In a poignant moment at the 2025 World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, Belgian darts star Dimitri Van den Bergh, known as “The Dreammaker,” announced his decision to step away from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Tour at age 30. The World No. 22, who returned to competitive play alongside Mike De Decker to represent Belgium, revealed that the grueling demands of the professional circuit were no longer sustainable for his family life and mental health. “This schedule isn’t the right way for me to play professional darts,” Van den Bergh said, explaining his choice to limit his PDC appearances and focus on selective events that allow him to perform at his peak.
Van den Bergh’s announcement came after Belgium’s 4-1 victory over Latvia in their Group B opener on June 12, 2025, though their campaign ended abruptly with a surprising 4-3 loss to the Philippines, marking Belgium’s first group-stage exit in World Cup history. The 30-year-old, who welcomed his second child in July 2025, cited the toll of the PDC’s relentless schedule as a key factor. “Full-time professional is just not good for my family,” he told reporters, emphasizing his desire to balance fatherhood with his career. His decision follows a two-month hiatus that began in April 2025, when he withdrew from a Players Championship match against Jose De Sousa, citing mental and physical exhaustion. “I was in a difficult position, so I had to take a step back,” he said, reflecting on the moment he realized he needed a break. “I was preparing myself, and no part of my body said that I was ready to play a tournament, let alone win.”
The Antwerp native’s career has been a dazzling display of talent and charisma. With two PDC major titles—the 2020 World Matchplay and the 2024 UK Open, where he edged out World Champion Luke Humphries 11-10—Van den Bergh has left an indelible mark. His 2023 PDC World Championship semifinal run, the first by a Belgian, and a televised nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen at the 2025 World Masters highlight his prowess. Yet, the relentless pace of the PDC Tour, which includes ProTour events, European Tours, and majors like the Premier League, took its toll. His manager, Mac Elkin, who has guided him for 12 years, noted, “Dimi has been playing every tournament on the calendar for 10 years, and that has taken its toll. He sounds hugely positive now. He has chosen to finally take a real rest.”
Van den Bergh’s new strategy, crafted with Elkin and his sponsors, prioritizes quality over quantity. “I’d rather give 100 per cent to a few events than 20% to everything,” he explained, outlining a plan to compete in select tournaments while maintaining his trademark intensity. His return at the World Cup, despite the early exit, showcased his resilience. “I stepped back to take a few steps forward, and tonight proves I’m heading in the right direction,” he said after the Latvia win, his signature dance moves delighting fans. The decision drew praise from peers like Vincent van der Voort, who called it “gutsy” and a necessary reset to combat burnout.
Off the oche, Van den Bergh’s vibrant personality has made him a fan favorite. His “Happy” walk-on to Pharrell Williams’ song and candid approach— “What you see is what you get with me,” he told Sky Sports in 2024—reflect his authenticity. As a father and older brother to three, he strives to set an example, a value he reiterated before the 2025 World Championship. His work with a sports psychologist since January 2024 has also been pivotal, helping him navigate pressure and maintain perspective. “There is more to life than darts, I am sometimes told. They are right,” he admitted, embracing a broader view of success.
As Van den Bergh embarks on this new chapter, the darts world watches with anticipation. His selective return promises electrifying performances, unburdened by the grind that once dimmed his spark. For “The Dreammaker,” this bold move is not an end but a redefinition of his legacy—one that places family, health, and passion at its heart.
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