VAN GERWEN STRUGGLING AFTER YEAR OF PERSONAL TURMOIL
22/10/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN is “really struggling with himself” after a turbulent year on and off the oche.
World No. 3 Van Gerwen is enduring the toughest spell of his life following his split from his long-term partner of 11 years and his father Henri’s ongoing battle with cancer.
Three-times world champ Van Gerwen even FAILED to qualify for the Players Championship Finals after falling short of the required prize money on the ProTour floor events this campaign.
Former pro and close friend Vincent van der Voort revealed life at home has taken a heavy emotional toll on MVG.
He said: “He’s really struggling with himself now.
“Now, for example, the dogs are gone—it’s quiet and empty at home. I understand that he wants to go out for dinner, to get away.
“That might make more sense than sitting on the couch on a Saturday night thinking too much. I understand it, but I’m worried about his career.”
Van der Voort believes Van Gerwen faces mounting pressure to rediscover his best form at the start of the new year.
He added: “It’s been a year of nothing. Especially on the Pro Tour. He played a lot, but didn’t perform.
“Next year is huge. He has to defend everything.
“I understand what’s happening at home for him. I’ve spoken to him—you can tell he puts on a brave face in public, but behind that there’s emptiness. It’s all hitting him.”
‘The Dutch Destroyer’ also suggested Van Gerwen’s off-stage appearances at events and festivals have been misunderstood.
He continued: “Because he’s doing all these other things, people think, ‘Oh, there he goes again, skipping darts for something else.’
“I believe he’s genuinely struggling, but it comes across oddly. You can go to festivals and everything, but then not play darts for two days?
“Maybe it’s mental. If that’s the case, he needs to step away completely. Once you show up at a tournament, you’re judged on performance.”
Van Gerwen has shown flashes of brilliance in 2025 after ending his two-year wait for a major title by beating Luke Littler 11-7 to win the World Series Finals last month.
But the 36-year-old failed to qualify for Premier League Finals Night for the first time since 2020 earlier this year.
‘Mighty Mike’ also suffered some early exits recently at the PDC Premier events after bowing out in the first round of the World Grand Prix and the second round of the World Matchplay.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
