Michael van Gerwen, the three-time darts world champion, has long been a towering figure in the sport, known for his relentless precision and commanding presence at the oche. Yet, the past two years have tested the Dutchman’s resilience both on and off the stage. In a stirring display of grit, Van Gerwen claimed a monumental victory at the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, defeating teenage sensation Luke Littler 11-7 to pocket £80,000 and end a two-year drought without a televised title. This triumph, celebrated in front of an adoring home crowd, marked a turning point for the 36-year-old, who has navigated a turbulent period marked by a painful jaw surgery and a heart-wrenching split from his wife, Daphne Govers.
The Amsterdam victory was more than a professional milestone; it was a beacon of hope for Van Gerwen, who candidly spoke of the “mess” he has been grappling with away from the darts board. “Major title, home crowd, special feeling,” he posted on social media, capturing the emotional weight of the moment as he stood alongside his daughter Zoë, basking in the roar of the Amsterdam faithful. The win, hisව
System: Gerwen’s journey to this moment has been far from smooth. In May 2025, he announced the end of his 11-year marriage to Daphne, a former hairdresser and steadfast supporter who had been by his side since they began dating in 2008. The couple, who share two children, Zoë and Mike, faced a “difficult time,” as Van Gerwen described in a heartfelt social media post. “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship,” he wrote, explaining his withdrawal from tournaments like the Dutch Darts Championship to focus on his family. The emotional toll was evident, with rival Nathan Aspinall noting after a match, “I don’t know what is going on, but he didn’t look himself again.” Van Gerwen took a brief hiatus from the sport, seeking “space in his head” to process the separation. By June, he signaled a return to form, stating, “Everything is kind of under control now,” as he prepared for the US Darts Masters in New York.
Compounding his personal challenges, Van Gerwen has endured significant physical hurdles. Since 2023, he has undergone multiple jaw surgeries to correct a severe underbite that caused chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and sleep issues. “Even a slice of ham, I cannot even bite properly,” he revealed, describing how his undersized upper jaw led to headaches and fatigue. The procedures, which involved breaking and resetting both his upper and lower jaws, were grueling. “They are going to take my upper jaw six millimeters forward and my lower jaw back three millimeters,” he explained before his 2024 surgery, which sidelined him for a month post-World Matchplay. Despite wearing braces and facing further surgeries, Van Gerwen’s determination to return to peak performance never wavered.
His recent victory over Littler, the world’s No. 1 player, showcased the return of “Mighty Mike” at his best. The match followed a commanding 11-6 semifinal win over Josh Rock, signaling a resurgence for the No. 3-ranked player. “Michael van Gerwen is terug!” proclaimed Dutch media, celebrating his renewed confidence. Critics had questioned his focus after he was spotted enjoying a Martin Garrix concert in Ibiza, but Van Gerwen dismissed the notion, emphasizing his commitment to the sport. His storied career, boasting seven Premier League titles and a net worth bolstered by lucrative endorsements, underscores his status as one of darts’ all-time greats, second only to Phil Taylor in many eyes.
Van Gerwen’s path has not been without professional setbacks. He missed the Premier League Darts playoffs in 2025, a rare stumble in his illustrious career, and withdrew from the Players Championship 27 after a first-round loss, potentially forgoing a shot at a £120,000 prize. Yet, his performance at the 2025 World Championship, where he reached the final against Littler, and his recent Amsterdam triumph prove his competitive fire burns bright. With his jaw issues largely resolved and personal life stabilizing, Van Gerwen is poised to reclaim his dominance. “The tank is not empty!” he declared, hinting at the start of a new chapter in his remarkable journey.
Leave a Reply