“He didn’t even know who had won the World Series”: Michael van Gerwen not been keeping an eye on darts after summer full of festivals

Michael van Gerwen, the three-time PDC World Darts Champion, made headlines not for his darting prowess but for his surprising disconnect from the sport during his return at the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp. After a summer filled with festivals and holidays, the Dutch maestro admitted to being out of touch with recent darts events, a revelation that amused fellow player Vincent van der Voort. “He didn’t even know who had won the World Series,” Van der Voort chuckled during a discussion on the *Darts Draait Door* podcast, highlighting van Gerwen’s laid-back approach during his break. This candid admission underscores the challenges even top players face when transitioning back to competitive mode after an extended hiatus, setting the stage for a compelling narrative at the European Tour event.

Van Gerwen, known for his electrifying presence on the oche, returned to the Pro Tour at Players Championship 24 in Barnsley, marking his first competitive outing since his summer escapades. His performance, however, showed signs of rust. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a stunning 108 average against Scott Williams, his doubles let him down, a recurring issue that plagued him at the World Matchplay earlier this year. “That was the story at the World Matchplay as well. His doubles just need to be sharper,” Van der Voort noted, pointing to the technical adjustments van Gerwen must make to reclaim his dominance. Reaching the last 16 was a respectable start for the Dutchman, but for a player of his caliber, anything short of a title feels like a letdown. “For a first tournament after his holiday, it was fine,” Van der Voort added optimistically, suggesting that van Gerwen’s return is a work in progress.

The Flanders Darts Trophy, held at the Antwerp Xpo, presented a fresh challenge for van Gerwen, who faced a tough second-round matchup against either rising star Gian van Veen or Adam Gawlas. Van Veen, a fellow Dutchman, has been making waves, and a potential clash with van Gerwen promised to electrify the passionate Antwerp crowd. The tournament, the tenth stop on the 2025 European Tour, also saw other top names like Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting vying for the £30,000 top prize, adding to the competitive intensity. Van Gerwen’s return comes at a critical juncture, with the Players Championship Finals and World Championship looming. His current 121st place in the Players Championship Finals Order of Merit, with just £7,000 earned, puts him at risk of missing the event, a stark contrast to his storied career that includes six World Grand Prix titles and three World Matchplay crowns.

Van Gerwen’s summer break, while refreshing, has raised questions about his focus. The 35-year-old, who has faced personal challenges including a recent separation from his wife Daphne, has been candid about his need to balance life and darts. “I know I’ve had some tough periods, but I also like to play darts,” he told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to the sport despite recent struggles. His resilience was evident earlier this year when he reached the 2025 World Darts Championship final, only to lose 7-3 to Luke Littler. That defeat, coupled with his tenth-place finish in the World Series of Darts standings, has left him vulnerable to tough draws in upcoming events like the World Series Finals in Amsterdam. “As it stands, you could get Van Gerwen against Littler in the first round. And that’s his own fault,” Van der Voort said, pointing to van Gerwen’s decision to skip some World Series events.

Despite these challenges, van Gerwen’s competitive spirit remains unbroken. His history of comebacks, like his 2015 season where he won 18 tournaments and over £900,000, showcases his ability to bounce back. “It showed I am so strong at the crucial moment,” he once said after a dramatic 129 finish, a testament to his mental fortitude. At the Flanders Darts Trophy, van Gerwen’s focus will be on sharpening his doubles and rediscovering the rhythm that made him a global darts icon. The vibrant Belgian crowd, known for its fervent support, could provide the spark he needs to reignite his season.

As the darts world watches, van Gerwen’s journey back to the top promises to be a thrilling storyline. Will the festival-loving Dutchman shake off the rust and silence his doubters, or will the new generation, led by players like van Veen and Littler, continue to challenge his reign? For now, van Gerwen’s return is a reminder that even legends must recalibrate to stay at the pinnacle of their game.

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