Dutch darts on the rise but are Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld on the decline in major omission to list

The 2025 Pro Tour rankings, based on winning percentage, have painted a picture of where the darts world currently stands.

At the top sits Luke Littler, cementing his reputation as the brightest young star in the PDC with a 76.2% overall win rate. Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price follow closely behind at 76.0%, while Ross Smith and Gary Anderson round out the top five, both showing the consistency and skill needed to compete in a season stacked with talent.

What makes this list truly eye-catching is the dominance of Dutch players. Nine of them feature in the top 32, underlining the Netherlands’ status as one of the strongest darts nations in the world. However, the striking twist is that two of the most iconic Dutch figures, Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld are missing. Van Gerwen sits just outside the cut at number 36, while Van Barneveld has slipped further to number 51. Their absence speaks volumes about the shift in Dutch darts, where a younger generation is stepping up to carry the mantle once held almost exclusively by their legendary countrymen.

Players like Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, and Jimmy van Schie represent this new wave, combining fresh energy with sharp results that place them among the sport’s elite. Their presence suggests Dutch darts is not merely surviving without its biggest names at the top, it is evolving, producing a depth of talent that ensures continued relevance on the world stage. For fans, this changing of the guard is both bittersweet and exciting, as it signals that the sport’s future may belong to those now breaking into the spotlight.

Beyond the Dutch story, the rankings reflect a balance between established stars and emerging forces. Veterans like Anderson, Jonny Clayton, James Wade, and Nathan Aspinall still hold their ground, while talents such as Josh Rock and Jamai van den Herik are proving they can compete toe-to-toe with anyone. Several players are separated by only fractions of a percentage, highlighting how competitive the Pro Tour has become.

This blend of history, transition, and fierce rivalry sets up the rest of 2025 to be captivating. With Littler leading the way, the Dutch resurgence reshaping the narrative, and legends like van Gerwen and van Barneveld striving to reassert themselves, the stage is set for one of the most compelling seasons in recent memory.