The world of professional darts is no stranger to high stakes and heated rivalries, but a revelation from world No. 1 Luke Humphries about three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen has sent shockwaves through the sport. In a candid moment, Humphries disclosed that Van Gerwen, known for his larger-than-life persona, was once “punched multiple times” by fellow Dutch darts star Vincent van der Voort, shedding light on a fiery backstage dynamic that underscores the intensity of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tour.
Humphries, speaking openly about the personalities that dominate darts, didn’t hesitate when asked who boasts the biggest ego in the sport. “Well, that’s easy; Michael van Gerwen,” he declared with a wry smile. The 30-year-old world champion, nicknamed ‘Cool Hand’ for his calm demeanor, painted a picture of Van Gerwen as a magnetic yet polarizing figure whose confidence—bordering on arrogance—has fueled both his success and occasional conflicts. “He wears it really, really well. It kind of suits him in a weird way. I think it’s a Dutch thing as well,” Humphries added, suggesting that Van Gerwen’s bravado is intrinsic to his character and cultural roots.
The altercations between Van Gerwen and Van der Voort, a respected PDC veteran with four titles and a UK Open final appearance, occurred on two separate occasions, according to Humphries. The first incident took place early in Van Gerwen’s career, when the brash young prodigy was still carving out his place among darts’ elite. The second, more notable clash happened roughly eight years ago, when Van Gerwen’s ego, inflated by years of dominance, reportedly got the better of him. “I think there was a story Vincent told me once, that he’s actually punched Michael a couple of times in the face,” Humphries recounted. “Not like absolutely batter him, but I think Michael was getting a bit—his ego was getting a bit high—and Vincent just whacked him because he showed Vincent disrespect.”
Van der Voort, known for his erratic yet effective throwing style and straight-talking personality, is a close friend of Van Gerwen, having served as best man at his wedding. Their bond, forged through years of traveling the PDC circuit together, makes these incidents all the more surprising. Humphries emphasized Van der Voort’s role as a grounding influence, noting, “Vincent is one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet, honestly. He’s so straight-talking and so funny. He’s really good for Michael.” The punches, it seems, were less about malice and more about reining in Van Gerwen’s swagger when it veered into disrespect.
Van Gerwen, now 35, remains a towering figure in darts, with 157 PDC titles, including three world championships, and a record seven Premier League crowns. His 2024 season, however, was lackluster by his lofty standards, with no major titles despite reaching the World Matchplay final and the World Darts Championship showpiece, where he fell to teenage sensation Luke Littler. Off the oche, Van Gerwen’s charisma and outspoken nature—evident in his F-bomb-laden frustration about his losing streak against Humphries last year—keep him in the spotlight. “It’s not great, it’s f****** shocking,” he admitted before a 2024 World Series Finals clash, vowing to turn the tide.
Despite the backstage drama, Humphries maintains a strong relationship with both Dutch stars. “Michael, I’m good friends with him as well, he’s a really nice guy,” he said, highlighting the camaraderie that coexists with competition in darts. The sport’s tight-knit community, where players frequently travel and practice together, fosters both friendships and friction, as seen in Van Gerwen’s reported altercation with Rowby-John Rodriguez, where he allegedly flung the Austrian over a table during a practice session.
For Van der Voort, now 49, these stories add to his legend as a no-nonsense figure who commands respect. His influence on Van Gerwen extends beyond physical confrontations, offering advice and perspective to the younger star as he navigates personal challenges, including a recent divorce. As darts continues to captivate global audiences, tales like these—where egos clash and friendships endure—reveal the raw, human side of a sport defined by precision and passion. Van Gerwen’s unyielding confidence may spark occasional bust-ups, but it’s also what makes him a perennial contender, ready to reclaim his throne in 2025.
Leave a Reply