Darts icon Raymond van Barneveld, affectionately known as ‘Barney’, has made a significant announcement: he will not be competing in the Winmau World Masters 2026, the first major tournament of the year. While a minor back issue and a recent holiday played a small part, the primary reason for his absence stems from a scheduling conflict with pre-arranged, financially rewarding exhibition commitments with FC Twente. This bold decision highlights a strategic shift, as Barney prioritizes guaranteed income over the uncertain prize money of a challenging qualification round.
The darts world is buzzing with the news that five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld will be absent from the upcoming Winmau World Masters 2026. This isn’t a decision taken lightly by ‘Barney’, but one driven by a combination of factors, with financial pragmatism at its core.
Why Barney is Sitting Out the Masters
Van Barneveld offered several reasons for his unexpected withdrawal, but one stands out as the main driver:
- Minor Back Issue: “I’ve got a bit of a twinge in my lower back,” he admitted, suggesting a need for rest.
- Post-Worlds Break: After the intensity of the World Championship, he “hardly picked up a dart,” indicating a period of recovery and relaxation.
- Recent Holiday: He had just returned from a two-week holiday in Thailand, potentially impacting his preparation time.
- Conflicting Commitments: The most significant factor, however, is a prior engagement. “Before the PDC calendar came out, I accepted two exhibitions with the FC Twente business club,” Barney explained. These events are scheduled for January 29 and February 1, directly clashing with the Masters qualifiers on January 28.
The Financial Calculation: Exhibitions vs. Tournament Play
For a player of Van Barneveld’s stature, the decision ultimately came down to a clear financial choice. Given his current world ranking of 36, Barney would not automatically qualify for the Winmau World Masters main draw. He would need to navigate a tough qualifying round, winning three matches on January 28 just to secure a spot.
“… you do the math: two days at FC Twente, where I can earn good money, or nothing at all if you don’t survive qualifying. I chose the former,” he stated candidly. This reveals a pragmatic approach to his career, opting for guaranteed income over the uncertainty of tournament prize money.
Understanding the Masters Qualification and Prize Money
The Winmau World Masters seeds the top 24 players on the Order of Merit directly into the main tournament. The remaining eight spots are filled through qualifiers. For a player like Van Barneveld, the potential earnings from the Masters, especially if he didn’t make it past the early stages, are considerably less than his exhibition fees.
- Qualifying Round 1 Loss: £750
- Qualifying Round 2 Loss: £1,000
- Qualifying Round 3 Loss: £2,500 (still not in main draw)
- Reaching Main Stage: A base take-home of £5,000
Compared to the “good money” from two days of exhibitions, the risk and effort required for a potentially modest return at the Masters qualifiers made the choice evident for Barney.
When Can Fans See Barney Next?
While his absence from the Winmau World Masters is disappointing for many fans, they won’t have to wait long to see the Dutchman in action. Raymond van Barneveld is expected to compete in the first two Players Championship events of the year, scheduled for February 9 and 10. These events will offer the first glimpse of Barney’s form in the new darts season.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
