Michael van Gerwen narrowly avoided a shock early exit at the European Championship in Dortmund — and then unleashed a brutal verbal attack on his opponent, calling him a “choker” who “often fails” when it really matters.
The four-time European Champion was forced to dig deep after falling 4–2 behind to fellow Dutchman Wessel Nijman in a tense first-round encounter. In a match filled with missed chances, van Gerwen eventually clawed his way back to a 6–5 victory — but only after Nijman squandered seven match darts in the deciding leg.
Van Gerwen, who has never been one to mince his words, didn’t hold back when asked about the match. “Not relieved, no,” he said. “I just made it very difficult for myself. I missed three darts to win 6–4, then made it exciting again. But I knew this could happen. When it really matters, Wessel often fails. He’s a bit of a choker, so I just kept faith.”
The game started at a furious pace, with both players exchanging big checkouts and rapid 15-dart legs. But as the pressure increased, the nerves began to show. Nijman seemed in control for much of the contest, only for his finishing to crumble when the winning line came into view. Van Gerwen admitted the match got “messy” in the final stages but was ultimately relieved to escape with the win.
For Nijman, the defeat will be a tough pill to swallow. The young Dutchman has shown flashes of brilliance this season, yet the inability to close out crucial matches remains a recurring theme. Missing seven darts to beat one of the sport’s most feared competitors is a nightmare scenario — one that will likely linger as he continues to build his career on the PDC circuit.
Van Gerwen’s comments, though harsh, reflect the ruthless mentality that has defined his career. The three-time world champion has built his reputation on dominance and mental strength, often thriving when others falter. Still, his blunt assessment sparked plenty of discussion among fans and fellow players, some applauding his honesty while others viewed the remarks as unnecessarily personal.
Despite recent ups and downs in form, van Gerwen remains a dangerous force. The victory over Nijman, while far from his best performance, could serve as a turning point — a reminder of his resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. He will now look to sharpen his scoring and finishing as the tournament progresses, knowing that tougher tests lie ahead.
The encounter also underlined darts’ brutal psychology. Matches can turn in an instant, with composure often proving as decisive as talent. Nijman’s collapse under pressure, contrasted with van Gerwen’s cold execution in the final moments, showed the thin line between triumph and heartbreak at the elite level.
As van Gerwen moves on in search of another European crown, his message was clear: the pressure is part of the game, and only those who thrive under it can survive. Nijman, meanwhile, leaves Dortmund with valuable experience — and a stinging reminder of just how unforgiving the sport can be.
The drama, the tension, and the brutally honest post-match reaction have set the tone for what promises to be a fiery European Championship — and once again, van Gerwen finds himself right at the center of it all.
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