Vincent van der Voort confirms darting retirement as comeback plans derailed due to persistent physical issues

Veteran Dutch dart star Vincent van der Voort has officially ended his professional darts career, admitting that repeated physical problems have made a return to the top level no longer realistic.

At 49, van der Voort had cautiously considered a comeback for the 2026 season — but after a series of recent exhibition events, he concluded his body can no longer tolerate the demands.

Why now? A combination of health and heartbreak

• Van der Voort lost his PDC Tour Card at the end of the 2024 season and opted out of the 2025 campaign, intending to reassess at year-end.
• During 2024, he suffered a personal tragedy when his sister passed away — a blow that deeply affected his mental state.
• On top of that, chronic physical issues — including back, knee, and neck pain — resurfaced sharply during recent exhibition appearances. Despite rest and medical care, the pain returned “almost immediately,” making serious competition impossible.

“I noticed the pain in my back, knees and neck came back quickly, even after plenty of rest,” van der Voort told De Telegraaf. “I have no desire to keep playing in pain.”

He explained that standing in the required darting stance now causes a painful twist near his hip — something his 6′2″ frame can no longer handle comfortably.

A long career comes to an end

Van der Voort has been a fixture on the professional darts circuit for more than two decades — especially since joining the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2007 along with compatriots such as Michael van Gerwen and Jelle Klaasen.

Over a long and storied career, he played in 22 World Championship tournaments, reached the quarter-finals three times, and managed to win multiple PDC titles — including the 2014 Austrian Darts Open.

But now the “Dutch Destroyer” says he’s at peace with his decision.

“It’s not the easiest choice — I’ve done this my whole life. Forty years of being under pressure and playing matches,” he admitted. “The realisation that I’ve stopped for good still needs to sink in, but I’m at peace with it.”

From comeback hopes to final farewell

Van der Voort had initially stepped away to reassess after a difficult period, hoping rest might reinvigorate his body and motivation.

But even after months away from competition — and after testing himself in exhibition games — the physical pain returned too quickly for him to ignore. That final assessment confirmed to him it was time to hang up the darts.

A legacy of flair, speed and resilience

Renowned for his rapid scoring style, aggressive pace, and fearless personality, van der Voort earned respect and admiration across the darts world. His 22 appearances at the World Championship and his PDC titles speak to both skill and longevity.

Now, the sport bids farewell to one of its most distinctive figures — but fans might still hear his voice, as he’s expected to remain involved through media and exhibition roles.

If you like, I can also build a “career summary” section: major finals, biggest wins, stats — basically a quick-glance highlight reel for Vincent’s career.