Michael van Gerwen has issued a blunt reality check to anyone who thinks life as a top darts professional is all glamour. During a new livestream alongside close friend Vincent van der Voort, the three-time world champion was asked what people don't know about his life. His answer was swift: "They all think they want to have my life. I give them a nice one. Just travel with me for one year."
The stream, which saw the pair attempt a training game of 121 while fielding viewer questions, quickly became a wide-ranging discussion. Van Gerwen admitted the multitasking was a challenge: "We're trying to play 121, read the chat and answer everything at the same time. It's quite difficult, guys." He later added: "But to concentrate and read everything is not that easy. But we'll give it a go." At one point, after having to restart the game, he joked: "We look like amateurs."
Talk turned to Van Gerwen's upcoming appearance at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, where he is defending his title. Asked if he would be present this weekend, he joked: "I hope so. It's in Amsterdam. No, I'm travelling there tomorrow." The Dutchman also opened up about his best friend on tour, with Van der Voort standing next to him. "He's not on tour anymore," Van Gerwen replied. Asked who his best friend on stage is, he opted for a different answer: "Probably the referee."
Van der Voort, who stepped away as a Tour Card holder at the start of 2025 and now has other roles in darts, made it clear a comeback is not on the cards. "No, no, absolutely not," he said. Van Gerwen understood the decision: "Vincent does so much other work now. It's like you have to choose again because you can't combine it." Van der Voort immediately added: "And I don't want to." Van Gerwen could already picture the scene if his friend returned to the Pro Tours: "Could you imagine sitting at the table at the Pro Tours with me again? My god. Taking the mickey out of all the other players. The rest won't like it. No, no, no. They hate it when we're at the table. No one has the balls to sit with us."
Several other players were discussed. When Cameron Menzies' name came up, Van Gerwen had warm words: "Well, I think Cameron is a fantastic guy. Very funny, but can be a lunatic sometimes. I've known him for a long time. We played youth together." Van der Voort agreed and shared anecdotes: "Cameron is a good lad. Absolutely. So funny. He had so many things. Standing at the wrong venue. Standing at the wrong stage." Van Gerwen added with a laugh: "Falling asleep in the toilet. In the portaloo."
Kim Huybrechts was also discussed. Van Gerwen remembered their first meeting: "Kim, yeah. Kim's fine. I've known Kim for a long time. The first time I played him, I was 13 years old. And I beat him. Primus Masters." He stopped short of calling Huybrechts a close friend: "Friends is a big word. But we know each other very well." An old youth match with Jerry Hendriks came up, which Van Gerwen lost 5-0. "Jerry Hendriks. Yes, 5-0. I lost to him in a youth final. Unbelievable." Van der Voort remembered Hendriks as a strong player: "Jerry Hendriks was a very good player."
A viewer asked about Dimitri Van den Bergh's current situation. Van Gerwen rejected the idea that the Belgian is finished: "I don't think so. He's a good player." On a possible future livestream guest, Van Gerwen said of Niels: "Yes, as long as he's not boring. We don't like boring people." He softened it: "Niels is alright." Knossi is also expected to join one of Van Gerwen's streams in due course. According to the Dutchman, contact has already been made: "Yes, of course. He rang me the day after as well. He's definitely coming on my stream, but we need to find a date."
Amid the jokes, there was real practice. Van Gerwen focused on the release: "The release. The release is so good. You let everything go." Van der Voort replied: "You're getting nothing. Absolutely nothing." Van Gerwen explained how quickly a throw can feel forced: "If you push your dart too hard, it's annoying. But it's always easy when things go your way." Van der Voort recognised the feeling: "That's the most easy time, eh? When it goes... When you're aiming for something, you hit it all the time."
Van der Voort's podcast also came up, with Van Gerwen making clear he wants to join before the end of the year. "I'll be on that podcast before the end of the year, right?" Van der Voort even had a possible slot in mind: "Hopefully the one right before the World Championship."
