Brief Introduction of Danny Noppert
Danny Noppert is a distinguished Dutch professional darts player who has firmly established himself as a top contender within the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Nicknamed “The Freeze” for his remarkably calm and composed demeanor under pressure, Noppert is celebrated for his methodical rhythm and clinical finishing on the oche. Hailing from Joure, Netherlands, he first rose to prominence in the British Darts Organisation (BDO) circuit, where he was a finalist in the 2017 BDO World Darts Championship. Since transitioning to the more competitive PDC in 2018, he has consistently climbed the world rankings. His career reached a new zenith in March 2022 when he captured his first major PDC title, the prestigious UK Open, in a thrilling final-leg decider. This landmark victory solidified his position among the sport’s elite players and marked him as a significant force in the world of professional darts.
Danny Noppert Overview
| Full Name | Danny Noppert |
| Date of Birth | 31 December 1990 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Joure, Netherlands |
| Profession | Professional Darts Player |
| Husband/Wife | Mandy Smits |
| Family | Son (Jent), Daughter (Name not publicly disclosed) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married to Mandy Smits |
| Net Worth | Estimated between £1.5 to £2 million |
Early Life and Education of Danny Noppert
Danny Noppert was born on December 31, 1990, in Joure, a town in the province of Friesland, Netherlands. From a young age, he was raised in the quiet, down-to-earth environment of the Frisian countryside, a setting that many believe contributed to his famously calm and composed nature. He discovered his talent for darts relatively late compared to many of his peers, picking up the sport at the age of 18. He quickly realized he had a natural aptitude for the game. Information regarding his formal education, schooling, and any professional career he may have pursued before dedicating himself fully to darts is not publicly available. His early years in the sport were characterized by honing his skills in local leagues and smaller tournaments in the Netherlands, laying the groundwork for his future professional career. It was during this formative period that he developed the steady rhythm and focus that would become his trademark on the international stage.
Danny Noppert’s Career
Danny Noppert’s professional darts career is a story of steady progression and strategic advancement, marked by success in both of the sport’s major organizations. He began his journey on the British Darts Organisation (BDO) circuit around 2012. His initial years were a learning curve, but he made his first significant impact in 2013 by reaching the televised quarterfinals of the Winmau World Masters. This early success was a sign of his potential. The year 2016 proved to be a breakout season for Noppert. He reached the final of the prestigious Dutch Open and claimed his first international title at the Scottish Open. These strong performances were bolstered by wins at the Masters of Waregem and the German Open, which propelled him up the BDO rankings. His rising status earned him an invitation to the PDC’s Grand Slam of Darts, where he impressed by advancing to the last 16, narrowly losing to two-time World Champion Gary Anderson.
The culmination of his BDO career came in 2017 when he embarked on a spectacular run to the final of the BDO World Darts Championship at the iconic Lakeside Country Club. Although he ultimately lost to the formidable Glen Durrant, his performance cemented his reputation as a world-class player. Later that year, he captured his first major BDO title, the Finder Darts Masters, a significant milestone that served as a fitting conclusion to his time in the organization.
In 2018, Noppert made the pivotal decision to switch to the highly competitive Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), earning his Tour Card by topping the European Order of Merit at Q-School. He adapted to the higher level of competition with remarkable speed. In his debut year, he won his first PDC title, a Players Championship event in Dublin, and reached his first major PDC semi-final at the Players Championship Finals. The following years saw him continue his ascent, becoming a consistent presence in the latter stages of major tournaments. A notable early achievement was reaching the final of the 2019 World Series of Darts Finals, where he was the runner-up to his compatriot, the legendary Michael van Gerwen.
The defining moment of Noppert’s career to date arrived in March 2022. Competing in the UK Open, often dubbed the “FA Cup of Darts” for its open draw format, Noppert produced a series of masterful performances. He navigated a field of 158 players to reach the final, where he faced Michael Smith in a tense and dramatic encounter. Noppert held his nerve in a final-leg decider, surviving a match dart from Smith to clinch the title with an 11-10 victory. This monumental win was his first televised PDC major title and came with a winner’s prize of £100,000, catapulting him into the top echelons of the PDC Order of Merit. Since this victory, “The Freeze” has continued to be a formidable opponent on the circuit, adding multiple Players Championship titles to his name and consistently reaching the semi-finals and finals of major televised events, proving he belongs among the darting elite.
Danny Noppert Personal Life & Family
Away from the high-pressure environment of the oche, Danny Noppert leads a grounded and family-oriented life. He is married to his long-term partner, Mandy Smits. The couple maintains a relatively private life in their hometown of Joure, where Noppert was born and raised. Family plays a crucial role in his life and serves as a significant source of motivation for his professional career. In February 2022, just a month before his career-defining UK Open victory, he and Mandy welcomed their first child, a son named Jent. To be present for the birth, Noppert withdrew from The Masters tournament, highlighting his commitment to his family. The couple’s family grew again in late November 2023 with the birth of their daughter. Noppert has spoken about the joy and boost of confidence that fatherhood has given him. It has been publicly mentioned that Noppert manages ADHD, a personal detail that has made his calm and focused stage presence even more admirable to fans and fellow players. He is known for his down-to-earth personality, preferring the quiet life in Friesland with his family over the widespread fame his success has brought.
Awards and Achievements of Danny Noppert
- PDC UK Open: Winner (2022)
- BDO Finder Darts Masters: Winner (2017)
- PDC World Series of Darts Finals: Runner-up (2019)
- BDO World Darts Championship: Runner-up (2017)
- PDC Players Championship Titles: Multiple wins (2018, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- PDC World Cup of Darts: Semi-Finalist (2022, 2025)
- PDC World Grand Prix: Semi-Finalist (2021, 2025)
- PDC Grand Slam of Darts: Semi-Finalist (2025)
- PDC European Championship: Semi-Finalist (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Scottish Open: Winner (2016)
- German Open: Winner (2016)
- Masters of Waregem: Winner (2016)
Danny Noppert Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Danny Noppert’s net worth is estimated to be between £1.5 and £2 million. This wealth has been primarily accumulated through prize money from his successful career in professional darts. His earnings saw a significant boost following his transition to the lucrative PDC circuit in 2018. The single biggest payday of his career was the £100,000 prize for winning the 2022 UK Open. His consistent performance in major tournaments and frequent wins on the PDC ProTour, including multiple Players Championship titles, contribute steadily to his income. Beyond tournament winnings, a significant portion of his income is derived from sponsorship and endorsement deals. He has a long-standing partnership with leading darts manufacturer Winmau, which produces his signature line of darts and merchandise. More recently, he secured a headline sponsorship deal with Northerner, a UK-based brand, which sees their logo featured prominently on his playing shirt during major televised events. These commercial partnerships provide a stable income stream in addition to his performance-based prize money.
Legacy and Influence
Danny Noppert’s legacy is that of a patient, persistent, and composed competitor who achieved top-tier success through dedication rather than meteoric hype. His nickname, “The Freeze,” perfectly encapsulates his public image: a player who remains unflappable in the most intense moments of a match. This calm demeanor, combined with a unique, deliberate throwing style, has made him a respected figure on the tour. He has shown that there is more than one path to the top of the sport, building his foundation in the BDO before making a seamless and successful transition to the PDC. His 2022 UK Open victory was a watershed moment, proving he could defeat the world’s best players and win one of the sport’s most challenging tournaments. Furthermore, by being open about managing ADHD, Noppert has provided inspiration and relatability for many fans, demonstrating that focus and success can be achieved regardless of personal challenges. He is seen as a grounded family man, representing a different kind of role model in the often-boisterous world of professional darts.
Interesting Facts about Danny Noppert
- His walk-on music is the uplifting track “High Hopes” by Panic! at the Disco.
- Noppert has an incredible record in Players Championship finals, having won the first five he ever competed in, a statistic that showcases his clutch performance under pressure.
- He is known for his unique throwing style, which often leaves his darts standing almost vertically in the board, a result of his preference for kite-shaped flights.
- Shortly after the birth of his first child in February 2022, he went on to win his first major PDC title, the UK Open, in March of the same year.
- He represents the Dutch province of Friesland, and is a proud ambassador for the region on the global darts stage.
- He did not start playing darts seriously until he was 18 years old, which is considered a late start for a future world-class professional.
Controversies
Danny Noppert has maintained a career largely free of major public controversies, befitting his calm and professional demeanor. However, the high-stakes environment of professional darts has occasionally led to moments of on-stage tension. In a 2021 World Grand Prix match, he accused his opponent, fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen, of gamesmanship by stamping on the stage during his throw, which led to a brief, tense exchange. A similar incident occurred in a match against Gerwyn Price where Noppert complained of distracting behavior. These isolated incidents are typical of the intense, competitive nature of the sport at the highest level and have not had a lasting impact on his reputation as a fair and respected player on the tour.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – @Dannynoppert – Follower count not disclosed
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Danny Noppert
Danny Noppert’s journey in the world of darts is a testament to perseverance and unwavering composure. Having successfully transitioned from being a top player in the BDO to a major champion in the PDC, he has proven his elite credentials. As a consistent fixture in the top tier of the world rankings, “The Freeze” remains a formidable threat in every tournament he enters. His focus now is on adding more major titles to his resume, with a particular ambition to improve his record at the PDC World Darts Championship. Balancing his demanding career with a growing family, Noppert continues to embody the quiet, determined professional. His calm approach, combined with his proven ability to win on the biggest stages, ensures that his legacy as one of the Netherlands’ finest darting exports is secure, with the potential for even greater chapters still to be written.
