"Which idiot came up with that?" - Van der Voort voices strong criticism of qualification criteria for the World Series of Darts Finals
PDCSaturday, 01 August 2026 at 17:30
The PDC recently announced the qualification criteria for the World Series Finals. On the Darts Draait podcast, Vincent van der Voort did not hold back his criticism. The former professional called the new system “hopeless” and hit out at how players will qualify for the season-ending event.
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Under the new format, the top 24 players on the World Series Order of Merit qualify directly for the World Series Finals. They will be joined by the four highest-ranked players on the world rankings who have not yet qualified via that list. The final four spots are allocated through a qualifying tournament.
For Van der Voort, that construction is hard to defend. He is particularly incensed that players can qualify without winning a single match. “There are going to be people taking part who haven’t won a match and they’re being rewarded with a season finale. That makes no sense at all,” Van der Voort said. “In sport, it’s about performance.”
‘Which idiot came up with that?’
Van der Voort cited Simon Whitlock as one example. Because the Australian has played multiple World Series events, the ex-pro believes he could collect enough points to rank highly even with two heavy defeats. “We often use Whitlock as the example. He’s allowed to play twice now. If he loses 6-0 twice, he still ranks high enough to make the Finals. Which idiot came up with that? Then there’s something seriously wrong in your head.”
Van der Voort also believes players who took part in the World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this year benefit from the system. “You haven’t won a match, you’ve been hammered twice, and as a bonus you get to play again.”
He therefore calls it implausible that the PDC previously said it mainly wanted to reward winners. “That’s nonsense.”
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Vincent van der Voort is unhappy with the qualification criteria for the World Series Finals
Alternative is obvious according to Van der Voort
Although host Damian Vlottes notes that the old system also had drawbacks, because players could qualify without having played the World Series at all, Van der Voort believes the solution is much simpler. “Then just make it 32,” he said. “Only the people who took part. Then they’re real Finals. Simply the best 32 on that ranking.”
At the same time, he admits that system wouldn’t be perfect either. “Then you really get a very poor tournament. You’d get people who lost 6-0 still getting close. If they lost 6-1, they might also be in the mix.”
According to Van der Voort, the new setup mainly shows that the PDC couldn’t come up with a more creative solution. “Players always go on about having to perform. And then you do things like this. If you can’t come up with a better system than this, something’s wrong. They’re just winging it.”
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Dutch players actually benefit from the new rules
Despite his strong criticism, Van der Voort acknowledges that the new rules could work out well for several Dutch players. Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, and Danny Noppert therefore appear well placed to qualify, while Wessel Nijman also has plenty of chances. “For those players it’s obviously great that these rules are in place. Then you don’t have to play a qualifier. You get a chance to earn a lot of money and play a fine tournament. On home soil.”
Moreover, a good run at the World Series Finals could also yield a spot for the Grand Slam of Darts. “On top of that. They don’t need to worry too much about that.”
Question marks around Raymond van Barneveld
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Toward the end of the podcast, Raymond van Barneveld is also discussed. The five-time world champion must try to qualify via the qualifying tournament, but he also has a previously scheduled clinic on the opening day of the World Series Finals.
Van der Voort, however, suspects this need not be a major issue. “If he qualifies, he’ll have to cancel that anyway. I assume he won’t cancel the World Series Finals. It’s obviously inconvenient if you’ve booked that clinic, but maybe he’s already sorted it in advance. I don’t know of course.”
As the qualifier is played on August 24, Van Barneveld will, according to Van der Voort, know well in time where he stands. The former pro mainly hopes his good friend can shine once more on a big stage. “Naturally we hope he still shows something somewhere. That he can bow out with a fine season finale. He has to make the Worlds anyway. You don’t want him to fade away quietly.”
Van der Voort concludes with a clear wish for the Dutch darts legend. “You don’t want him to fall short at a Worlds qualifier among the lesser players.”
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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