Raymond van Barneveld, Dutch darts player

Hailing from The Hague, Netherlands, Raymond van Barneveld, born on 20 April 1967, stands as one of the most revered and influential figures in the world of professional darts. Affectionately known to millions as "Barney", a moniker that quickly superseded his original nickname, "The Man," his career trajectory has been nothing short of legendary, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. Beyond his impressive tally of titles, Van Barneveld is credited with significantly elevating the profile and popularity of darts in the Netherlands, inspiring a generation of players and creating a fervent fan base known as the "Barney Army". A unique aspect of his play is that despite being naturally left-handed, he delivers his darts with his right hand, a subtle detail that adds to his distinctive presence on the oche.

A Legacy of World Titles: Crossing the Divide

Van Barneveld's unparalleled success spans both major organizations in darts, first dominating the British Darts Organisation (BDO) circuit before making a momentous transition to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). This unique journey culminated in him becoming a five-time World Darts Champion. He initially secured four BDO World Championship titles, a testament to his early dominance, before adding a coveted PDC World Championship to his illustrious resume. This extraordinary feat places him in an elite echelon, alongside legendary figures like Eric Bristow, as one of only a handful of players in darts history to achieve five world titles across these two prestigious federations.

Perhaps his most iconic triumph was the epic 2007 PDC World Championship final against his great rival, Phil 'The Power' Taylor. This clash, widely regarded as one of the greatest darts contests ever played, was a true battle of titans that went down to the wire. Van Barneveld's dramatic victory not only secured his fifth world title but also completed a remarkable journey across the two federations, solidifying his place in darts folklore and marking a pivotal moment in the sport's modern era.

Dominance Across the Board: A Full Trophy Cabinet

Beyond his world championship exploits, Raymond van Barneveld boasts a remarkable collection of major titles from various prestigious tournaments, showcasing his consistent excellence throughout his career. His individual triumphs include:

National Pride: Team Success for the Netherlands

Van Barneveld's commitment to representing his country on the world stage is equally impressive, contributing significantly to the Netherlands' standing in international darts. He has been a pivotal figure in numerous team successes:

These victories, all achieved while proudly representing the Netherlands, highlight his versatility and his ability to perform under pressure in team formats, further cementing his status as a national sporting hero.

A Brief Stint at the Top: World Number One

From January to June 2008, Raymond van Barneveld reached the pinnacle of individual achievement by holding the coveted position of the world's number one ranked player. This ranking reflected his consistent high-level performance and dominance across the professional circuit during that period, a testament to his sustained excellence following his momentous PDC World Championship win.

The Retirement Saga and Resurgence

Van Barneveld's career trajectory, however, has not been without its dramatic twists and turns, most notably a series of announcements regarding his retirement. In November 2018, he initially declared his intention to step away from the professional oche after the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship. Yet, the emotional toll of the sport, coupled with a crushing 7–1 defeat to his compatriot Michael van Gerwen in his final Premier League match on 28 March 2019, prompted an immediate, albeit fleeting, retirement announcement. This decision was famously reversed the very next day, a testament to the passion and perhaps indecision surrounding his departure from the sport he loved. He eventually did retire following a first-round exit from the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship, a somewhat subdued end to an illustrious chapter.

However, the allure of the sport proved too strong to resist, and in a remarkable comeback, Van Barneveld regained his professional tour card in February 2021, just 14 months after his last retirement, by successfully navigating the arduous PDC's Q-School. This inspiring return marked a triumphant re-entry to the professional circuit, demonstrating his enduring dedication and competitive spirit.

FAQs

How many World Darts Championships has Raymond van Barneveld won?
Raymond van Barneveld has won five World Darts Championships in total: four British Darts Organisation (BDO) titles and one Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) title.
What is Raymond van Barneveld's nickname?
He is widely known by his nickname "Barney", although he was originally known as "The Man" early in his career.
Did Raymond van Barneveld ever achieve the world number one ranking?
Yes, Raymond van Barneveld was the world's number one ranked player from January to June 2008.
Is Raymond van Barneveld left-handed or right-handed?
Raymond van Barneveld is naturally left-handed but throws darts with his right hand.
Has Raymond van Barneveld retired from darts?
Raymond van Barneveld retired in 2020 after the PDC World Darts Championship, but he made a comeback and regained his professional tour card in February 2021, continuing his career on the professional circuit.
How many times has Raymond van Barneveld won the PDC World Cup of Darts?
He has won the PDC World Cup of Darts four times while representing the Netherlands. He won once with Co Stompé and three times with Michael van Gerwen.
What was the significance of his 2007 PDC World Championship win?
His victory over Phil Taylor in the 2007 PDC World Championship final was not only his first PDC world title but also his fifth overall world title, placing him in an elite group of players with five world championships. The match itself is considered one of the greatest darts finals ever played.