Michael van Gerwen has turned his attention back to family matters after an eventful spell away from the oche, sharing a heartwarming moment with his six-year-old son Mike. The 37-year-old Dutch top darter, currently ranked world number four, posted footage on social media under the banner ‘Project Mighty Mike 2.0’, showing young Mike throwing darts for the very first time while wearing his father’s iconic bright green shirt.
In the video, Van Gerwen asks his son, “Is this your first time, mate?” to which Mike enthusiastically replies “yes” and adds that he thinks darts is “really fun.” The dartboard is set on a little chair because the official board is still too high, and a Formula 1 race plays in the background, creating a homely setting where elite sport and family life come together.
The moment comes after a recent incident on King’s Night, where Van Gerwen unexpectedly received a slap in the face. The perpetrator has since apologized, and calm has returned around the three-time world champion. Van Gerwen stressed he was not at fault, and the focus can now shift back to positive matters — primarily his family, which includes daughter Zoë, a familiar face at events, and son Mike, who is showing increasing interest in darts.
Whether Mike will follow in his father’s footsteps is far too early to say, but the project’s name carries a playful nod and reveals a sense of pride. For Van Gerwen, it seems to be all about fun and the experience, providing a welcome counterbalance after the past week’s events.
