Dimitri Van den Bergh’s win against Luke Humphries on March 3 saw him raise the UK Open trophy to darts enthusiasts worldwide. The last leg sent blood pumping through players and audiences alike.
World number one Humphries chased Van den Bergh’s early 7–2 lead, keeping his cool despite the odds. The scoreline tightened and pulses quickened, but Van den Bergh claimed victory, 11–10.
The UK Open is Van den Bergh’s fourth Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) title. He has proven his skill at the highest levels and has earned his place as PDC world number seven.
Fans might wonder how he got to this position. How did he break into professional darts? What does the future hold for Van den Bergh? Whether you are a fan or an aspiring player, it is time to learn about one of the PDC world greats.
Van den Bergh takes aim
Dimitri Van den Bergh, The Dreammaker, was born in Antwerp, Belgium, on July 8, 1994. His father, André Van Cauwenberghe, gave him the nickname due to his prodigal skill with darts. His introduction music, ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams, now speaks for him as the 2024 UK Open champion.
Van den Bergh’s first PDC title win came in the 16 th PDC Challenge Tour where he defeated Charlie Tate of Exmouth 4–0. The same year, he made the last 256 in the World Darts Federation (WDF) Winmau World Masters tournament.
Having gained his PDC tour credentials from Q School, Van den Bergh then entered the European Tour and the UK Open. He made it to the German Darts Championship but lost 6–2 to Ronnie Baxter in the opening round.
Rise to world number seven
The PDC Order of Merit is a performance-based ranking system. Judges gauge a player’s total tournament winnings over two years to decide the player’s number. Van den Bergh made the top 16 in 2018. Here is a recap of how he climbed even higher.
In 2017, after winning other tournaments, Van den Bergh gave an enviable performance at the World Championship. The 23-year-old managed to beat Stephen Bunting, Jan Dekker, and Mensur Suljovic before losing to champion Rob Cross in the final. Van den Bergh’s performance at the World Championship secured his approval from top darts players, and he became a player that viewers and bettors keep an eye on.
Van den Bergh made the final of the 2018 German Darts Masters tournament, winning against both Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson. He played Mensur Suljovic again, but this time Suljovic claimed victory in the final. The World Cup came next. Van den Bergh reached the semi-final for Belgium but lost to Raymond van Barneveld.
In an empty 2020 arena, Van den Bergh won the World Matchplay tournament in Milton Keynes. Players must be in the PDC Order of Merit top 16 to enter. Despite skilled competition, he defeated Gary Anderson 18–10 in the final. Players Championship wins at BAR and NIE in 2021 lifted Van den Bergh higher.
In 2022, he won the Dutch and Nordic Darts Masters in the World Series of Darts. Van
den Bergh’s victory streak then paused until his 2024 UK Open win over Luke Humphries.
In a post-match interview with PDC, Van den Bergh spoke of his grandfather’s passing two years before the UK Open. His title win after a period of tragedy and struggle marks a special moment in his career.
Get into the game
As of 2024, Van der Bergh has gained six televised titles, two non-televised PDC titles, and one televised nine-dart finish. Topped with his world number seven ranking, the future looks sharp for Dimitri Van den Bergh.
So, what does the future hold for Van den Bergh? Can he build on this success? Stay tuned for more sports news and tips.
