establishing himself as his nation's most prominent darts player. His Bosnian heritage reflected Austria's multicultural landscape, and he would later become a symbol of immigrant success in professional sport. Suljovic began playing darts recreationally before transitioning to competitive play, eventually making the decision to pursue the sport professionally. Suljovic's professional career flourished during the 2010s when he established himself among the world's elite players. His breakthrough came through consistent performances on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit, where his methodical playing style began attracting attention. He reached his first major final at the 2017 European Championship, where he defeated James Wade to claim the title and make history as the first Austrian to win a PDC major tournament. This victory propelled him into the world's top eight rankings, marking the peak of his competitive career. The Austrian's most defining characteristic was his deliberate, measured approach at the throwing line. His extensive pre-throw routine, involving careful positioning and prolonged preparation, made him one of the slowest players on the circuit and earned him widespread recognition among fans and fellow competitors. This methodical style, while sometimes controversial due to its time consumption, became his trademark and contributed to his nickname "The Gentle" - a reference to both his calm demeanor and patient approach. Suljovic's achievements transcended personal success, elevating Austria's profile in international darts. His 2017 European Championship victory remains unmatched by any other Austrian player, establishing him as a pioneer for the sport in his homeland. His presence at major tournaments and consistent ranking among the world's top players demonstrated that success in professional darts was possible for athletes from non-traditional darts nations, inspiring a new generation of Austrian players to pursue the sport seriously.

Methodical, consistent scoring with a distinctive throwing rhythm

Pioneered Austrian darts on the global stage and inspired a generation of Austrian players

• European Championship Champion 2017
• PDC World Championship quarter-finalist
• Austria's only PDC major champion