The 2026 Dutch Darts Championship delivered an electrifying conclusion to the NDB season, crowning new national champions and ranking winners. Luuk Boeijink claimed the coveted Men’s Open A title with a dominant performance, while Aileen de Graaf showcased her class to secure her sixth career Ladies’ title. Despite not winning the final tournament, Maikel Nüchter and Priscilla Steenbergen were celebrated as the overall NDB ranking champions for their consistent season-long efforts, and Wesley Schols emerged victorious in the Men’s Open B category.
Dutch Darts Championship 2026: A Season of Unpredictable Thrills
The 2025/2026 NDB darts season culminated in a spectacular finale at Driebergen-Rijsenburg, delivering high drama, unexpected upsets, and ultimately, deserving champions. With a record number of participants and intense competition across all categories, the event truly highlighted the growing passion for darts in the Netherlands.
Men’s Open A: Boeijink’s Dominance and Nüchter’s Consistency
The Men’s Open A category had been a rollercoaster throughout the season, boasting ten different winners in as many tournaments. The final event saw 123 players vying for the coveted title, making it one of the most unpredictable championships in recent memory. Several top contenders, including Patrick van den Boogaard, Moreno Blom, Mike van Duivenbode, and ranking runner-up Johann Brouwer, were eliminated before the last 16, setting the stage for fresh faces.
Major Upsets and Close Calls:
- Former leader Berry van Peer, despite a remarkable 105 average in the last 32, fell 5-4 in a surprising quarter-final loss to Ziggy Schenk.
- Ranking leader Maikel Nüchter faced a fierce challenge from darts veteran Jelle Klaasen in the quarter-finals, narrowly winning 5-4 in a thrilling deciding leg with a 14-darter.
Nüchter, known for his remarkable consistency rather than tournament wins, continued his strong run to the semi-finals. However, his journey for the championship title was halted by Luuk Boeijink, who secured a 5-3 victory.
Boeijink, who had navigated the tournament without playing his absolute best, found his stride when it mattered most. His opponent in the final was Kristiaan de Boer, who, despite averaging below 85 throughout the day, impressively reached his second final of the season with wins over Fabian Roosenbrand (4-1) and Marcel Otter (5-4). The pressure was on De Boer, as a victory would also crown him the overall ranking winner.
The Final Showdown: Boeijink’s Masterclass
The final, however, quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Luuk Boeijink from Borculo displayed absolute dominance, winning all six legs without reply. His swift 6-0 victory not only earned him the Dutch Championship title but also had a significant impact on the overall NDB ranking. Thanks to Boeijink’s win, Maikel Nüchter, despite his semi-final exit, was crowned the well-deserved NDB Ranking Winner 2025/2026, a testament to his consistent top-tier performances throughout the season.
Men’s Open A: Key Results
Quarter-Finals:
- Maikel Nüchter 5-4 Jelle Klaasen
- Luuk Boeijink 5-4 Robin Smees
- Ziggy Schenk 5-4 Berry van Peer
- Kristiaan de Boer 5-4 Marcel Otter
Semi-Finals:
- Kristiaan de Boer 5-3 Ziggy Schenk
- Luuk Boeijink 5-3 Maikel Nüchter
Men’s Open B: Schols Takes the Crown
The Open B category also saw its share of drama. Terry Smetsers, who entered as the ranking leader, suffered an early exit in the first round with a 3-2 loss to Gijs van Bommel, dashing his hopes for the overall ranking title. Many other top-eight ranked players also exited prematurely.
Ultimately, it was Wesley Schols who seized the opportunity. After defeating Frans van der Linden 3-0 in the quarter-finals, Schols continued his impressive run with victories over Wim Hofsink (3-2) and Tonnie van Binsbergen (4-2) to clinch the Open B title.
Men’s Open B: Key Results
Semi-Finals:
- Tonnie van Binsbergen 3-0 Alex Viergever
- Wesley Schols 3-2 Wim Hofsink
Ladies’ Championship: De Graaf’s Sixth Title and Steenbergen’s Ranking Triumph
The Ladies’ Championship saw a significant increase in participation, with 55 competitors, up from 37 the previous year. This surge highlights the growing popularity and strength of women’s darts in the Netherlands. The tournament welcomed back former player Lerena Rietbergen and featured top talents like Aileen de Graaf and Priscilla Steenbergen.
Dramatic Beginnings and Strong Comebacks:
- A major first-round clash saw Priscilla Steenbergen, the 2026 Dutch Open winner, face Lerena Rietbergen. Rietbergen, making a strong comeback, secured a thrilling 3-2 victory with a 14-darter in the deciding leg.
- Rietbergen continued her impressive run, defeating Romy Vermeulen (3-0), Sharona Veld (4-2), and Kelly Streef (4-1) to earn a well-deserved spot in the final.
Meanwhile, Aileen de Graaf, a four-time Dutch Open winner, demonstrated her consistent top form. She dropped only one leg in her quarter-final match against Adriana van Wijgerden-Vermaat en route to her second NDB final of the season, having won her previous two. This final was set to be another testament to her prowess.
The Ladies’ Final: Aileen de Graaf’s Unstoppable Form
The final began with Rietbergen taking the first leg with a 24-darter, hinting at a close contest. However, De Graaf quickly asserted her dominance, winning the subsequent five legs consecutively. A highlight was her superb 92-finish in leg five, sealing her control. She then found double eight in the next leg, securing her sixth career Dutch National Championship title.
Despite her early exit in the tournament, Priscilla Steenbergen had reason to celebrate, as her stellar season-long performance earned her the title of NDB Ladies’ Ranking Winner 2025/2026.
Ladies’ Championship: Key Results
Quarter-Finals:
- Lerena Rietbergen 4-2 Sharona Veld
- Kelly Streef 4-0 Anneloes Menger
- Anne Dorrestijn 4-0 Kelly de Kock
- Aileen de Graaf 4-1 Adriana van Wijgerden-Vermaat
Semi-Finals:
- Lerena Rietbergen 4-1 Kelly Streef
- Aileen de Graaf 4-0 Anne Dorrestijn
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
