In 2008, the PDC introduced the first European Championship. It is held in Frankfurt in Germany and played over 3 days. To provide players outside Great Britain more chance to qualify for this kind of tournaments, a special continental European ranking is made. The best four players from this list can participate in the EC. This is why no less than 5 Dutch, 2 Austrians, a German and a Spaniard play in the first edition. The best Dutchman is Raymond van Barneveld he gets to the quarter finals where he looses to the subsequent runner-up Adrian Lewis. Like almost every tournament, it’s Phil Taylor who wins the tournament without any major problems. The EC moved to the Netherlands in 2009, the tournament is held in Hoofddorp. It makes no difference to Phil Taylor as he wins it again this time against a surprising Steve Beaton in the final. Jelle Klaasen gets to the semi's and is the best 'European' player. In 2010 the tournament returns to Germany, played in Dinslaken Taylor completes a hattrick of wins. A year later he completes the quartet by beating Adrian Lewis in the finale again. Lewis produces a nine dart finish in the semi final against Raymond van Barneveld.