Analysis: Generation Shift in Dutch Darts – Van Gerwen wobbles, Van Barneveld fades but Van Veen & Nijman signal a bright future

Danny Noppert: Steady as Ever

Next in line is Danny Noppert , currently 15th in the world. Nicknamed "The Freeze", Noppert continues to be one of the most consistent players on tour, having reached the semi-finals of the World Masters earlier this year — where he lost 5–2 to eventual champion Luke Humphries.

He’s long occupied the space between 10th and 20th in the rankings, and while he hasn’t made the leap into the very top tier, he remains a reliable performer across the calendar. Whether he has another gear to reach the elite level remains the big question for the years ahead.

Gian van Veen: The Next Big Thing?

Three places behind Noppert, at 18th, is Gian van Veen — and he’s making serious waves. The 23-year-old from Poederoijen is living up to his reputation as one of the game’s brightest young talents.

In March, Van Veen clinched his maiden PDC ranking title by beating Luke Humphries 8–3 in the final of Players Championship 6. A month later, he was within touching distance of a first European Tour crown, but was denied by Van Gerwen in the German Darts Grand Prix final.

Van Veen has also posted strong runs to the quarter-finals of both the UK Open and World Matchplay. If he maintains this trajectory, a major semi-final or even a breakthrough win this autumn is not out of the question.

Wattimena Back in Form

Jermaine Wattimena sits 26th in the world and has enjoyed a resurgence in 2025. Last year, he narrowly missed out on a major title at the European Championship, losing the final to Ritchie Edhouse — but he’s built on that run with consistent results this season.

In late July, Wattimena finally claimed his first ranking title, defeating Lukas Wenig 8–5 in the final of Players Championship 23. Just a week earlier, he had pushed Luke Littler all the way in a tight last-16 clash at the World Matchplay.

He currently ranks even higher on the provisional Order of Merit — up six spots — thanks to consistent earnings and early major qualifications. A place in the year-end top 20 isn’t out of reach.

Van Duijvenbode Rebuilding After Injury

Dirk van Duijvenbode clings onto a spot in the top 32 at No. 32, but the signs are positive. After a difficult spell with injuries, "The Aubergenius" is beginning to rediscover his form.

He hasn’t lifted silverware in 2025 yet, but his scoring power and stage presence have returned. Crucially, he’s provisionally qualified for every major this autumn except the Grand Slam of Darts — a strong indicator of his recent upward momentum. In current form, few players will relish drawing him.

Van Barneveld: What Next for Barney?

Just outside the top 32 is Raymond van Barneveld, currently ranked 35th. The five-time World Champion endured a nightmare World Championship campaign, losing his opening match to Nick Kenny — a defeat that seemed to hang over him in the months that followed.

Barney’s body language on stage has often been subdued, and he’s shown only flashes of form this season. A solitary win at the UK Open is his only major victory of note in 2025. At the World Matchplay, his negativity on stage was evident in a one-sided loss to Van Gerwen.

For now, Van Barneveld is only qualified for the Players Championship Finals. He’s hinted in interviews that he won’t retire again of his own accord, and with his Tour Card secure for now, it’s unclear what the next chapter holds. Can he summon one last surge of form, or are we watching the slow fade of a legend?

Nijman Closing in on the Top 32

Wessel Nijman has climbed to 40th in the world rankings. The 25-year-old won his first ranking title last year and has continued to show promise with consistently high averages and steady results in 2025.

His standout moment came at the World Matchplay, where he stunned former champion Nathan Aspinall 10–6 in the opening round. Though he lost to James Wade in the next round, his provisional ranking (33rd) suggests a top-32 breakthrough is on the horizon.

Doets Delivering Quiet Consistency

Just behind Nijman is Kevin Doets at No. 41. Living in Sweden, Doets turned heads at the last World Championship by eliminating former world champion Michael Smith.

He’s followed that with a year of quiet consistency, though a standout deep run remains elusive. Still, with a provisional ranking of 38th, he’s having a solid season. He’s currently qualified only for the Players Championship Finals but remains in the hunt for other majors.

Zonneveld Just Misses Out

In 44th place is Niels Zonneveld, who came agonisingly close to his first ranking title recently — losing 8–6 to Sebastian Bialecki in the final of Players Championship 22.

Zonneveld’s form has been trending in the right direction. He’s already qualified for the World Grand Prix, and a strong performance there could catapult him up the rankings.

Veenstra Safe for Now

Rounding out the list is Richard Veenstra. The Dutchman, who earned his Tour Card at Q-School in early 2023, currently sits comfortably inside the top 64 — though his provisional ranking (57th) indicates a dip in recent form.

Despite that, he still holds a healthy cushion over the chasing pack, meaning his Tour Card should be safe heading into 2026. Continued Pro Tour stability could see him push up the rankings again in the near future.