In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision and focus reign supreme, an unexpected moment of levity has thrust Belgium’s Dimitri Van den Bergh into the spotlight. During a recent World Cup of Darts match, the 30-year-old, known as “The Dreammaker,” found himself at the center of a humorous controversy involving an alleged on-stage fart from opponent James Wade. With characteristic candor, Van den Bergh addressed the incident, shrugging it off with a pragmatic quip: “Sometimes you’ve just got to accept it.” The comment, delivered with a wry smile, has sparked laughter among fans and highlighted the quirky, human side of the sport.
The incident occurred during a tense group-stage clash in Frankfurt, where Van den Bergh and his Belgian partner, Mike De Decker, faced off against England’s Wade and Michael Smith. As the match unfolded, a moment of distraction arose when Wade, positioned near the oche, appeared to let out an audible toot. The crowd’s giggles and Van den Bergh’s subtle reaction—complete with a glance and a chuckle—turned the awkward moment into a viral sensation. Social media erupted with memes, with fans joking about the “windy” conditions on stage. Yet, Van den Bergh, ever the professional, took it in stride, emphasizing that such moments are part of the unpredictable nature of live competition.
“Darts is a game of focus, but it’s also about dealing with whatever comes your way,” Van den Bergh said, reflecting on the incident. His ability to laugh off the distraction speaks to his mental resilience, a quality that has defined his career. The Belgian, ranked world No. 22, has faced far greater challenges, including a two-month break in 2025 to address mental health concerns and a wrist injury from a DIY mishap. “I’ve learned to roll with the punches, whether it’s a bad throw or a bit of gas from the air,” he added, his humor underscoring his renewed perspective.
The Wade moment wasn’t the first time bodily functions disrupted a darts match. Fans recalled a 2018 Grand Slam of Darts encounter between Gary Anderson and Wesley Harms, where both players humorously pointed fingers over a “fragrant foul.” Such incidents, while rare, add a layer of relatability to a sport often associated with intense concentration. Van den Bergh, no stranger to crowd reactions, noted that darts’ lively atmosphere—complete with raucous fans and occasional antics—sets it apart. “The crowd, the noise, even the silly moments, it’s what makes darts special,” he said, acknowledging the sport’s blend of seriousness and spectacle.
Van den Bergh’s response to the controversy also reflects his growth as a player and person. After a disappointing group-stage exit at the World Cup, where Belgium fell to England, he expressed a desire to scale back his tournament schedule to prioritize family life, including time with his daughter. This decision drew skepticism from Dutch darts veteran Vincent van der Voort, who argued that Van den Bergh’s ranking obligates him to compete relentlessly. Yet, “The Dreammaker” remains unfazed, focusing on balance and well-being. “I’m not here to please everyone,” he said. “I play for my family, my country, and myself.”
The farting flap, while fleeting, has humanized Van den Bergh further, endearing him to fans who appreciate his authenticity. His journey—from winning the 2020 World Matchplay and 2024 UK Open to navigating personal and professional hurdles—shows a player unafraid to embrace vulnerability. As he prepares for upcoming events, including a UK Open title defense, Van den Bergh carries a mindset of acceptance, whether facing boos, breaks, or unexpected breezes. “You can’t control everything on stage,” he concluded. “You just keep throwing, keep smiling, and let the rest blow over.”
With Wimbledon’s grass courts beckoning and the darts calendar heating up, Van den Bergh’s lighthearted take on the Wade moment reminds fans that even elite athletes can find humor in the absurd. As he steps back onto the oche, “The Dreammaker” is ready to chase titles and create memories, one throw—and one laugh—at a time.
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