In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the darts community, Michael van Gerwen, the three-time PDC World Champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 Dutch Darts Championship, a decision announced just days after his elimination from the Premier League Darts play-offs. The Dutchman, a towering figure in the sport with a record seven Premier League titles, revealed that his withdrawal is tied to a deeply personal matter: the end of his 11-year marriage to his wife, Daphne. The announcement, made via a heartfelt statement, marks a significant moment in Van Gerwen’s storied career, as he steps away from competition to navigate this challenging period.
Van Gerwen’s exit from the Premier League came after a 6-2 defeat to Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals on Night 16 in Sheffield, a loss that ended his hopes of reaching the play-offs at London’s O2 Arena. It was only the second time in 13 years that the 36-year-old, known as “The Green Machine” for his iconic green shirt and relentless style, failed to qualify for the Premier League finals. The campaign was marked by struggles, with Van Gerwen failing to secure a single nightly win, a stark contrast to his dominant performances in previous years. Reflecting on his form, he admitted to De Telegraaf, “I know I need to go full throttle, but it’s going to be really, really tough. I’m well aware of that.” He also expressed frustration with the season, noting, “It’s all dragging on a bit too long at the moment. In the Premier League, there’s no time to make quick adjustments. That makes it tough — everything becomes a battle.”
The Dutch Darts Championship, set to take place in Rosmalen, was to be a homecoming for Van Gerwen, who was scheduled to face Mickey Mansell in the first round. However, his withdrawal granted Mansell a bye into the second round. In a poignant statement, Van Gerwen shared the reason behind his decision: “It is with great sadness that I announce that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments. I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. We are facing a difficult time and ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.” The couple, who began dating in 2008 and married in 2014—the same year Van Gerwen claimed his first world title—have two young children, a daughter born in 2017 and a son born in 2020. Daphne, a former hairdresser, has been a familiar face at Van Gerwen’s matches, often cheering him on from the stands.
The announcement comes amid a challenging year for Van Gerwen, both on and off the oche. His Premier League campaign was marred by a shoulder injury that forced him to withdraw from a Berlin event in April, and a bizarre neck injury sustained while putting on a shirt further disrupted his season. Close friend and former PDC player Vincent van der Voort raised concerns about Van Gerwen’s demeanor, telling the Darts Draait Door podcast, “When I see how things are going, the belief just isn’t there. His presence is lacking, there’s no aggression or passion in his game.” Nathan Aspinall, who defeated Van Gerwen in Sheffield, echoed this sentiment, noting, “He didn’t look himself again tonight. Even on that stage, he was giving up.”
Despite these setbacks, Van Gerwen remains a formidable force, holding third place in the PDC Order of Merit behind Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. His 2025 season included a run to the World Darts Championship final, where he was defeated 7-3 by Littler, and a victory at the German Darts Grand Prix, where he overcame Gian van Veen 8-5. Van Gerwen’s decision to step back from tournaments like the Dutch Darts Championship and potentially others in the European Tour suggests an indefinite hiatus, leaving fans wondering when “Mighty Mike” will return to the oche.
Van Gerwen’s legacy as one of darts’ greatest players remains intact, with 47 PDC majors, including three World Championships and a record five PDC Masters titles. His fiery celebrations, including headbutts and double fist-pumps, have made him a polarizing yet beloved figure. As he takes time to focus on his personal life, the darts world awaits the return of a champion whose passion and talent have defined the sport for over a decade. For now, Van Gerwen’s focus is on healing, both personally and professionally, as he navigates this difficult chapter.
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