Wesley Plaisier steps into the spotlight at the 2026 Darts World Cup. Alongside his joy over many positive reactions, he finds clear words on how to deal with hate messages.
With his victory against Gerwyn Price, Wesley Plaisier achieved one of the biggest sensations of the tournament so far at the 2026 Darts World Cup. After the surprising triumph in the second round, the Dutchman was literally inundated with messages – both positive and negative, as he has now revealed.
“My phone literally exploded after the game. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Plaisier explained.
Among the numerous congratulations was also a particularly unexpected message for the declared fan of Feyenoord Rotterdam: Joey Veerman, a professional footballer for Feyenoord rival PSV Eindhoven, contacted Plaisier.
“We hardly ever talk, but he congratulated me on Instagram. It was really nice that he sent me a message,” Plaisier reported.
Darts World Cup: Plaisier reacts to hate comments
However, with the increased attention due to his success over Price, number nine in the Order of Merit, it wasn’t just the amount of positive reactions that grew: critical and partly insulting comments also circulated online.
However, the 35-year-old is not impressed by this. “Haters make you stronger,” Plaisier confidently stated.
Some comments targeted his appearance, but the Dutchman remains calm: “I try to shield myself from it. I don’t react to it anyway. I rarely read it, but it doesn’t interest me at all. I see it as envy from other people. Most are probably sitting at home receiving social welfare.”
A Foregone Conclusion? “I Don’t See It That Way”
“It’s going to be the best Christmas I’ve ever had. I’m going to enjoy it very much,” Plaisier had announced beforehand.
Well-rested, the victory against Ratajski is now to follow. However, Plaisier does not automatically see himself as the favorite after his recent success: “I think it will be 50/50. Everyone says: You beat Price, so it’s a foregone conclusion. But I don’t see it that way. I have to be fully focused and sharp again.”