Ratajski - who last tasted European Tour glory at the German Darts Open in 2023 - returned to the winner’s circle at the Ostermann-Arena on Sunday after a dramatic final against Wattimena.
The 49-year-old rushed into a 4-1 lead, before a splendid mid-match spell from Wattimena saw the Dutchman claim five consecutive legs to lead 6-4.
However, Ratajski retaliated, capitalising on missed darts at double from his opponent to level the match at 6-6 before finishing a clutch 68 outshot to go one away from the title.
The Polish number one then landed a fatal blow in the 14th and final leg, pinning double ten to secure the £35,000 prize and claim his first trophy of the year.
“I’m really happy. I don’t know what to say,” professed Ratajski, who moves up to 20th in the world rankings following his victory. “It was a close game. Jermaine played very well, and I’m really happy that I survived it!
“I didn’t expect it. I would have been happy with the last eight or last four, so to win the title is more than I expected. “I will do my best in Blackpool. I hope I will play well and hopefully I can win that first match. We will see.”
Ratajski kicked off his campaign with a 6-3 triumph over Max Hopp, before downing Gian van Veen - his upcoming opponent at the World Matchplay later this month - by the same scoreline.
The former World Matchplay semi-finalist then eliminated reigning champion Nathan Aspinall with a steady 6-4 win, followed by victory over his World Cup teammate Sebastian Bialecki in the semi-finals thanks to a ton-plus average to reach a third European Tour final.
Ratajski’s win over Wattimena maintained his 100% winning record in finals on the circuit, while his success means the Pole has won at least one title in seven of the last nine years in the sport.
2026 Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Open
Sunday July 12
Afternoon Session
Round Three
Jermaine Wattimena 6-1 Ryan Joyce
Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Jonny Clayton
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Wessel Nijman
Damon Heta 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Sebastian Bialecki 6-4 Kevin Doets
James Wade 6-2 Jan Schmidt
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Ross Smith
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Gian van Veen
Evening Session
Quarter-Finals
Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 Luke Woodhouse
Damon Heta 6-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Sebastian Bialecki 6-2 James Wade
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Nathan Aspinall
Semi-Finals
Jermaine Wattimena 7-3 Damon Heta
Krzysztof Ratajski 7-5 Sebastian Bialecki
Final
Krzysztof Ratajski 8-6 Jermaine Wattimena