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Jonas Hunold/PDC Europe

Can Van den Bergh and Huybrechts sneak in through the back door? 99 Belgians battle for Flanders Darts Trophy spots

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 9:40 AM ET

The tension is mounting today at Antwerp Expo, where no fewer than 99 Belgian players are vying for the final four places at the Flanders Darts Trophy. This prestigious event, the tenth stop on the 2025 European Tour, is the second tournament on Belgian soil this year following the Belgian Darts Open in Wieze. On that occasion, teenage sensation Luke Littler lifted the trophy after defeating Mike De Decker in the final – with De Decker remaining, for now, the only Belgian directly qualified for this week’s showpiece in Antwerp.

Expectations are high, with Littler joined in the main field by the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting. For Belgian fans, it represents a rare chance to watch their homegrown stars test themselves against the world’s best – and in front of a crowd that, as always, will provide a vibrant atmosphere.

Host Nation Qualifier: Four Tickets Up for Grabs

The Host Nation Qualifier is reserved exclusively for Belgian players, who will fight it out for the final four coveted spots in the main draw. Among those to keep an eye on are Brian Raman, Xanti Van den Bergh, Timothy Verbrugghe, Ronny Huybrechts and François Schweyen.

But this year’s entry list has raised the stakes. Not only amateurs and semi-professionals are in the mix – four established PDC Tour Card holders have also opted to enter: Dimitri Van den Bergh, Kim Huybrechts, Mario Vandenbogaerde and Andy Baetens. Exceptionally, they have been allowed to contest the Host Nation Qualifier instead of the regular Tour Card Holder event.

It is a bold decision, not without risk. On one hand, it significantly reduces the amateurs’ chances of reaching the main stage. On the other, it heaps pressure onto the professionals: an early exit for a Van den Bergh or a Huybrechts would be viewed by many as nothing short of an embarrassment.

Belgian Professionals Hungry for Success

For Belgium’s Tour Card contingent, Antwerp comes at a crucial point in the season. Mike De Decker has enjoyed by far the strongest campaign, reaching finals in Wieze and at the Australian Darts Masters, alongside two Pro Tour semi-finals. With a match-win percentage above 60% and sitting 29th in the race to the Players Championship Finals, he looks on course for another solid year.

Elsewhere, the picture is less encouraging. Mario Vandenbogaerde currently clings to a place inside the top 64 (59th), keeping him in contention for the Players Championship Finals and next year’s World Championship – as well as the renewal of his Tour Card. But for Van den Bergh, Huybrechts and Baetens, the pressure is much greater. Their floor win percentages hover between just 35 and 38% – far too low for players of their calibre.

Van den Bergh took a two-month break earlier this year, yet has struggled to rediscover top form since returning. Huybrechts has produced some flashes of quality in qualifiers but has fallen short too often at Players Championships. Baetens, meanwhile, has endured a stop–start campaign and faces an uphill battle to retain his professional status. For all three, a strong run in Antwerp would provide a desperately needed boost.

A Crucial Period for Belgian Darts

The autumn promises to be relentless, with the Players Championship Finals in late November followed by the World Championship in December. Van den Bergh should have no issues qualifying for Ally Pally, though his form remains a concern. Huybrechts still has work to do to book his place, while Baetens finds himself in a dogfight simply to keep hold of his Tour Card.

The Flanders Darts Trophy is therefore more than just another European Tour stop. It is both a festival of darts for the Belgian public and a pivotal opportunity for the nation’s professionals to reassert themselves on the international stage.

Whether the big names justify their billing in Thursday’s qualifier, or whether a surprise or two emerges from the amateur ranks, will soon be revealed.

We'll witness an odd sight tomorrow: Dimitri van den Bergh and Kim Huybrechts will try to qualify for the Flanders Darts Trophy through the Host Nation Qualifier.

How the mighty have fallen.
— Jetze Jan Idsardi (@JJIdsardi) August 27, 2025