Raymond van Barneveld reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 Dutch Darts Masters in Den Bosch, part of the World Series of Darts, but ultimately fell short in a thrilling 6-5 loss to Stephen Bunting. Despite the defeat, the five-time world champion showed moments of brilliance throughout the weekend, including a notable first-round victory over Premier League Darts star Chris Dobey. Van Barneveld edged Dobey 6-5, finishing the match in style with a remarkable 144 checkout.
Vincent van der Voort, reflecting on Van Barneveld’s performance in the Darts Draait Door podcast, noted that the Dutch legend’s talent was still evident. “You can still see the amazing talent he has,” Van der Voort said. “In terms of technique and pitch, it’s all right. I think in terms of level he was pretty good, especially considering he’s been pretty lousy for a month.” Van der Voort was particularly impressed by the positivity Van Barneveld displayed on stage, something that had been lacking at times in recent months.
However, Van der Voort also pointed out that the biggest challenge for Van Barneveld was maintaining consistency throughout the year, particularly as the season progresses. “In the beginning of the year, you still feel like it, then it all still goes. But you have to have this feeling in April/May and towards the end of the year as well,” he explained. “That’s the hardest thing—you can’t change someone one hundred percent. You can’t tell him that from now on life is only beautiful. He will have to accept that he no longer belongs to the elite.”
While Van der Voort acknowledged Van Barneveld’s legendary status, he also recognized that the Dutchman may no longer be a regular fixture among the sport’s very best. “He’s a very great champion, but he just doesn’t belong there anymore,” Van der Voort continued. “He can still give any player a hard time and win from anyone. Then go for that. Pick your results. Maybe it’s better for him to pass up a tournament once in a while.”
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Following a disappointing early exit at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, where Van Barneveld was defeated by Nick Kenny in the opening round, the 56-year-old Dutchman took a moment for self-reflection. Van Barneveld admitted that he had a heart-to-heart with himself after the loss. Van der Voort empathized with Van Barneveld, acknowledging that a reset was necessary for the darts legend to maintain his legacy. “I can totally see it in front of me, but also understand what he means,” Van der Voort said. “He will be reset, let’s put that first. Continuing in this way makes no sense and it would also only detract from his status, and I would think that would be a shame. He still belongs among the best five darters ever.”
Despite the challenges and the reality that his best days might be behind him, Van Barneveld’s remarkable career and legacy as one of the greatest players in darts history remain undeniable.
