The 2025 darts season is heating up, but for Michael van Gerwen, one of the sport’s greatest icons, the road ahead looks increasingly uncertain. The three-time PDC World Champion, renowned for his ferocious scoring and relentless pace, is at risk of missing key major tournaments, including the Players Championship Finals, as his physical and mental challenges mount. Former Tour Card holder and pundit Matthew Edgar delivered a stark assessment of the Dutchman’s current state, stating, “I don’t think he’s in the right place physically or mentally.” With a string of withdrawals, shock defeats, and personal struggles, Van Gerwen’s absence from the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters and potential exclusion from other prestigious events have sparked concern among fans and analysts alike.
Van Gerwen’s 2025 has been a far cry from his dominant years. Currently languishing at 121st in the Players Championship Finals Order of Merit with just £7,000 earned—£10,500 short of the qualification cut—the 35-year-old faces a steep climb to secure a spot in Minehead. His season has been marred by health issues, including a three-week absence from the PDC Tour due to illness and dental surgery, which forced him to miss events like the Swiss Darts Trophy. “I was away for three weeks with different problems,” Van Gerwen revealed after a rare victory at Players Championship 27, where he defeated Gerwyn Price 8-4. Despite this triumph, his form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a shocking first-round exit at the World Grand Prix, where he failed to win a single leg against Daryl Gurney. Edgar pointed out a recent loss to unheralded Mike Flynn, noting, “He’s had shock defeats… He’d need a deep run or consistent performances, and I don’t think he’s in the right place.”
The Dutchman’s challenges extend beyond the oche. Personal struggles, including his separation from his wife Daphne and ongoing throat issues, have taken a toll. Close friend and former PDC pro Vincent van der Voort observed, “I don’t see someone who wants to win at all costs,” suggesting a dip in the killer instinct that once defined Van Gerwen’s game. His absence from the Bahrain Darts Masters, attributed to family commitments, drew criticism from fans who felt rising star Mike De Decker deserved the spot over Peter Wright. “What more should Mike De Decker do to be considered as a pick?” one fan vented online, reflecting frustration with the PDC’s selections. Van Gerwen, however, remains defiant, insisting he’s far from finished. “If you look at my rankings this year, I’m still in the top four or five. Can you imagine when I play well again? I will be really dangerous!” he declared at last year’s World Championship.
His 2025 World Championship campaign offered a glimmer of hope. Seeded third, Van Gerwen powered through James Hurrell (3-0), Brendan Dolan (4-2), Jeffrey de Graaf (4-2), and Callan Rydz (5-3), averaging over 103 in the quarter-finals. His semi-final demolition of Chris Dobey (6-1) propelled him to his seventh world final, where he fell 7-3 to 17-year-old Luke Littler. “I’m only in the final; I’ve won f*ck all yet,” he quipped during a viral post-match interview, showcasing his fiery spirit. Yet, the loss to Littler, who broke Van Gerwen’s record as the youngest PDC World Champion, underscored the rise of a new generation. “I put up a very nice tournament and played fantastic. Sour that I didn’t reward myself, but I can take a lot of satisfaction from it now,” he reflected after a family vacation in Thailand.
Van Gerwen’s storied career—47 PDC majors, including a record seven Premier League titles and five World Series Finals—places him second only to Phil Taylor. His 90 Pro Tour wins and 165 professional singles titles highlight his legacy, but 2025 has tested his resilience. Withdrawals from events like the New Zealand Darts Masters, where he prioritized family, and a winless Premier League campaign have fueled speculation about his decline. Edgar warned, “If he does scrape in, the top seeds won’t like it,” noting the potential for a blockbuster first-round clash if Van Gerwen qualifies. As he prepares for the Dutch Darts Masters, facing Dirk van Duijvenbode, Van Gerwen remains focused. “I have played this game for a long time, but I love it. I am still able to keep myself motivated,” he said, determined to silence doubters and reclaim his place among darts’ elite.
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