Players

Benjamin Pratnemer, the 46-year-old from Maribor, Slovenia, known by his nickname "The Star", is a name that carries real weight in the world of darts. His career is not only impressive in numbers and titles but also in what he represents — a pioneer and ambassador of Slovenian professional darts on the international stage.

From a Late Start to a Star’s Journey

Interestingly, Pratnemer didn’t start playing darts as a teenager, but only in 2011, at a local club in Maribor. His talent and dedication quickly paid off, as he became the Slovenian national champion in both steel-tip and soft-tip formats within just a couple of years. Since then, he has grown season after season, proving himself at both national and international levels.

A Slovenian Pioneer in the PDC

In 2019, Pratnemer made history by winning the Eastern Europe Qualifier, becoming only the second Slovenian ever to qualify for the PDC World Darts Championship. Although he lost in the first round of the 2020 edition to Justin Pipe (2–3), his appearance was a turning point, opening doors for more Slovenian players in the global darts arena.

WDF Dominance

Pratnemer has focused primarily on WDF tournaments, where he’s racked up a series of major titles in recent years:

• WDF World Open 2022 – Champion in Assen
• Slovak Open (2024, 2025) – Double winner
• Budapest Masters 2025 – Champion
• Slovenian Open 2024 – Winner and tournament organizer
• Balaton Masters, Hungarian Classic, Slovak Masters, Spring/Winter Specials…

In total, he has won more than 15 WDF titles, and entered 2025 ranked #8 in the WDF men’s world rankings.

Playing Style and Stats

Pratnemer has played over 350 official matches, with an average of about 84.2, and his highest recorded average is a stunning 99.41, achieved at Q‑School in 2023. He plays right-handed and uses 20–21g Bulls Signature darts. His walk-on music – “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” by AC/DC – perfectly captures his work ethic and journey.

More Than a Player – A Darts Ambassador

Beyond his competitive achievements, Pratnemer has played a key role in developing the sport in Slovenia. As the organizer of tournaments such as the Slovenian Open in Ljubljana, he is helping build a stronger local and regional darts scene. He also regularly collaborates with young players and darts organizations to promote the game.

Looking Ahead

Although he hasn’t yet secured a PDC Tour Card (his closest attempt was in 2023, finishing 28th in the final phase of Q‑School), Pratnemer continues to compete at a high level. His 2025 form — already with multiple titles — shows he still has plenty to offer.

Benjamin Pratnemer isn’t just “The Star” by name — he’s a real star of Slovenian and Central European darts. His story of a late start, relentless persistence, and love for the sport is an inspiration and proof that it’s never too late to aim for the top.