In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Belgium’s top-ranked player, has emerged as a vocal figure both on and off the oche. The 30-year-old, nicknamed “The Dreammaker,” recently shared candid thoughts on his World Darts Championship aspirations, his awe of teenage sensation Luke Littler, and a peculiar British obsession that grates on his nerves. “Guys, turn in your Tour Cards, he’s really going to dominate,” Van den Bergh said of Littler, reflecting on the young star’s meteoric rise during a commentary stint last year. As the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship looms, Van den Bergh’s insights offer a glimpse into his mindset and the evolving dynamics of the sport.
Van den Bergh’s admiration for Littler, who made history as the youngest world champion at 17 by defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace in January 2025, is palpable. The Belgian, who has faced Littler in high-stakes matches, including a 6-4 loss at the Dutch Darts Masters, marvels at the teenager’s composure. “Unbelievable, what a player. It’s really crazy,” he remarked during the 2024 World Championship semifinals, where Littler’s dominance over Rob Cross left him in awe. Van den Bergh, a two-time PDC major winner with titles at the 2020 World Matchplay and 2024 UK Open, sees Littler as a transformative force. “What he showed a whole tournament here is not normal,” he added, predicting that Littler’s 2025 title won’t be his last.
Despite his own successes, including a stunning nine-darter against Van Gerwen at the 2025 World Masters, Van den Bergh’s championship journey has been fraught with challenges. His 2024 World Championship campaign ended in disappointment, with a 3-2 second-round loss to Florian Hempel despite leading by two sets. “I think it was written in the sky for once,” he said of his World Masters triumph, a sentiment that reflects his belief in destiny but also his hunger to overcome past setbacks. Currently ranked No. 22, down from a career-high No. 5 in 2021, Van den Bergh is determined to reclaim his spot among the elite. His recent two-month break for a mental reset, starting in April 2025, underscores his commitment to returning stronger for the 2025 World Championship, set to begin December 15.
Yet, Van den Bergh’s reflections weren’t all about competition. He didn’t hold back when addressing a British darts tradition that he finds maddening: the crowd’s relentless booing and whistling. “I just can’t stand it,” he admitted, describing the raucous atmosphere at events like the Premier League and World Championship. The Belgian, known for his rhythmic throwing style and dance moves to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” has often faced crowd hostility, particularly when slowing the game to compose himself. During the 2024 UK Open final against Luke Humphries, where he clinched an 11-10 victory, Van den Bergh drew boos for pausing at 10-8 up. “There was a moment when I was 10-8 up and I was like ‘I’m one leg away,’ and I just lost it,” he recalled, admitting the pressure got to him. Humphries, ever the sportsman, urged the crowd to stop, but the experience left a mark.
This “British obsession” with vocal crowd antics, Van den Bergh argues, disrupts players’ focus and detracts from the sport’s integrity. “It’s not to everyone’s tastes, but it’s got me the title,” he said of his deliberate pacing, defending his strategy despite the backlash. The issue has sparked broader debate within the darts community, with some fans reveling in the lively atmosphere and others, like Van den Bergh, calling for restraint. Social media posts have echoed his frustration, noting that Littler’s fans have also targeted opponents, a dynamic that intensified during his 2024 Premier League run. Yet, the PDC has been reluctant to curb crowd behavior, viewing it as part of darts’ unique appeal.
As Van den Bergh prepares for the World Championship, his focus is twofold: harnessing his mental resilience and navigating the electric Alexandra Palace crowds. His nine-darter against Van Gerwen, only his third televised perfect leg, proved he can thrive under pressure. Facing Nathan Aspinall in the 2025 World Masters quarter-finals, he showed grit despite a 4-3 loss to Jonny Clayton in the semifinals. With a favorable draw, Van den Bergh hopes to surpass his 2023 semifinal run and challenge for the Sid Waddell Trophy. “I have to believe I can do it again,” he said, channeling the confidence that fueled his UK Open triumph.
Van den Bergh’s journey reflects the heart of darts: a blend of skill, showmanship, and mental fortitude. His respect for Littler, tempered by his critique of crowd culture, paints a picture of a player striving for greatness in a sport that’s as much about personality as precision. As he steps into the 2025 World Championship, Van den Bergh carries not just his darts but a determination to rewrite his story—hopefully without the boos ringing in his ears.
Leave a Reply