Barneveld became the first top seed to win the Embassy world title since his future rival Phil Taylor in 1992, and the second champion from outside the United Kingdom after John Part in 1994.
In a historic achievement, Barneveld became the first top-seeded player to claim the Embassy World Championship since Phil Taylor's victory in 1992.  He also marked the second time a non-UK champion had won the title after John Part in 1994.