Raymond van Barneveld opens up on mental battle: ‘World Championship loss feels like a loved one dying’

Raymond van Barneveld has admitted his losses at the World Championship feel like a personal bereavement, with the five-time world champion describing the pain as akin to losing a loved one.

What happened?

On the ShowBird podcast, the 59-year-old Dutch legend explained how recent setbacks have left deep scars not just on his results but on his self-belief. He described how negative thoughts now dominate his mindset after a string of inconsistent performances cost him ground in the world rankings. Van Barneveld sees his own mindset as his toughest opponent.

Why it matters for Raymond van Barneveld

Van Barneveld’s mental health has become a defining issue of his later career. He revealed how early exits trigger waves of self-doubt that drag him back to childhood insecurities. “I grew up fairly sheltered,” he said. “I was easily impressed by everything.” His admission comes after a period where public comments about his struggles drew widespread attention, including a 2019 interview where he said life had lost its meaning following his World Championship exit and divorce.

The weight of expectations

The Dutchman admitted losses still hit brutally hard. “If I lose at a World Championship, it just feels like a loved one has died,” he said. “I feel that pain throughout my whole body.” He struggled to pinpoint where the feeling comes from but stressed it’s visceral and overwhelming. Host Wilfred Genee pushed back, noting Van Barneveld often focuses on negatives and suggested his talent remains intact.

Fresh ambition at 59

Despite the mental toll, Van Barneveld hasn’t given up. Just shy of his 60th birthday, he’s aiming to prove he can still compete at the top level. He recently switched to a new management team to reignite his career. Genee challenged him directly: “You can also look at what is still there. That’s where it all starts.” Van Barneveld acknowledged the loneliness of life on the circuit after early exits, quoting a former coach: “Winners have a plan and losers have an excuse.” He admitted he’s been slipping into that loser’s mindset lately.