Danny “The Freeze” Noppert is a formidable force in darts, known for his calm demeanor and consistent, high-level play. Despite his quiet nature, he has proven his elite status by winning the 2022 UK Open, reaching multiple major semi-finals, and even hitting a televised nine-darter. He’s often underrated, but his track record clearly shows he’s a top contender capable of beating anyone and is poised to add more major titles to his impressive career.
Who is Danny Noppert? The Rise of ‘The Freeze’
Danny Noppert doesn’t crave the spotlight or chase headlines. Instead, he consistently performs at the highest level, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the most dangerous players in professional darts. Known fittingly as “The Freeze,” Noppert has built his reputation on unwavering composure, a smooth rhythm, and a quiet authority on stage.
Hailing from Joure in the Netherlands, Noppert first gained widespread recognition during his time in the British Darts Organisation (BDO). His early career highlights include:
- Reaching the 2017 BDO World Championship final.
- Winning the prestigious 2017 Finder Darts Masters later that same year.
These early successes were clear indicators that Noppert was a player of genuine pedigree, not just promising talent.
When he transitioned to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2018, there was an immediate sense that his game was well-suited for the sport’s highest tier. The challenge, as with many talented players, was to consistently translate that raw quality into deep runs in the biggest tournaments. Over time, Noppert has done exactly that.
The Breakthrough: Major Success and Consistent Performance
Noppert’s true breakthrough moment arrived in 2022. This was the year he clinched his first televised PDC major title, winning the highly coveted UK Open. In a thrilling final, he edged out Michael Smith with a dramatic 11-10 victory. This wasn’t a fluke; the same year, he also reached the semi-finals of the World Matchplay, solidifying his position and transforming him from a respected opponent into a genuinely feared one.
What makes Noppert such a formidable opponent is the lack of theatrics in his game. He rarely appears rushed or flustered. When he finds his scoring rhythm, he can make even elite opponents look surprisingly ordinary. This is precisely where his nickname, “The Freeze,” comes into play – he possesses a natural coolness that never feels forced or exaggerated.
Sustained Excellence: A Pattern of Deep Runs
That trademark calm was instrumental during another strong period in 2025. Noppert enjoyed one of the most consistent televised years of his career, reaching the semi-finals in an impressive array of major tournaments:
- The World Masters
- The World Grand Prix
- The European Championship
- The Grand Slam of Darts
This remarkable run reinforced his status as far more than a “one-title wonder.” It proved that, on his day, he remains perfectly capable of beating anyone in the draw.
Even into 2026, Noppert’s sharpness has remained evident. At the UK Open, he delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable moments by landing a stunning nine-darter during his victory over Dimitri Van den Bergh, ultimately progressing to the quarter-finals. This demonstrated that beneath the consistent, steady play, there’s also a real explosiveness and flair in his game.
The Underrated Threat: Why Noppert Belongs at the Top
In many ways, Noppert still feels underrated. Perhaps this is because his game isn’t wrapped in drama, or because other prominent Dutch darting names have traditionally garnered more attention. However, when you objectively examine his body of work, the evidence is clear:
- He has won a major televised PDC title.
- He has consistently made deep runs in major televised events.
- He has repeatedly shown he belongs among the elite players in the sport.
The PDC itself lists him among the top players globally, and his career record emphatically supports this assessment.
What’s Next for ‘The Freeze’?
The next logical step for Danny Noppert is clear. He has already proven his ability to win a major championship. The crucial question now is whether he can add another, thereby elevating himself into that exclusive group of players who are no longer seen as dangerous outsiders, but as genuine title favorites whenever the biggest tournaments come around.
Dismiss Danny Noppert at your own risk. He may not always be the loudest personality in the arena, but he remains one of the coolest, most accomplished, and consistently dangerous operators in darts. He is undoubtedly one of the last players any opponent would wish to face when the pressure reaches its peak.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
