Brief Introduction of Dirk van Duijvenbode
Dirk van Duijvenbode, born on June 30, 1992, is a Dutch professional darts player who competes in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events. Known for his powerful scoring and energetic stage presence, he has become a fan favorite in the world of darts. His unique walk-on to hardcore music sets him apart, and he is affectionately known by the nicknames “Aubergenius,” a nod to his work on an aubergine farm, and “The Titan,” reflecting his formidable presence on the oche. Van Duijvenbode’s breakthrough came in 2020 with a surprise run to the final of the World Grand Prix. Since then, he has established himself as a consistent contender, winning multiple Players Championship titles and reaching the latter stages of several major tournaments. His journey is a story of perseverance, having regained his PDC Tour Card multiple times before solidifying his place among the darting elite.
Dirk van Duijvenbode Overview
| Full Name | Dirk van Duijvenbode |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1992 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Katwijk aan Zee, Netherlands |
| Profession | Professional Darts Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Partner: Saskia Kokshoorn, Children: Levi (son), Loïs (daughter) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Saskia Kokshoorn |
| Net Worth | Estimated prize money of over £1.1 million |
Early Life and Education of Dirk van Duijvenbode
Dirk van Duijvenbode was born in Katwijk aan Zee, a coastal town in the Netherlands, on June 30, 1992. From a young age, he developed a passion for darts, which would eventually become his professional calling. While details about his formal education are not widely publicized, it is known that he has a strong connection to the agricultural sector, a background that has become a significant part of his public persona. Before his full-time professional darts career took off, and even alongside it, van Duijvenbode has been famously involved in working on an aubergine farm. This has not only provided him with a unique nickname, “Aubergenius,” but also highlights his down-to-earth and hardworking nature, staying true to his roots despite his growing fame in the sporting world. His upbringing in the Netherlands and his early professional life outside of darts have shaped the resilient and determined competitor he is today.
Dirk van Duijvenbode’s Career
Dirk van Duijvenbode’s professional darts career has been a testament to his resilience and continuous improvement. He made his debut in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2011, initially competing on the Youth and Challenge Tours. The early years of his career were a struggle for consistency at the highest level. He first earned a PDC Tour Card in 2011 but faced the challenge of losing and regaining it multiple times in the subsequent years.
The year 2020 marked a significant turning point and his definitive breakthrough. Despite being the lowest-ranked qualifier, he made a spectacular run to the final of the World Grand Prix, a major PDC tournament. On his way to the final, he defeated established top players like Mensur Suljović, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Gary Anderson, and Simon Whitlock, before ultimately losing to Gerwyn Price. This performance catapulted him into the spotlight and gave him the confidence that he could compete with the world’s best.
Following his World Grand Prix success, van Duijvenbode’s career trajectory has been on a steady upward curve. He reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 PDC World Darts Championship, a performance that saw him break into the top 32 of the world rankings for the first time. In April 2021, he secured his first PDC ranking title by winning a Players Championship event, defeating fellow Dutchman Martijn Kleermaker in the final.
He has since added several more Players Championship titles to his name, winning two in 2022 and three in 2023. In 2022, he also reached the final of the World Series of Darts Finals, once again finishing as the runner-up to Gerwyn Price. That same year, he was a quarter-finalist at the prestigious World Matchplay. Known for his heavy scoring, he was statistically one of the most prolific 180 hitters on the PDC circuit in 2022.
Despite a setback in 2023 due to an injury sustained from a fall during his energetic walk-on, van Duijvenbode has shown his fighting spirit and continues to be a formidable opponent on the tour. His aggressive throwing style and passionate celebrations have made him a recognizable and popular figure in the sport.
Dirk van Duijvenbode Personal Life & Family
Away from the high-pressure environment of professional darts, Dirk van Duijvenbode leads a grounded personal life. He is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Saskia Kokshoorn. The couple has been together since at least 2015 and they reside in ‘s-Gravenzande, Netherlands. They have started a family together, welcoming their first child, a son named Levi, in August 2023. Their family grew with the arrival of their second child, a daughter named Loïs, in July 2025.
One of the most well-known aspects of his personal life is his continued involvement with an aubergine farm. This connection to his roots is a significant part of his identity and has earned him the affectionate nickname “Aubergenius.” He has been known to bring an aubergine with him onto the stage, embracing this unique aspect of his life. This dual life as a top-level athlete and a farm worker highlights his work ethic and humble nature. He values the balance between his sporting career and his work, which keeps him grounded. Van Duijvenbode is known for his down-to-earth personality and his close ties to his Dutch heritage.
Awards and Achievements of Dirk van Duijvenbode
- World Grand Prix Runner-up: 2020.
- World Series of Darts Finals Runner-up: 2022.
- PDC Players Championship Winner (6 titles): 2021 (x1), 2022 (x2), 2023 (x3).
- PDC World Darts Championship Quarter-Finalist: 2021.
- World Matchplay Quarter-Finalist: 2022.
- European Championship Semi-Finalist: 2022.
- Players Championship Finals Semi-Finalist: 2024.
- The Masters Quarter-Finalist: 2023.
- PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit – Reached a career-high ranking of 2nd.
Dirk van Duijvenbode Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Dirk van Duijvenbode’s primary source of income is his successful career as a professional darts player. His net worth is largely comprised of the prize money he has accumulated from participating in and winning Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournaments. While an exact net worth figure is not publicly disclosed, his career prize money is estimated to be over £1.1 million.
His breakthrough performance at the 2020 World Grand Prix, where he reached the final, significantly boosted his earnings. Since then, consistent performances, including winning six Players Championship titles and reaching the finals and semi-finals of other major tournaments, have continued to add to his income.
In addition to prize money, van Duijvenbode also earns income through sponsorship deals. His distinctive personality and popularity among fans make him an attractive brand ambassador. He is sponsored by Bull’s Darts, who produce his signature darts. Another significant part of his life, though it’s unclear how much it contributes to his income, is his work at an aubergine farm, a job he proudly continues alongside his darts career.
Legacy and Influence
Dirk van Duijvenbode’s legacy in the world of darts is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact on the sport. He is a testament to the power of perseverance, having overcome the disappointment of losing his professional tour card on multiple occasions to establish himself as a top-tier player. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring players who face setbacks in their careers.
Van Duijvenbode is renowned for his electrifying stage presence. His walk-on, accompanied by high-energy hardstyle music, is one of the most iconic in modern darts and has made him a firm crowd favorite. This, combined with his passionate and emotional style of play, brings a unique energy to every tournament he participates in.
His “Aubergenius” persona, stemming from his work on an aubergine farm, has also contributed to his popularity. It presents a relatable and down-to-earth image that contrasts with the high-stakes world of professional sports, endearing him to a broad audience. He has shown that a player can be both a fierce competitor and have a distinct and authentic personality. As one of the leading Dutch players of his generation, he carries on the strong tradition of darts in the Netherlands.
Interesting Facts about Dirk van Duijvenbode
- He is famously known for his work on an aubergine farm, which has earned him the nickname “Aubergenius”.
- His energetic walk-on is performed to the hardstyle track “Just Like You” by Radical Redemption.
- In 2022, he was recognized as one of the most prolific 180-hitters in the PDC, a testament to his powerful scoring ability.
- He has two nicknames: “Aubergenius” and “The Titan”.
- Van Duijvenbode made his debut in a major PDC final at the 2020 World Grand Prix, where he entered the tournament as the lowest-ranked qualifier.
- Early in his career, he was involved in a memorable incident at the PDC World Championship against Raymond van Barneveld where he famously “busted” a score of 160 by hitting a 180.
Controversies
Dirk van Duijvenbode has largely maintained a career free of major controversies, being known more for his passionate celebrations and unique personality than for any negative incidents. However, in 2023, he suffered a notable injury after falling over during one of his high-energy walk-ons at the Dutch Darts Championship. While not a controversy in the traditional sense, the incident sparked discussions about the potential risks of such exuberant entrances. His form suffered for a period following the injury, highlighting the physical demands of the sport, even in unexpected ways.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed.
- Twitter – @Duivee.
- YouTube – Not publicly available.
Final Words about Dirk van Duijvenbode
Dirk van Duijvenbode has carved out a unique and exciting space for himself in the world of professional darts. His journey from a player struggling to retain his tour card to a consistent contender in major tournaments is a powerful narrative of resilience and dedication. Known as “The Titan” and the “Aubergenius,” he has captivated audiences not only with his formidable scoring power but also with his authentic and energetic personality. His walk-ons are legendary, and his passion on the oche is palpable.
As he navigates his career, now balancing the demands of being a top professional with his family life as a father, van Duijvenbode continues to be a player to watch. His blend of raw talent, hard work, and showmanship ensures that he will remain a fan favorite and a tough competitor for years to come. His story is far from over, and the darting world eagerly anticipates what further achievements and memorable moments he will bring to the sport.
