'If you are a darts player, you want to be there once in your life to see what's going on' - Dutch Open Darts a bucket list experience for darters says Van der Voort

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | By Kieran Wood | Last updated Mar 4, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Dutch Open Darts is the largest tournament by participation within the World Darts Federation (WDF). This year there were more than 8000 participants spread over all categories in De Bonte Wever in Assen. The final win in the men's tournament went to Jeffrey Sparidaans, in the ladies' event Rhian O'Sullivan won. Vincent van der Voort also competed this year, specifically in the pairs tournament alongside his son.

Whereas other tournaments within the WDF system are already a great success if they can attract a few hundred players, the Dutch Open Darts is a standout for it's incredible levels of participation. "It is a little bit different," said Vincent van der Voort, who participated in this year's pairs tournament with his son Kevin, at the launch of the MODUS Super Series 24/7 on Pluto TV. "You see, the Dutch Open has 4,000 entries. Singles tournament. England has more darts players than Holland. They don't go to one tournament like that."

“For some reason, we do it differently," he adds. "Because the British Open has probably 200 entries. That's weird, isn't it? In Holland, 4,100 is something like 4,000. So we do something different. But what, I don't know."

As such, Van der Voort recommends the experience to all. “If you are a darts player, you want to be there once in your life to see what's going on," the former UK Open finalist implores. "They've got a party tent. All idiots are in there just having a good time the whole weekend through. It's just amazing."

However, because of the many entries, you often also have to wait a long time for your next match. Still, this does not stop a lot of people from trying their luck at the Dutch Open Darts. That also surprises Van der Voort somewhat. "You play your first round. You have to wait four or five hours to play your second round,” the Dutchman concludes. ”There's no other tournament in the world that happens.”