Raymon van Barneveld
Five-time PDC World Darts Champion, legendary darts player
Raymon van Barneveld (born March 20, 1967) is a legendary Dutch professional darts player who has dominated the sport for over three decades. Known by his nickname 'Barney,' he won five PDC World Darts Championships between 2007 and 2019, cementing his place among darts' elite. Van Barneveld turned professional in 1989 and achieved numerous accolades, including two BDO World Championships and multiple European and World Cup titles. His aggressive playing style, characteristic showmanship, and rivalry with other top players like Phil Taylor made him a beloved figure in professional darts. Beyond championships, he represented the Netherlands in numerous international competitions and became a cultural icon in his home country. Van Barneveld's longevity in professional sports—competing at the highest level well into his 50s—demonstrates his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. His influence extends beyond darts, as he helped popularize the sport globally through his charismatic personality and performances.
Athlete
Dutch
1967
Thinking about the name
Raymon
Germanic origin
“A streamlined version of Raymond that drops the final 'd', Raymon feels both classic and contemporary. The name retains all the gravitas of its longer form while offering a sleeker profile. It's particularly popular in Spanish-speaking contexts as a standard variant.”