Mike De Decker Opens Up About Shocking Death Threats After World Cup Exit
Belgian darts professional Mike De Decker has bravely shared his experience of receiving death threats and distressing messages from fans following Belgium’s early exit from the World Cup of Darts in June. The 29-year-old made these revelations after successfully defending his World Grand Prix title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Peter Wright in Leicester on Tuesday evening.
In an emotional post-match press conference, the world No. 20 candidly expressed how this unsettling harassment has shifted his mindset about representing his country. "I’m not playing for my country anymore; I’m playing for myself," De Decker stated, highlighting the profound impact of the abuse he faced.
The backlash began after De Decker and his teammate, Dimitri Van den Bergh, suffered a disappointing defeat to the Filipino duo of Lourence Ilagan and Paolo Nebrida during a pivotal group match at the Frankfurt tournament. "After our loss in the World Cup, the hate and abuse I received made me realize that I’m playing for myself now," he explained to reporters.
The harassment included alarming messages wishing him harm, with De Decker revealing, "People were wishing for my death or hoping I would get an awful disease. It’s just ridiculous, and it’s not just me; every player experiences this." He noted that the abuse often comes from fans he encounters regularly. “When you lose, they will tear you apart. When you win, they’re all smiles, but after a loss, it’s a different story. That’s what has changed me,” he added.
Reflecting on his experiences, De Decker shared, “A few months ago, I posted screenshots of messages I received after losing a first-round match on the ProTour. It’s shocking to see how harsh the reactions can be.”
Despite the pressure of defending his title, De Decker managed to pull through against two-time world champion Wright, admitting to feeling anxious and arriving at the venue five hours early to prepare. "I felt the pressure of defending my title – that’s new for me, and honestly, I was really nervous," he confessed.
Although he currently holds the highest ranking for a Belgian player following Van den Bergh’s drop to 21st, De Decker remains indifferent about this achievement. Looking ahead, he is set to face a tough challenge against Luke Littler in Thursday’s last-16 match. After observing Littler’s impressive performance, he remarked, "I just hope he doesn’t play like that against me. When he’s at that level, it’s tough for anyone to beat him."
As De Decker navigates the competitive world of darts, he continues to focus on his personal journey, prioritizing his well-being over external pressures. With the challenges he faces both on and off the oche, he remains a resilient figure in the sport, determined to carve out his path.
