"Hearn doesn’t just want followers — he wants personalities" - Van der Voort reveals why it is characters stand out in PDC

In the latest episode of Darts Draait Door, hosted by Damian Vlottes and Vincent van der Voort, the pair discussed Mike de Decker’s somewhat surprising invitation to the World Series of Darts — and the broader importance of diverse representation within the PDC, including Barry Hearn’s role in shaping that landscape.

The podcast’s regular "statement" segment opened with the question: Does Mike de Decker’s World Series call-up make sense? Van der Voort’s response was measured — but ultimately supportive.

“Well, it’s not logical, but yes…” he said with a pause, before offering his approval. “It does make sense, because of course he won the Grand Prix last year. There was a lot of talk around him. He was invited to Den Bosch previously, but didn’t end up playing. He felt it was unfair that he wasn’t in the Premier League. And when you consider how many players withdrew, it makes sense the PDC came to him.”

Van der Voort also pointed out the symbolic value of De Decker’s inclusion. “For Belgium, it’s good to have representation. Another nationality involved, and it’s also a way to show De Decker a bit of support — a bit of a pat on the back. It’s a reward for a strong performance. The PDC is saying: ‘We haven’t forgotten you.’”

The podcast also featured a clip of Mike de Decker reacting to the news. The Belgian’s joy was palpable. “Of course,” he said when asked if he was excited for his World Series debut. “An invitation like this feels like recognition for what you’ve achieved over the past year — especially winning the World Grand Prix. If I hadn’t won that, I’d never have got this invitation. No chance.”

De Decker admitted that his public comments earlier in the year may have cost him opportunities. “I probably should’ve kept my mouth shut at the start of the year,” he said, half-joking. “Maybe then I would’ve been there sooner. But that’s how it goes.”

His desire to play internationally also resurfaced. De Decker has previously stated he prefers playing abroad rather than in the Netherlands. “They really listen to you,” he joked. “When you get a World Series invite, you want to go somewhere you’ve never been. Let’s put it that way.”

The conversation then shifted to the importance of character and charisma in darts — something Van der Voort said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn is keenly aware of. “I spoke to Barry again last week,” Van der Voort shared. “He likes a bit of controversy. Players who go against the grain. He doesn’t just want followers — he wants personalities. He comes from boxing, remember.”

According to both presenters, darts needs bold and expressive players to keep fans engaged — and Gerwyn Price is a perfect example. “I’m really a fan of Price,” said Vlottes. “That Grand Slam final against Anderson… it was right on the edge. But it was thrilling. Yet the guy gets fined for it. I don’t get that.”

Van der Voort echoed the sentiment, pointing to what he sees as a double standard in the sport. “On one hand, the DRA hands out massive fines. On the other, Sky keeps replaying that clip to promote the sport. Everyone’s still talking about that final.”

The match in question — the fiery 2018 Grand Slam final between Price and Gary Anderson — remains one of the most talked-about in modern darts. Price’s animated celebrations wound up Anderson and divided opinion, but undeniably captivated the crowd. He won the title, was fined for his conduct, and yet Sky Sports have repeatedly used the footage to market the game. “I guarantee Barry Hearn was sat on the couch cheering — probably with his hand down his pants!” Van der Voort quipped. “‘This is great for us! This is going to promote everything!’”

Despite the tongue-in-cheek remark, both men agreed that Price’s punishment was over the top. “It was totally unjustified,” said Van der Voort. “Especially the size of the fine. Anderson played his part too. In my view, neither of them should’ve been fined. Sure, you shouldn’t touch each other — but it’s not like Price shoved him in the back or anything.”