Van Gerwen reveals sock habit as he takes aim at ‘disgusting’ darts rituals

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN says he pulls his socks up on the oche simply out of “habit” before revealing the darts rituals he cannot stand.

The world No7 is known for adjusting his stockings on the oche after a poor visit or when he finds himself trailing in a match.

Van Gerwen, 37, has certainly put his familiar routine to good use over the years, racking up 48 PDC major singles titles.

He said on stream: “It’s not a mental trick. It’s just a habit. Like [Rafael] Nadal pulling his boxers out of his arse.

“Everyone has their own thing.”

The Dutchman has spent more than two decades at the top of the game and has shared the stage with generations of players.

Mighty Mike lifted his first PDC Premier event crown in 2012 at the World Grand Prix and has seen plenty of unusual quirks along the way.

He added: Why do you think of some dart players always licking their fingers?

“Then they want to shake your hand. That’s why I always give them a fist pump.

“Like Gezzy Price always does then he wants to shake my hand the dirty boy.

“Andy Hamilton nearly ate his fingers. It was disgusting.

“He always had coins in his pocket. [Adrian] Lewis was always with his elephant feet.

“Then he is like me? Some people can use a bit of deodorant but I am not going to say names.”

MVG has endured a mixed 2026 campaign, picking up titles at the Bahrain Masters, Nordic Masters and Players Championship 15.

But the three-time world champion has failed to reach the quarter-finals of any of the opening four ranked majors.

He returns to action on Thursday when he begins his World Series Finals title defence against Daryl Gurney.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning