While the Premier League Darts made its historic debut in his hometown, Antwerp, Belgian star Dimitri Van den Bergh found himself watching from the sidelines, grappling with a significant dip in his world ranking and personal struggles. Despite this setback, Van den Bergh was instrumental in bringing this major darts event to Belgium, a testament to his passion for the sport. Now, he’s intensely focused on overcoming his current challenges, working with a medical team to rediscover the joy and top form that once defined his game.
Hometown Hero, Sideline Spectator
Instead of competing on stage, Dimitri Van den Bergh sat in the arena, observing top players like Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price showcase their skills. It was a bittersweet moment for the ‘DreamMaker’ as the Premier League Darts touched down in his native Antwerp for the very first time.
“But I’ve always been a lover of the sport,” Van den Bergh told Viaplay, present in the arena. “So even though I feel that pain myself, I still enjoy watching and experiencing it. And now it’s in my own country — in my own city where I was born.” His profound love for darts shone through, even as he grappled with his own professional challenges.
The Visionary Behind Belgium’s Darts Boom
The journey to bring the Premier League to Belgian soil is an incredible story, stretching back to 2020. Dimitri Van den Bergh wasn’t just a player; he was a key figure in making this dream a reality. He actively participated in the strategic discussions that laid the groundwork for this historic event.
“It’s taken a few years of development, really since Covid. Interest was strongly stimulated,” he explained. The process involved several crucial steps:
- Initial Discussions: Van den Bergh and his team sat down with executives from VTM, a major Belgian television channel.
- Direct Connection: He personally connected VTM with Matthew Porter, a key figure in the darts world, for a pivotal meeting.
- Broadcast Breakthrough: “By the end of that week, darts was being broadcast on Belgian television,” he recounted.
- Exponential Growth: “From there, it just kept growing.” This initial broadcast success paved the way for larger events, culminating in the Premier League’s arrival.
A Roaring Success: The Antwerp Premier League
The vision paid off handsomely. The figures speak volumes about the event’s success. “Now, with 10,000 people here today — that’s the result. It’s fantastic,” Van den Bergh exclaimed. The atmosphere was nothing short of exuberant, a testament to the growing passion for darts in Belgium.
“They’ve already done the Mexican Wave a few times. I thought after one or two times they’d be done, but no — it went on for about fifteen minutes. I was thinking, what is going on here? Brilliant.” This vibrant crowd energy underscored the immense potential for darts in the region, a dream that Van den Bergh helped ignite.
The Personal Battle: Off-Oche Worries Impacting On-Oche Performance
While Dimitri has achieved so much off the oche (the throwing line in darts), his on-o he performance has been a source of significant worry. Currently ranked 26th in the world, he admits to enduring a difficult period in both his professional and personal life.
“I’m working incredibly hard on it. I have my medical team; I’m trying everything to get myself back to where I want to be — back to where I dream of being. But right now, I still feel nailed to the ground. It still hurts a lot inside,” he confessed. Despite his dedicated efforts, the problem remains elusive.
“At the moment, I don’t really know exactly where the problem lies myself,” he admitted, highlighting the complexity of his situation. “If you can’t figure it out yourself anymore, you need to look for support or bring in professionals. And I’m already doing that.”
Searching for the Joy of Darts
Darts is a game best played with enjoyment and passion, but Dimitri is currently struggling to find that vital connection. “It hurts a lot that I can’t feel that enjoyment right now — that it doesn’t make me happy at the moment,” he lamented. “I’ve been able to feel that for many years, and I hope to find it again.” The absence of this joy is a significant barrier to his performance.
The Road to Comeback: A Champion’s Resolve
Despite the challenges, Dimitri Van den Bergh is far from defeated. He is determined to fight his way back to the top, to rediscover the player he knows he can be. His spirit remains unbroken, fueled by a belief in his own ability.
“Why wouldn’t I be able to reach that level again? It would be crazy to say now that I can never throw that well again,” he asserted confidently. “I want to come back stronger than before. That’s what I find most important.” This unwavering resolve is a clear sign that the ‘DreamMaker’ is ready to battle his way back to his dream form.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
