After nearly three months of silence: Dimitri Van den Bergh makes his comeback this week

Dimitri Van den Bergh returns to the PDC circuit this week. The Belgian will step up to the oche at the Host Nation Qualifier for the Flanders Darts Trophy, handing him an ideal chance to book a spot at the European Tour event in Antwerp in front of his home crowd.

It will be a special moment for Van den Bergh. The Dreammaker has not featured on the professional circuit in recent months.

His last match dates back to 17.06.2026, when he lost in the first round of Players Championship 22 to Jonny Clayton. The Welshman ran out a comprehensive 6-0 winner. Van den Bergh averaged 74.25.

Since then it has been quiet around the Antwerp native, who now returns to the oche. His comeback also arrives at a compelling time, with the Flanders Darts Trophy once again staged in his birthplace. The tournament runs from Friday 11.09.2026 to Sunday 13.09.2026 at Antwerp Expo and is the thirteenth European Tour event of the season.

Van den Bergh must first come through the Host Nation Qualifier. Multiple spots for the main event are allocated via several qualifiers. The Flanders Darts Trophy features 48 players, with the top names seeded directly and the remaining places filled through qualification. Four spots are reserved for Belgian players emerging from the Host Nation Qualifier.

A berth would be especially valuable for Van den Bergh. Not only to rebuild match sharpness after a long lay-off, but also to perform in front of his own fans. Antwerp supporters have seen little of the former World Matchplay champion in recent months.

The Flanders Darts Trophy also boasts a strong field. Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Jonny Clayton are expected in Antwerp, though withdrawals can still occur. Littler is the defending champion after beating Josh Rock in last year’s final, but The Nuke will not defend his title, opting to skip the Flanders Darts Trophy this year.

For Van den Bergh, the journey starts with qualifying. After nearly three months without an official pro match, a significant test awaits. If the Belgian makes it through, he can add extra shine to his comeback on a stage that could hardly be more fitting: in his own Antwerp.