Raymond van Barneveld included in World Seniors Champion of Champions line-up
Raymond van Barneveld has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2025 World Seniors Champion of Champions.
In a shock move, the five-time World Champion will head to the MODUS Live Lounge in Portsmouth for the televised invitational on Sunday June 29.
PDC rules prohibit Tour Card holders from competing in any televised or streamed event not under their jurisdiction, however, it is understood Van Barneveld was granted permission to compete in the Champion of Champions by the PDC after submitting a formal application.
Currently ranked 35th on the PDC Order of Merit, Van Barneveld takes the final wildcard spot in the 12-player invitational.
The Dutch icon joins fellow ex World Champions Steve Beaton, Richie Burnett, Martin Adams and Neil Duff in the star-studded field.
Former World Seniors Champions Robert Thornton and John Henderson also feature, alongside current World Seniors Champion Ross Montgomery, former major winners Kevin Painter and Simon Whitlock, and reigning Champion of Champions – Richie Howson.
“I am looking forward to playing in this event” said Van Barneveld.
“The sport has always loved big characters, and World Seniors Darts have brought them back, with most still playing to a high standard.
They have a loyal crowd, and the popularity for the Seniors seems to grow and grow. I’m looking forward to catching up with the old faces of the sport, especially from my BDO era.
“I’m not coming over to Portsmouth thinking this will be easy. I will be giving my full respect to all of the players involved, and I will be preparing hard for this tournament.
“The fire still burns for me. I’m used to winning tournaments wherever I have played, and it would be very special for me if I could lift a Seniors TV title too.”
Van Barneveld’s eligibility to compete in the event, which is to be televised on Pluto, has been met with a mixed reaction on social media, with some fans believing the Dutchman has been given special treatment by the PDC.
It remains to be seen whether this move will open the door to a rule change in the near future regarding participation in non-sanctioned events, with Tour Card holders in the lower regions of the rankings currently missing out on additional earning opportunities.
Barney, whose last major title came at the 2014 Premier League, retired from professional competition in 2019 before reversing his decision in 2021.
Since then, he has picked up two Players Championship titles and reached the semi-finals of the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts.
The 58-year-old currently occupies the final provisional qualification spot for next month’s World Matchplay in Blackpool.
