Darts has a new story of ambition, courage, and unwavering dedication. Jimmy van Schie, who recently stood atop the WDF world as its reigning champion, is making a move that has sent ripples through the darts community: he’s joining the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
The Ultimate Dream: Alexandra Palace
For many players, winning the Lakeside World Championship – the pinnacle of the WDF circuit – would be the ultimate achievement. But for Jimmy van Schie, it was merely a stepping stone. His true North has always been the PDC’s biggest stage: Alexandra Palace.
“I’d rather be at Ally Pally – that’s my dream,” Van Schie stated in a recent interview, cutting through any suggestion of regret. These aren’t just words; they are the honest declaration of a player who has achieved everything possible in one sphere and is now ready to conquer another.
A Journey Paved with Persistence
Van Schie’s path to the PDC has been anything but smooth. He had already achieved a ‘full set’ of WDF accolades:
- WDF World Masters Winner
- Lakeside World Champion
- WDF World Number One
Yet, the PDC door remained stubbornly shut. Past attempts at Q-School – the grueling qualification event for a PDC Tour Card – were filled with heartbreak and near misses. The dream of reaching the PDC World Championship often felt within grasp, only to slip away.
Then came Q-School 2026. This time, it was different. Van Schie didn’t just scrape through; he dominated, accumulating points relentlessly throughout the week. His Tour Card was secured even before the final day concluded, a testament to his sheer determination and undeniable skill.
The Weight Lifted: “I Can Really Play Darts”
The moment of qualification brought not arrogance, but immense relief. “I’ve deserved it,” he said, reflecting years of built-up pressure and frustration. This release was a long time coming, tracing back to a pivotal moment months earlier.
“All those horrible moments and feelings have disappeared in one go now,” he admitted. “From the moment I won the World Masters in November, a massive weight fell off my shoulders. I showed emotion then too, something I normally never do. I thought: ‘See, I really can play darts.’”
This revelation rewired his entire approach. He transformed his frustration into a more constructive mindset. “I used to be so angry when I lost, but then I started thinking. There are 63 other losers at a big tournament like that as well. That helped me.” This newfound mental fortitude, coupled with the confidence from his Tour Card, has set the stage for his PDC debut.
A New Professional Chapter and Future Goals
With his PDC Tour Card, Van Schie steps into a new reality: that of a full-time professional darts player. This means guaranteed access to tournaments, no more scrambling for invites, and a clear path forward. The timing couldn’t be better, with increased prize money coming into effect from 2026.
“That’s obviously fantastic, and great timing that I can now also start earning good money,” he noted.
His immediate goals are grounded and strategic:
- Qualify for his first Euro Tour event.
- Win as many rounds as possible at ‘floor’ tournaments (Pro Tour events).
- Learn the demanding ‘grind’ of the PDC circuit.
While taking a measured approach, he has one significant aspiration for the near future: “Reaching the World Championship at Ally Pally this year? That’s realistic. In recent years I’ve already shown a few times that I was very close.”
Leaving a Legacy, Chasing a Dream
This journey brings us back to the Lakeside title – the crown he won and now chooses not to defend. “You can’t finish better than that, I’ve kind of completed the WDF,” he explained. “Of course it’s a shame that I can’t defend my world title at Lakeside, but I’d rather be at Ally Pally – that’s my dream.”
Jimmy van Schie is closing one chapter at its absolute peak, leaving an indelible mark on the WDF. Now, he embarks on another, under the brightest, most demanding lights darts has to offer, proving that sometimes, the greatest courage lies in choosing a new path, even when you’re at the very top.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
