Michael van Gerwen is determined to leave what he calls his “worst year ever” behind by starting 2026 with a fourth World Darts Championship crown.
His 2025 high point was winning the World Series Finals, beating Luke Littler in the final after victories over Josh Rock in the semis and Luke Humphries in the quarters. But off the oche it has been a difficult year following the end of his marriage, and the personal fallout has taken its toll, including him missing the World Cup of Darts.
“It has been a tough year, probably my worst year ever,” Van Gerwen admitted. “But still, last year I think my form was worse than it is now and I still need to find it. Things were happening in the past, you can’t change it anymore. The only thing you can change is the future. 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.”
A long-established champion, Van Gerwen is used to being the man others chase, but in recent seasons Luke Humphries and Luke Littler have been dominant, leaving MVG third in the world. He says he thrives under pressure and does not mind being the hunted.
“Of course, it’s always nice to chase someone, it is easier than being hunted,” he said. “I don’t mind being talked about whereas they (other players) don’t like the pressure. I had the pressure for the last 20 years. It doesn’t bother me. It has (helped me played my best) in the past, so I hope it does in the future.”
Van Gerwen admits it has been too long since his last world title in 2019 — he has reached three finals since, losing to Peter Wright, Michael Smith and Luke Littler — but remains confident he can return to top form when it matters most. “I know what I’m capable of and when I’m sharp and when I can do good things, I can play. I can still get to that level,” he said.