The darts world received another setback today as Michael van Gerwen, one of the sport’s most dominant and charismatic figures, announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Players Championship double-header in Leicester. The Dutch star, a three-time world champion and record seven-time Premier League winner, remains sidelined by a persistent medical issue that has kept him off the oche since his last appearance.
Van Gerwen’s troubles began after his participation in the Premier League event in Antwerp earlier this month. Following that night, where he competed strongly, symptoms of his condition worsened, forcing him to miss subsequent tournaments. He was prescribed antibiotics to combat the illness, but unfortunately, the effects have lingered longer than anticipated. The symptoms have not fully subsided, leaving the 36-year-old world number four unable to return to competitive action just yet.
This latest decision means Van Gerwen will skip Players Championships 5 and 6, the floor events scheduled in Leicester. These Pro Tour tournaments are crucial for players building momentum, earning ranking points, and staying sharp ahead of major televised events. His absence continues a frustrating stretch that has already seen him pull out of high-profile competitions, including Night Three of the BetMGM Premier League in Glasgow and the inaugural SUPERBET Poland Darts Open, the first European Tour stop of the 2026 season.
The illness first forced Van Gerwen to step back from the Premier League action in Glasgow, where he had been in contention and performing at a high level in the early weeks of the campaign. Fans and fellow players alike expressed concern and support as the news broke, with many noting how unusual it is to see the typically resilient “Green Machine” sidelined for an extended period. A statement from the PDC at the time highlighted the severity, confirming his withdrawal due to the ongoing medical issue.
Compounding the disappointment, Van Gerwen’s recovery timeline has proven slower than hoped. Despite the antibiotics and rest, he has been unable to shake off the condition fully. This led to his decision to withdraw from the Poland event as well, where he was originally drawn in the field alongside top talents like world number one Luke Littler and defending world champion Luke Humphries. His spot—and that of another ill player—was filled by alternates to keep the draw intact.
For a player of Van Gerwen’s caliber, these absences carry significant implications. The Premier League standings, where he had started strongly with back-to-back finals appearances, have seen him lose ground without points from missed nights. On the Pro Tour, consistent participation is key to climbing the Order of Merit and securing spots in majors like the World Championship later in the year. Yet, health remains the priority, and Van Gerwen’s team has emphasized the need for complete recovery before he steps back onto the stage.
The darts community has rallied around the Dutchman, with messages of encouragement flooding in from fans and professionals. Known for his explosive scoring power, trademark celebrations, and fierce competitiveness, Van Gerwen has long been a cornerstone of the sport. His absence is felt not just in the results but in the energy he brings to every event.
As the Players Championship events in Leicester approach, the focus shifts to how the field will perform without one of its biggest draws. Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Van Gerwen’s progress. The hope is that with continued treatment and time, the former world number one will soon return to full strength, ready to challenge once more for titles and thrill crowds with his trademark flair. Until then, the sport waits for the return of one of its greatest entertainers and competitors.
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