Kim ‘The Hurricane’ Huybrechts, a prominent Belgian darts player, has navigated a career filled with both dazzling highs and challenging lows. From reaching the PDC’s top 12 and achieving a legendary nine-darter against Michael Van Gerwen, to battling significant injuries and fighting to retain his tour card, Huybrechts embodies resilience. This article delves into his most memorable achievements, recent struggles, and his determined fight to remain at the sport’s elite level.
Who is Kim ‘The Hurricane’ Huybrechts?
Born on November 16, 1985, in Antwerp, Belgium, Kim Huybrechts is a professional darts player known affectionately as “The Hurricane”. He is a right-handed player who currently uses signature darts from Bulls NL and makes his walk-on to the iconic “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions. His favourite double, a crowd-pleaser, is double 16.
Kim is not the only darting talent in his family; his older brother, Ronny Huybrechts, has also competed at a high level, though he hasn’t featured in a PDC major since the 2024 UK Open.
From BDO Beginnings to PDC Stardom
Before making his mark on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit, Kim Huybrechts honed his skills in the British Darts Organisation (BDO). His transition to the PDC proved successful, with his biggest breakthrough occurring between 2012 and 2013, a period when he impressively peaked within the top 12 of the world rankings.
Defining Moments on the Oche
Throughout his career, Kim Huybrechts has delivered numerous memorable performances and reached significant milestones:
- 2012 World Darts Championship Quarter-Finalist: Huybrechts showcased his talent by defeating strong opponents like Brendan Dolan, James Richardson, and Paul Nicholson, before his run was halted by Andy Hamilton.
- 2012 Players Championship Finals Runner-Up: He reached the final of this prestigious event, ultimately losing to the legendary Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, widely considered the greatest player of all time.
- 2012 European Championship Semi-Finalist: Huybrechts narrowly missed out on the final, losing a close match to eventual winner Simon Whitlock.
- The Legendary Nine-Darter: A moment etched in darts history came at the 2014 Grand Slam of Darts when he achieved the perfect leg – a nine-darter – against none other than three-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen. A nine-darter is the fewest possible darts (nine) needed to complete a leg from 501 points, a feat that requires extreme precision and skill.
- Premier League Appearance: His consistent high performance earned him a spot in the elite Premier League Darts in 2015, a testament to his standing among the world’s best.
- Deep Runs in Major Tournaments: Huybrechts has consistently reached the latter stages of other significant events, including the UK Open, the World Grand Prix, and the Grand Slam of Darts.
Battling Back: Injuries and Ranking Challenges
Despite his past successes, ‘The Hurricane’ has faced considerable challenges in recent years, leading to a drop in his world ranking. He currently sits at 61st on the PDC Order of Merit (as of late February 2026).
A notable highlight in this period was his victory in a Players’ Championship event in 2023, where he demonstrated his enduring class by defeating top players, including ‘The Iceman’ Gerwyn Price.
A Devastating Setback
In May 2024, Huybrechts suffered a severe personal setback: a double collarbone fracture following an incident at a Belgian football match. This injury required surgery and kept him out of professional competition for an extended period. His return to action at the Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace, home of the World Darts Championship) saw him unfortunately lose in the First Round to Arno Merk, highlighting the difficult road back from such a significant injury.
The Fight for the Future
As of early 2026, Kim Huybrechts is precariously close to losing his PDC Tour Card, which allows him to compete on the Pro Tour and in European events. His ranking of 61st means he is “narrowly clinging on” to his professional status.
Known for his resilient and explosive playing style on the oche, Kim Huybrechts continues to proudly represent Belgium in what is arguably darts’ most competitive era. This year will be crucial for him to secure his Tour Card, requiring him to start winning events or make deep runs in major tournaments. With his undeniable talent, many fans believe ‘The Hurricane’ has the ability to rise to the challenge and reclaim his place at the top.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
