MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has admitted he has endured the toughest year of his life.
The Dutch superstar is heading into the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship determined to prove he is still one of the sport’s elite.
It hasn’t been easy. Off the oche, Van Gerwen has faced personal turmoil, including the end of his marriage, and a shift in his family responsibilities.
He says the changes at home have been a major adjustment. “I used to have a wife who helped me with things but now when I have the kids, I have to look after them.
“So I have to adjust myself a little bit. My kids are always priority number one.”
On the oche, he has had moments of brilliance. Van Gerwen lifted the World Series Finals in 2025, defeating Luke Humphries, Josh Rock, and Luke Littler in style.
But the behind-the-scenes reality has been far tougher. The divorce even cost him a place at the World Cup of Darts.
Now, Van Gerwen is ready to start a new chapter, treating this World Championship as a fresh opportunity.
Ranked world No 3, he sits behind Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, a position that would have been unthinkable for him a few years ago.
Yet the three-time world champion isn’t fazed by the ranking. “Of course, it’s always nice to chase someone, it is easier than being hunted.
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“I had the pressure for the last 20 years. It doesn’t bother me. It has helped me play my best in the past, so I hope it does in the future.”
Pressure has always been Van Gerwen’s ally. When the spotlight is brightest, he thrives.
Seven years have passed since he last lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2019, and the drought has weighed on him.
He has reached three finals since then but fell to Peter Wright, Michael Smith, and Luke Littler.
He says: “Yes, of course. We have had a lot of things in between. We had coronavirus, other good dart players, and a couple of mistakes by myself.
“Things like that can happen, so you need to be sharp and not make mistakes. That’s how it is.”
Van Gerwen is not making excuses. He knows his capability, but leaves judgment to the fans and pundits. “I know what I’m capable of and when I’m sharp, I can play. I can still get to that level.
“You have to do the right thing at the right moment in the World Championships.”
Even with all the challenges, he admits he’s still hunting his top form. “Last year my form was worse than it is now and I still need to find it.”
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