"Nothing in the world that I love more than my kid and my wife": Danny Jansen describes focus shift from PDC ranking winner to being new dad

For Danny Jansen, 2023 wasn’t defined by rankings, averages or even wins. It was a year that reshaped his world in far more personal ways. “When my son was born, it was like one week after, I had to go over to England to play darts,” he said. “And how much I love darts, there will be nothing in the world that I love more than my kid and my wife.”

It’s a sentiment that ran through every part of Jansen’s season and one that’s altered his entire outlook on the sport. The Dutchman opened up on Tungsten Talk during the MODUS Super Series, reflecting on a year where his priorities shifted and his game followed. “I got my first kiddo, and a lot of my attention went to my kiddo and wife,” he admitted. “I still tried, but for me, being a new dad, it was really hard to find the focus.”

The reality of juggling family and the rigours of the tour became clear quickly. “I was not focused anymore,” Jansen said. “Right now, we have everything settled, the kiddo is getting a little older, and everything is going perfect. That’s when I see more rest, everything is coming, and that’s when I prefer better darts.” He knew early on that he was losing ground. “I knew I was going to lose [my Tour Card] already from October. So I already had my mind set on that. Q School didn’t work out. I played really well, but I got tough draws, as always. It didn’t work out.”

Still, the season wasn’t without its bright spots. He made deep runs on the Challenge Tour and pushed hard to reclaim his place on the main circuit. “I actually wanted it back, so we tried hard,” he said. “To win so many Challenge Tours and for a long time be number one in the rankings over 18 events, that’s why I say I did a good job. Of course, when you don’t make it in the end, you’re sad. It’s frustrating. But this is all learning.”

Jansen doesn’t shy away from responsibility either. “Yes, for darts-wise, I didn’t do a really great job,” he said honestly. “I was a little bit lazy with everything because I was busy with [my son], and my head was just not on it. This is my own fault, but on the other hand, it’s their fault,” he added with a grin. “I have a beautiful kiddo. So did I lose? No, I still think I won.”

Jansen’s journey into darts was never straightforward. A promising footballer in his teens, his path changed suddenly after a serious farm accident. “I was about 15. I always played soccer, but I had a bad accident on the farm. I broke the lower part of my leg,” he recalled. “I had 12 operations in 10 years, and I was in a wheelchair for over two years. It was a tough time.”

It was his father who first steered him toward the oche. “My dad was already a dart player. He said, ‘Why don’t you try playing some darts?’ I gave it a go, and after a couple of months, he told me I had talent. We went through some Dutch rankings, and I started winning. That’s where it all started.” He reflected with pride. “If I hadn’t had that accident, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here talking with you. It was sad, but I’m happy with how things ended up. My body feels good. I’m just a happy man.”

From small events, the wins started stacking up. “At first I never won anything,” he said. “But then I started travelling outside the Netherlands and won the Czech Open. From there things started rolling. I became Dutch ranking champion, then I moved on to the men’s. A year later I got my Tour Card. It all went so fast. It’s crazy.” The Tour Card came via Q School in 2022, almost by accident. “I was really sick,” Jansen said. “I lost the first two days 5-0, 6-0, not even a 60 average. But then the last day, I felt better and told my mum, ‘I think I can make it.’ I made the semis, got to the final stage, and two days later I had my Tour Card. I was like, ‘What now?’”

He never looked back. “I just kept an open mind, got in there and did my thing. My averages got better, and everything started rolling.” Within two months, he was a Pro Tour champion. “I didn’t expect that at all,” he said. “But in my first few Pro Tours, I beat some big names, Ross Smith, Kevin Doets, and I thought, ‘You can compete, but you have to do it more often. When I won, I averaged 96 or 97 for the whole day. I was just in tunnel vision. I didn’t even realise what was going on.” The final posed a unique challenge. “Andrew Gilding’s rhythm is slower. That gives you time to think, ‘Oh hang on, this is the final!’ I drank like four or five bottles of water just trying to get my focus back. But it worked.”

He let it all out backstage. “I went straight to the toilet before the interview and just screamed my lungs out. I was so happy, I needed to let that energy out.” The run led him to a debut at Alexandra Palace. “I didn’t stay in the players' hotel. It was too expensive, so we had a little B&B,” he laughed. “What I didn’t know was I was the biggest name on Twitter for the PDC, like over three million views. When I got out of the Uber, fans ran up to me and security surrounded me. They told me I was up there with Peter Wright and the others, all because of my mullet!”

He didn’t play his best, but he got the win. “I was so nervous. I didn’t play great, but I won. I could’ve beaten Ratajski if I’d hit my doubles. But it’s fine. Everyone dreams of being world champion, but you have to be realistic. My goal was to win the first round, anything after that was a bonus.”

Jansen returned to the MODUS Super Series with fresh motivation and a nine-darter. “It’s been so good, everything around it has been perfect,” he said. “Just showing some good darts… and then what happened Monday made my day. I was just proud that I hit a nine-darter. Then all the attention I got from fans, people at home, family, friends, it was just incredible. It made me feel good and gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of the week.”

Now, life on the road is a little easier to manage. “At first, we did too much. I was flying every week, she was flying too, it was exhausting. Now we do longer trips, and it works perfectly. I just flew for the first time alone with my son. He’s in the Netherlands now on the farm with my mum and dad, and he’s loving it.”