Cor Dekker: The Sheriff’s Strategic Ascent in the World of Darts
Discover the remarkable journey of Cor Dekker, ‘The Sheriff’ of darts. Originally from the Netherlands, Dekker made a strategic move to Norway, where he quickly became the nation’s top player. He shattered records by becoming the first Norwegian to earn a PDC tour card in 2025, climbing to 72nd on the Order of Merit. Known for his resilience and flair, Dekker famously hit a nine-darter in 2024, and nearly pulled off a monumental upset against darts legend Gary Anderson at the 2016 World Cup of Darts, showcasing his undeniable talent on the global stage.
A Strategic Shift: From Dutch Roots to Norwegian Heights
Cor Dekker, known by his distinctive darts nickname ‘The Sheriff’, was born in the Netherlands but now proudly represents Norway. This move wasn’t just a change of scenery; it was a calculated career move that has propelled him to the forefront of Norwegian darts. By relocating, Dekker has become his country’s undisputed top player, a status that would have been significantly harder to achieve had he remained in his birth country. While his personal reasons for the move remain private, its impact on his professional darts career is undeniable.
Breaking Barriers: A Pioneer on the PDC Tour
Dekker’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s a familiar face on the PDC Nordic and Baltic Tour and has increasingly made his mark on the main PDC tours. His dedication culminated in a historic achievement in 2025 when he secured his first PDC tour card, making him the first-ever Norwegian player to do so. This milestone quickly saw him rise to a respectable 72nd position on the PDC Order of Merit, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
Moments of Brilliance and Near Misses
Dekker’s career is punctuated by moments of both stunning brilliance and heartbreaking near misses, demonstrating his flair for the dramatic:
- The Nine-Darter: In a memorable moment at the 2024 Hungarian Darts Trophy on September 21st, Dekker achieved the darts player’s ultimate feat: a perfect nine-darter against Stephen Bunting. This incredible accomplishment, however, was bittersweet, as he ultimately lost the match 2-6. A nine-darter is the highest possible score in a single leg of darts, requiring nine throws to check out from 501. It’s a rare and celebrated achievement, even if the match result didn’t go his way.
- World Championship Debut: Dekker also showcased his skills on the biggest stage, competing in the 2026 PDC World Championship, where he faced and lost to darts stalwart Rob Cross in the first round.
- World Cup of Darts Drama: Perhaps his most nail-biting moment came at the 2016 PDC World Cup of Darts. Partnering Robert Wagner for Norway, Dekker found himself in a singles match against Scottish legend Gary Anderson. He pushed Anderson to a thrilling last-leg decider. With Dekker poised on 52 to seal a famous victory, Anderson produced a stunning 160 checkout, snatching the win and leaving the Norwegian pair agonizingly close to a historic upset.
Player Profile: Cor Dekker at a Glance
Now based in Askim, Cor Dekker brings a wealth of experience to the oche. Here are some quick facts about ‘The Sheriff’:
- Age: 38 years old
- Started Playing: 2008
- Throwing Hand: Right-handed
- Darts: 23g Bull’s Signature darts
- Walk-on Tune: “Paradise City” by Guns n’ Roses
Cor Dekker’s journey is a testament to strategic choices, perseverance, and raw talent, making him a compelling figure in the professional darts circuit.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
