Tomas 'Shorty' Seyler, the first German to compete at a PDC World Darts Championship, a three-time German champion, and later one of the sport's most beloved voices, passed away on 11 July 2024 at the age of just 49. His sudden death, following a collapse on 29 June 2024, sent shockwaves through the darts world. Seyler, born on 16 July 1974 in Bremerhaven, began playing darts at age nine, inspired by his father, and rose to become a defining figure in German darts.
Seyler's playing career was marked by historic achievements. In 2001, he won his first German championship at 27, repeating the feat in 2003 and 2004 for a hat-trick of titles. In 2004, alongside close friend Andree Welge, he took the pairs title at the prestigious Dutch Open, a landmark success that no other German pair has since repeated. He also lifted the German Gold Cup in 2005 and again in 2012, defeating Geert de Vos in the final. In 2006, Seyler made history as the first German at a PDC World Darts Championship, beating Jamie Harvey 3-0 in sets before losing 2-4 to Roland Scholten. That appearance led to a 365-day ban from BDO events, prompting his definitive move to the PDC.
Over his career, Seyler made four PDC World Championship appearances. In 2007, he lost in round one to Colin Lloyd; in 2009, he faced Jan van der Rassel in the preliminary round at Alexandra Palace, losing 4-1; and in 2014, he was beaten 3-0 by Kevin Painter. He also qualified for the European Championship in 2010, pushing Michael van Gerwen close before losing 4-6, and in 2012 lost 6-0 to Wes Newton. In 2014, Seyler won a Tour Card at Q-School, securing PDC pro status for two years, but lost it at the start of 2016. His last TV appearance as a player came in 2015 at the International Darts Open, and he made an unsuccessful Q-School attempt in 2020.
Beyond the oche, Seyler became a cult figure as a TV expert on Sport1 from 2006, forming a legendary commentary duo with Elmar Paulke. Their partnership, which began after Paulke spotted Seyler cheering loudly for Andree Welge in Halle Westfalen, became inseparable from German darts coverage. Seyler's unfiltered style and passion made him unmistakable. He later reunited with Paulke on DAZN in 2019 and launched the podcast 'Game on' in April 2020. Seyler also ran Shorty-Merch UG from 2021, offering darts apparel and accessories, and even produced the 2017 darts song 'Taylor-Wonderland' with Rick Arena.
Following his death, tributes poured in. Elmar Paulke, visibly emotional, remembered Seyler on air: 'Shorty was the first German to compete at a World Championship, with his mate Andree Welge. I get goosebumps when I say that.' Former pro Robert Marijanovic added, 'Everyone who's around the darts scene knows him and knows what a name, what a character he is. He never had to introduce himself — everyone knew him. I'm in shock. At 49, he left us far too soon.' Paulke closed his tribute with a personal farewell: 'Dear Shorty, these moments are for you.' The DDV posthumously inducted Seyler into its Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pioneer who paved the way for German darts on the world stage.