Darts legend Raymond van Barneveld, the childhood idol of teenage sensation Luke Littler, has suffered a stunning and comprehensive exit from the PDC World Darts Championship.
A Devastating Defeat at Ally Pally
The five-time world champion was unceremoniously whitewashed 3-0 by Belgian debutant Stefan Beaumont in their first-round clash at London's Alexandra Palace on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. The heavy defeat marks a disastrous early end to the Dutchman's latest campaign for the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Van Barneveld, a stalwart of the sport, was unable to find any rhythm against his determined opponent. Beaumont capitalised on numerous missed opportunities from the veteran, sealing a famous victory that sent shockwaves through the tournament.
Littler's Inspiration Falls Short
The result will be of particular interest to current superstar Luke Littler, who has repeatedly cited Van Barneveld as the player who inspired him to pick up darts as a toddler. Littler, who shot to fame with his own incredible run to the World Championship final in 2024, often watched videos of 'Barney' in action, modelling his game on the Dutch great.
This early exit for his idol serves as a stark reminder of the fierce competitiveness and unpredictability that defines the sport's premier event. All eyes will now be on how Littler responds in his own quest for glory, carrying the torch for a new generation.
What Comes Next for the Legend?
The nature of the defeat – a straight-sets whitewash – will raise immediate questions about the 58-year-old Van Barneveld's future at the highest level. While he has retired and returned before, performances of this magnitude will fuel speculation about his next move.
For the victorious Stefan Beaumont, this represents the biggest win of his career. He advances to the second round, where he will face a significantly tougher challenge but with immense confidence gained from defeating a true icon of the oche.
The PDC World Darts Championship continues at Alexandra Palace, with more surprises undoubtedly in store as the field narrows in pursuit of the £500,000 top prize.
