The darts world is still reeling from one of the most debated selections in recent memory: the announcement of the 2026 Premier League Darts lineup. While the elite eight-player field promises another thrilling season of high-octane action, the exclusion of Danny Noppert has sparked outrage among fans, pundits, and players alike. Many have branded it a outright robbery, arguing that the Dutchman’s stellar 2025 performances made him an undeniable choice for one of the coveted wildcard spots.
Known affectionately as “The Freeze” for his ice-cool composure under pressure, Noppert delivered one of the most consistent seasons on the PDC tour last year. He reached the semi-finals in four major televised ranking events, proving time and again that he could go toe-to-toe with the sport’s biggest names. Adding to his credentials, he partnered fellow Dutch star Gian van Veen to guide the Netherlands to a semi-final finish at the World Cup of Darts—a testament to his reliability in team formats as well. Despite these achievements pushing him to a career-high ranking, an early exit at the World Darts Championship appears to have tipped the scales against him in the eyes of the selectors.
The Premier League Darts, a grueling 17-week roadshow kicking off in Newcastle on February 5 before culminating in the playoffs at London’s O2 Arena on May 28, blends pure merit with entertainment value. The top four from the PDC Order of Merit qualify automatically: world champion Luke Littler, defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries, breakout star Gian van Veen, and the legendary Michael van Gerwen. The remaining four spots are wildcards, chosen to inject charisma, drama, and crowd-pulling power into the Thursday night spectacles across the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and—for the first time—Belgium.
This year’s wildcards went to Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, and debutant Josh Rock. Price brings his trademark intensity and headline-grabbing antics; Clayton offers proven big-stage pedigree as the 2021 Premier League winner; Rock injects youthful energy after his World Cup triumph and deep runs in majors; and Bunting, despite a tough 2025 campaign where he finished bottom of the table, retains his spot for his infectious personality and fan-favorite walk-on routines.
But it’s Noppert’s omission that has dominated conversations. Pundits have been vocal in their disbelief, with one prominent voice describing it as a “bitter pill to swallow” for the Dutchman, who had an “amazing” year outperforming several selected players in raw results. Questions abound: What more does he have to do? He already claimed the UK Open title years ago—only to be snubbed then as well—and has steadily improved since, yet the Premier League door remains firmly closed. Critics argue the tournament prioritizes “X-factor” and predictable excitement over consistent excellence, favoring players who guarantee roaring crowds and viral moments.
Amid the backlash, Noppert himself broke his silence with a response that has only heightened admiration for him. Taking to social media shortly after the lineup reveal, he wrote: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t selected for this year’s Premier League. Still, it truly means a lot to me to see more and more people speaking positively about me and mentioning my name as a potential candidate. I really appreciate all the support, it genuinely does me good. For now, I’ll just concentrate on having another good season. Thank you all once again for the support, and best of luck to everyone competing in the Premier League.”
His words exude maturity, gratitude, and unwavering focus—qualities that have defined his career. Rather than lashing out or dwelling on the perceived injustice, Noppert highlighted the silver lining: growing recognition from the darts community and the motivation it provides. Fans flooded his post with messages of solidarity, echoing the sentiment that he’s been hard done by but praising his dignified approach.
This isn’t just sportsmanship; it’s a masterclass in resilience. In a sport where mental strength is everything, Noppert’s reaction turns disappointment into fuel. Exclusion from the Premier League’s demanding schedule—packed arenas, weekly travel, and relentless pressure—might even prove advantageous, allowing him to target fresh success in other majors without burnout.
As the 2026 season unfolds, the selected eight will battle for glory and a hefty £350,000 winner’s prize, with nightly mini-tournaments building to the high-stakes playoffs. Littler aims to reclaim the title he won on debut, Humphries seeks back-to-back triumphs, and newcomers like Van Veen and Rock look to make their mark. Yet, lurking in the background is Noppert, quietly plotting his next move.
History shows that overlooking “The Freeze” often comes back to haunt selectors. His incredible response reminds everyone why he’s a fan favorite: not for flashy theatrics, but for quiet determination and class. If 2026 brings more semi-finals—or better—for Noppert, the debate over this “robbery” will only intensify. One thing is certain: Danny Noppert isn’t going anywhere, and his best darts could still freeze the competition in its tracks.
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