In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, the PDC World Darts Championship delivered yet another dramatic twist on December 23, 2025, as two-time champion Peter Wright suffered a humiliating early exit. The colorful Scotsman, known for his extravagant mohawks and festive outfits—this time donning a Santa-themed ensemble—was dismantled 3-1 by German debutant Arno Merk in the second round. Wright managed a dismal average of just 79.20, winning only a handful of legs in a performance that left fans and pundits stunned.
The defeat not only ended Wright’s hopes of adding a third world title but also denied the darts world a highly anticipated third-round clash with his long-time rival, Michael van Gerwen—a rematch of their gripping 2020 final. Van Gerwen, fresh off his own convincing 3-1 victory over Ireland’s William O’Connor in the evening session, didn’t hold back when asked about Wright’s struggles during his post-match interview.
“I’m not really surprised by his performance because he’s been playing crap lately,” Van Gerwen said bluntly. “I think it’s time for him to retire anyway.”
The Dutchman’s words carried the sting of their ongoing feud, which had simmered in the lead-up to the tournament. Just weeks earlier, Wright had taken a swipe at Van Gerwen, suggesting the three-time world champion’s eyesight was deteriorating with age—a claim the 36-year-old had previously dismissed with sharp wit, insisting there was “nothing wrong with my eyes” based on his recent form.
Van Gerwen’s performance against O’Connor was a statement in itself. Averaging over 100 and converting 63% of his doubles, he looked sharp and composed, rattling off impressive checkouts like 121 and 127 in consecutive legs. “I think I played well, and also the way I got into this game, I was sharp, I was ready today,” he reflected. “That’s what you want to show to yourself, and also to everyone else, that you’re capable of doing more.”
This resurgence comes at a crucial time for Van Gerwen, who has endured a turbulent year both on and off the oche. He’s openly discussed shedding weight, removing his braces, tweaking his equipment, and navigating personal challenges, including a separation from his wife. Yet, these changes seem to be paying dividends. “I’m feeling good,” he admitted. “Of course, when you feel more comfortable, that goes through into your darts as well. But it’s been a long run. Everyone knows I’ve had a really tough year, on and off the oche.”
Despite the difficulties, Van Gerwen remains a formidable contender for a fourth world crown, especially with defending champion Luke Littler and world No. 1 Luke Humphries looming as the favorites. His display against O’Connor served as a reminder of the “Mighty Mike” who dominated the sport for years, holding the record for the longest reign as world No. 1.
Not everyone agrees with Van Gerwen’s harsh assessment of Wright. Fellow two-time world champion Gary Anderson urged caution, defending his compatriot: “We can’t play well all the time. People think we’re robots and you’ve just got to play well all the time or a bad couple of games it’s ‘he’s finished, he’s retiring.’ Just give folk a break, you know. We’ve seen Michael van Gerwen do that for probably the last decade. He has a blimp and it’s ‘that’s it, he’s finished’.”
Pundits echoed similar sentiments, warning against knee-jerk reactions. Wright, at 55, has always insisted he loves the game and has no immediate plans to step away, but his recent form—coupled with this abject display—has fueled speculation about his future.
Darts is a merciless sport, where peaks and troughs define careers. Wright’s triumphs in 2020 and 2022 feel distant now, overshadowed by inconsistency and this latest setback. Van Gerwen, ever the straight-talker, has never shied from controversy, and his comments add fuel to one of the PDC’s most entertaining rivalries.
As the tournament pauses for the Christmas break before resuming, Van Gerwen advances with momentum, praising Merk’s clinical performance while eyeing deeper runs. “If I play what I delivered today, I know I can do some really good damage not only here, but also for the rest of the year,” he declared confidently.
The World Championship continues to captivate, blending skill, drama, and unfiltered personalities. Whether Wright heeds the call to retire or fights back remains to be seen, but Van Gerwen’s brutal honesty has ensured the conversation will rage on long after the arrows stop flying at Ally Pally this festive season.
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