After a six-year hiatus and the devastating loss of his PDC Tour Card in 2020, darts fans are buzzing with excitement: Benito Van De Pas, once a top 16 talent, appears to be making a remarkable comeback. Recent sightings and reports suggest ‘Big Ben’ has rediscovered his iconic throwing action and, more importantly, his passion for the game, with a potential return to competitive darts as early as 2026.
From Rising Star to Sudden Silence
The world of professional darts is no stranger to dramatic stories, but few resonate as deeply as that of a promising talent who seemingly vanishes. For Benito Van De Pas, known affectionately as ‘Big Ben’, the journey has been particularly poignant. After a spectacular rise, his career took an unexpected turn, leading to a long absence. Now, whispers and hopeful glimpses suggest a return is on the horizon.
Benito Van De Pas was once earmarked as a future star. His presence on the oche was distinctive – tall, composed, and armed with a fluid, powerful throw. He quickly made his mark on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit, achieving significant milestones that cemented his status as a formidable competitor.
His impressive career highlights included:
- Breaking into the world’s top 16 rankings.
- Repeatedly reaching the Last 16 at the prestigious World Darts Championship.
- Competing in European Tour finals.
- Securing multiple Players Championship titles.
However, by 2020, something fundamental had changed. It wasn’t just a dip in form; it was something far more profound. Benito had, in his own words, “lost his throw.” This isn’t merely a slump; it’s a disconnect between mind and body, a loss of the ingrained muscle memory that defines a top player. For a dart player, losing your throw is akin to a musician losing their ear or a painter losing their eye – a devastating blow that can feel insurmountable.
The Long Road Back: Rediscovering the Passion
After losing his PDC Tour Card, Benito stepped away from the spotlight. The once-bright prospect faded from the professional scene, leaving many fans wondering if they would ever see ‘Big Ben’ grace the stage again. But for dedicated followers, the memory of his talent never truly vanished.
Now, six years later, there are tangible signs of a resurgence. Fans have spotted Benito throwing darts again, not on the grand stages, but at his old local pub – the very place where he honed his skills before turning professional. Those who have witnessed him recently speak of a familiar sight: the smooth, natural throwing action that defined his early career appears to be returning. While he recently lost a close match to local player Jimmy Van Schie, the performance itself was enough to ignite hope.
The commitment to his potential comeback is evident:
- Reports indicate he is now practicing three hours daily.
- His girlfriend’s thoughtful holiday gift of a new dartboard for his home signifies a renewed dedication and a rekindled love for the game.
Benito’s current motivation seems less about reclaiming past glory or embarking on a “storied run” to the very top. Instead, it’s a more personal quest: to simply play the game he loves and to demonstrate that, despite the setbacks and the years away, the talent and the “Big Ben” magic are still very much there. His potential return in 2026 is not just a comeback; it’s a testament to enduring passion and the hope that a lost throw can indeed be found again.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
