At 36, Michael van Gerwen, the Dutch darts titan, continues to dominate the oche with his trademark intensity and precision, but his heart lies elsewhere—firmly with his family. The three-time PDC World Champion, known for his relentless drive and larger-than-life persona, recently opened up about the delicate balance between his professional ambitions and his role as a devoted father and husband. As he navigates the 2025 darts season, van Gerwen’s candid reflections reveal a man whose priorities have evolved, with his children, Zoë and Mike, and wife, Daphne, taking center stage over the sport that made him a global icon.
Van Gerwen’s rise to darts stardom began as a teenage prodigy, claiming his first world title in 2014 at just 24. Since then, he has amassed 156 PDC titles, including three World Championships, six Premier League crowns, and seven World Grand Prix victories. His 2025 season has been a mix of brilliance and challenges, with standout wins at the World Matchplay and a strong run at the World Grand Prix, where he continues to chase an eighth title. Yet, a shock early exit at the 2025 World Championship to Scott Williams underscored the unpredictability of the sport and the toll of its demanding schedule. “You can’t win them all,” van Gerwen remarked, reflecting on the loss. “But it’s about how you come back.”
Off the oche, van Gerwen’s life revolves around his family. His daughter Zoë, born in 2017, and son Mike, born in 2020, have reshaped his perspective. “My kids are number one, then everything else,” he declared, emphasizing that fatherhood has given him a new lens through which to view his career. The demands of darts—a grueling calendar of tournaments across Europe and beyond—often pull him away from home, but van Gerwen is resolute about staying connected. “When I’m home, I’m all in for them,” he said. “Whether it’s school runs or playing in the garden, that’s my real joy.” His wife, Daphne, whom he married in 2014, remains his anchor, managing the family’s day-to-day life while he competes. “Daphne’s the real champion,” he quipped.
Balancing family and darts is no small feat. The PDC circuit requires constant travel, late-night matches, and intense mental focus, leaving little room for personal time. Van Gerwen admitted the strain can be tough. “Sometimes you’re knackered, and all you want is to be on the couch with your kids, but you’ve got a plane to catch,” he said. To cope, he prioritizes quality time when home, often turning off his phone to focus on Zoë and Mike. “They don’t care if I’ve won or lost—they just want their dad,” he noted.
Van Gerwen’s peers have noticed the change. Fellow Dutch star Raymond van Barneveld praised his ability to juggle roles. “Michael’s still a beast on the board, but you can see his family keeps him grounded,” van Barneveld said. This balance has fueled van Gerwen’s longevity in a sport where burnout is common. At 36, he remains a top contender, ranked No. 2 in the world, with his sights set on reclaiming the World Championship in 2026.
The 2025 season has tested van Gerwen’s resilience. After his World Championship setback, he bounced back with a commanding performance at the Masters, defeating Luke Littler in a thrilling semi-final. “I’ve still got it,” he said, dismissing suggestions that younger players are overtaking him. His consistency—reaching at least the quarter-finals in 12 of 15 major tournaments this year—proves he remains a force. Yet, he is candid about the physical and mental toll. “You’ve got to keep evolving,” he said. “The game’s faster now, the kids are sharper, but experience counts for a lot.”
Looking ahead, van Gerwen is focused on the Premier League and the World Grand Prix, while planning family holidays to create memories with Zoë and Mike. “I want them to know their dad’s there, not just on TV throwing darts,” he said. His ability to compartmentalize—channeling his competitive fire at tournaments while embracing his softer side at home—has kept him at the pinnacle of darts for over a decade.
Van Gerwen’s journey is a testament to his adaptability. The boy from Boxtel who once dreamed of darts glory has become a man who measures success not just in titles but in the smiles of his children. “Winning’s great, but nothing beats hearing your kids laugh,” he said. As he battles the sport’s rising stars, van Gerwen’s story is one of heart, hustle, and a deep commitment to those who matter most.
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