Hempel began his sporting career in handball, playing as a goalkeeper for Dessau-Roßlauer HV [de], where he made his professional debut in 2010, and later played for HC Burgenland [de]. Achieving little success, Hempel quit the sport and began playing darts. He made his PDC European Tour debut in the 2019 Dutch Darts Masters, and gained his tour card in 2021.
Early life and career
Born in Dessau, East Germany,[5] Hempel was a goalkeeper in handball, beginning his career with SG Kühnau,[6] before moving to Dessau-Roßlauer HV [de] in the 2010–11 2. Handball-Bundesliga season.[7] This proved to be his only appearance in the division,[8] and made a further two appearances in the third tier.[6] In 2016, Hempel ended his handball career in Cologne with Longericher Sport Club [de],[9] where he had moved to advance his educational studies;[6] he eventually qualified as a fitness coach and nutritionist.[10]
Darts career
Hempel began playing darts in his flat in 2017,[7][8] and in 2018 quit his job, registered for unemployment benefits, and took on darts as a full-time job.[11]
Having previously attempted to gain a Tour Card in both 2018 and 2020,[13] Hempel won a PDC Tour Card at 2021 European Q-School, winning the event 3 final.[14] In March, he withdrew from the UK Open due to family reasons.[15] In April, he completed his first nine-dart finish during a European Super League whitewash victory over Marco Obst.[16]
At the 2024 World Championship, Hempel faced Dylan Slevin in the first round. Slevin won the first set and hit a 167 checkout in the second set, but Hempel managed to mount a comeback to win the match 3–1. In the second round, Hempel defeated Dimitri Van den Bergh 3–2, despite losing the first two sets. The match was a repeat of the 2022 second round tie which Hempel also won.[20] In the third round, Hempel was whitewashed 0–4 by Stephen Bunting.