Barney's Back: The Dutch Master Gets His Portsmouth Pass

By Lewis Barnett 11 June, 2025 4 mins read 65 Views

So here's something I didn't see coming on a Tuesday morning.

Raymond van Barneveld – yes, that Raymond van Barneveld – just got handed the keys to play with the old boys at the World Seniors Tour. The 58-year-old legend snagged the final wildcard spot for the 2025 Champion of Champions, and honestly? It's about time someone made this happen.

Hear the Summary

Wait, Isn't He Still Playing "Real" Darts?

Here's where it gets interesting. Barney still holds a PDC Tour Card, which means he's technically competing against guys like Luke Littler and the current crop of tungsten slingers. But the PDC brass gave him special permission to moonlight with the seniors crowd in Portsmouth on June 29. Smart move, if you ask me – the man's earned the right to pick his battles.

Think about it: this guy started throwing professionally in 1987. That's 37 years of standing at the oche, dealing with crowd noise, and calculating finishes under pressure.

Four Plus One Equals Legend Status

Van Barneveld's trophy cabinet tells the whole story. Four BDO world titles before making the jump to PDC in 2006, then adding that fifth crown a year later. The transition from BDO to PDC wasn't exactly smooth sailing for most players back then, but Barney made it look effortless.

His last major televised final came back in 2018 at the Masters. Six years ago. God, that makes me feel old.

Portsmouth's Going to Be Chaos (The Good Kind)

The lineup for this thing reads like a "Where Are They Now?" episode of darts history. Simon Whitlock, Steve Beaton, Mervyn King – these aren't guys who faded away quietly. They're still throwing with serious intent, and mixing them with actual Seniors World Champions like John Henderson and Robert Thornton? Yeah, this isn't going to be some gentle exhibition match.

Barney himself said something that caught my attention: "I'm not coming over to Portsmouth thinking this will be easy." The man's 58 and still talking like he's got something to prove.

Why This Actually Matters

Look, the World Seniors Tour has been quietly building something special. While everyone's obsessing over the latest teenage sensation or record-breaking averages, these tournaments have been drawing loyal crowds who remember when darts had different personalities. Different energy.

Van Barneveld mentioned catching up with "old faces from my BDO era," and there's something genuinely touching about that. These guys shared stages, shared pressure, shared that weird brotherhood that comes from throwing tiny metal objects at a board while thousands of people watch.

The Dutch icon seems genuinely excited about reconnecting with that world, even if it's just for one tournament. Sometimes the best stories aren't about comebacks or redemption – they're just about showing up and reminding people why they fell in love with watching you play in teh first place.

June 29 in Portsmouth. Mark your calendars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

What weight darts should beginners use?

For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.

Statistics

The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.

External Links

How To

Final Thoughts From a Passionate Amateur

As I'm writing this in late 2023, I'm still working on improving my own game. My current challenge is mastering the triple 19 as an alternative to the triple 20 when one gets blocked by previous darts. It's like trying to teach an old dog new tricks—my muscle memory fights me every step of the way!