The 2026 Winmau World Masters is already creating buzz, not just for who’s playing, but for who isn’t. Several talented players, including a notable Dutch darting hopeful, have surprisingly chosen not to enter the prestigious tournament despite having qualified. Meanwhile, the preliminary rounds promise intense competition, with established stars like Dirk van Duijvenbode, Wessel Nijman, and Dimitri Van den Bergh all battling for a coveted spot in the main draw.
Surprising Absences: Qualified Players Skip the 2026 Winmau World Masters
The Winmau World Masters is one of the longest-running and most revered tournaments in darts, known for its open entry system and the prestige associated with its title. Earning a qualification spot is a significant achievement for any player, signaling their high level of performance. However, for the 2026 edition, a notable list of players who successfully qualified have surprisingly opted not to participate.
This decision, often made for personal reasons, scheduling conflicts, or strategic choices, means fans will miss seeing these talents compete on the Masters stage. Among those who qualified but have not entered are:
- Mickey Mansell (Ireland) – A seasoned Tour Card Holder.
- Ryan Meikle (England) – Another professional holding a coveted Tour Card.
- Maximilian Czerwinski (Germany) – A German talent with a PDC Tour Card.
- Filip Bereza (Poland) – Representing Poland as a Tour Card Holder.
- Adam Leek (Australia) – An Australian professional with a Tour Card.
- Matthias Ehlers (Germany) – Another German Tour Card Holder.
- Jurjen van der Velde (Netherlands) – A promising Dutch talent and Tour Card Holder, whose absence is particularly noteworthy for Dutch fans.
- Michael Unterbuchner (Germany) – A well-known player from the Challenge Tour circuit.
The absence of these players, especially the PDC Tour Card holders, is a talking point, as they represent a significant portion of the professional darts circuit. Their decision to step aside opens doors for others, but it also means fans won’t see their qualified prowess in action.
The Gauntlet: Stars Battle Through Preliminary Rounds
While some qualified players are sitting out, the preliminary rounds of the 2026 Winmau World Masters are set to be a spectacle of their own. This stage of the tournament is a crucial battleground where many top players, who haven’t secured direct qualification, must fight tooth and nail to earn a place in the main event. The list of participants in these early rounds includes several prominent names, promising high-stakes drama from the very beginning.
Among the notable players confirmed for the preliminary rounds are:
- Dirk van Duijvenbode (Netherlands) – Known as ‘Aubergenius’, his energetic stage presence and powerful throwing make him a fan favourite.
- Wessel Nijman (Netherlands) – A rising star in Dutch darts, looking to make a significant impact on the international stage.
- Dimitri Van den Bergh (Belgium) – ‘The DreamMaker’, a former major winner with a flair for entertainment and undeniable talent.
These players, despite their established reputations and professional success, are not guaranteed a spot in the main tournament. They will face a challenging field of determined competitors, all vying for the same limited spots. This adds an immense layer of unpredictability and excitement to the early stages of the Winmau World Masters, ensuring that every dart thrown carries significant weight.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
