"I needed to feel good in myself again": Dimitri van den Bergh ready for World Cup of Darts after mental reset

Dimitri Van den Bergh will return to the international darts stage next month at the World Cup of Darts. After a two-month absence in which he deliberately stepped away to work on his mental health, ‘The Dreammaker’ feels ready for a fresh start.

The Belgian pulled out of Players Championship 13 in Rosmalen in April at the very last minute, just four minutes before the start of his match. After that, he also cancelled tournaments such as the German Darts Grand Prix and the Austrian Darts Open. The former World Matchplay champion will also be absent from the next two Euro Tours.

In a candid interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Van den Bergh talks about his decision as well as his planned return.

“I was advised to set a date, and I absolutely wanted the World Cup to be that target,” Van den Bergh explained. “It’s the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. Representing Belgium alongside Mike at such a prestigious tournament fills me with pride. I’ve earned my place, so I see no reason to give it up.”

Van den Bergh will partner De Decker, the reigning World Grand Prix champion, in a pairing that promises both experience and chemistry. The two have played together before, and Van den Bergh is confident in their dynamic.

“I’ve got a great connection with Mike,” he said. “We’ve played a few events together in the past, so we know how to work as a team. I believe we can form a strong partnership—hopefully one that won’t disappoint.”

Despite a subdued ProTour season—where he failed to progress beyond the third round in any of his 12 appearances—Van den Bergh did reach the semi-finals of the World Masters in February. That run came during a period of reflection, which ultimately led to his decision to temporarily step back from the sport.

“First and foremost, I needed to feel good in myself again,” he said candidly. “If that hadn’t been the case, I would have let the World Cup go. But things are heading in the right direction now.”

The 30-year-old from Antwerp was clear that the decision to take a break was entirely his own.

“I did this for myself, not because of anyone else. This wasn’t about outside pressure. I’m the one who has to throw the darts, so what others think doesn’t matter to me.”

Van den Bergh admits that stepping away was a bold move, but one he believes was necessary.

“I found myself in a difficult place, so I needed to step back. It was a courageous decision, but sometimes you have to take one step back to take two forward.”

To his surprise, the decision was met with overwhelming support.

“I’ve had a lot of positive messages—even from unexpected places. People have said they admire my courage and respect my choice. Some even reminded me that there’s more to life than darts, and they’re right. I played every event for a long time, but now I realise I need to manage things more carefully.”

Now refreshed and refocused, Van den Bergh is determined to make the most of his second wind, combining national pride with a renewed personal drive.

“Hard work pays off,” said the two-time major champion. “This is my reset—and I’m ready.”