Michael van Gerwen has hit back at suggestions that his recent physical transformation has impacted his darts game, insisting he neither sees nor feels any difference in his throw. The three-time world champion, speaking in a candid interview with equipment partner Winmau, took stock after the first quarter of 2026, calling his season a solid start while stressing there is still plenty to improve.
Van Gerwen opened the year with a World Series win in the Middle East at the Bahrain Darts Masters and showed in Saudi Arabia that he still belongs to the absolute elite. However, he was critical of his performances in Premier League Darts, particularly on Night Ten when he squandered a 5–2 lead against Jonny Clayton in the final. “I was 5–2 up and should never have lost that game,” he said. “But things like that happen in darts, especially in a short format like best of 11. You need to stay on top of your game, otherwise you give people a chance—and that’s what I did.” Despite that, his position heading into the play-offs in London is excellent, with one night win and multiple finals to his name.
Van Gerwen looks visibly more relaxed on stage and pointed to enjoyment as the key factor. “Enjoying it is the most important thing—that’s the foundation. When you enjoy yourself, the results will come afterwards.” He sees stability in his game, noting that his “B-game is already at a very good level” and that he can only improve from here. “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” he added. “People talk about rankings, but the biggest gaps are made in the second half of the year with the televised tournaments. There’s still a lot of darts to be played.” Van Gerwen sits fourth in the Premier League on 18 points after twelve nights.
The basis for that stability was laid after a difficult 2025, in which Van Gerwen faced challenges in his private life. “Last year was really tough, also for personal reasons—everyone knows that. But you have to put your shoulders under it and keep pushing.” He has carried that mentality into 2026, where he is clearly on the way back up. “I’ve started okay this year, but there’s still room for improvement. As long as you feel you can compete with the best, you keep going.”
One of the most striking changes is his physical condition—he looks fitter and leaner than he has in years. “It’s just lifestyle,” he said. “Not eating bad meals after darts, cooking healthier at home, going to the gym, playing padel.” Those changes have helped his mindset as well. “When you’re at home, it clears your mind a bit. I’m always busy with darts and my kids, so having other hobbies helps.” Interestingly, the weight loss has had no impact on his throw. “No, not at all. People might think it has, but I don’t see it and I don’t feel it, so it doesn’t affect me.”
Van Gerwen also voiced concern about the next generation of Dutch darts. “At the top level, Dutch darts is in a good place. But if you look at the younger level, I don’t think it is. The best youth players in the world aren’t coming from Holland at the moment.” At 36—soon 37—he belongs to the experienced guard, but retirement is a long way off. “As long as I stay motivated and enjoy it, I’ll keep playing. The day I feel I can’t compete at the highest level anymore, then I’ll think about the future. But right now, I love it—that’s the key.”
