The darts world was rocked by the sudden withdrawal of three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen from the 2025 Nordic Darts Masters, set to take place in Copenhagen on June 6 and 7. The Dutch superstar, known as ‘Mighty Mike,’ announced he would not compete in the World Series event, citing personal reasons that have forced him to step back from the oche. In his place, Premier League star Chris Dobey, nicknamed ‘Hollywood,’ has been called up to fill the void, joining an elite field of PDC players ready to battle Nordic and Baltic representatives in Denmark’s capital. Van Gerwen’s absence, while a blow to fans, has opened the door for Dobey to shine on a global stage, adding a fresh twist to an already highly anticipated tournament.
Van Gerwen’s decision to pull out of the Nordic Darts Masters comes on the heels of a challenging period for the 35-year-old. The former world number one, who has amassed a record seven Premier League titles and 47 PDC majors, revealed in late May that he and his wife, Daphne, had decided to end their marriage. “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship,” Van Gerwen shared on social media, explaining his need to focus on personal matters. “As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments. I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision.” This personal turmoil has led to a string of withdrawals, including the Dutch Darts Championship in Rosmalen and the European Darts Open in Leverkusen, signaling a rare hiatus for a player known for his relentless competitive spirit.
The Nordic Darts Masters, now in its fifth edition, is a unique event that pits eight PDC stars against eight regional players from Scandinavia and the Baltic states. Van Gerwen’s absence is particularly notable given his history with the tournament—he claimed the inaugural title in 2021 by defeating Fallon Sherrock in a memorable final. His explosive style and record-setting performances, including a televised 123.4 average in a 2016 Premier League match, have made him a fan favorite in Copenhagen. However, his withdrawal has shifted the spotlight to Chris Dobey, who joins a formidable PDC lineup featuring Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, and Jonny Clayton.
Dobey, a rising star who has made waves in the 2025 Premier League, steps into the tournament with confidence. His recent performances, including a 6-2 upset over Littler in Berlin, have showcased his ability to compete with the sport’s elite. “It was nice to get another win on the ProTour this week, and this gives me a good confidence boost,” Dobey said, reflecting on his form heading into Copenhagen. The Geordie thrower will face a Nordic or Baltic opponent in the first round on Friday, June 6, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final set for Saturday, June 7. The draw, which pairs PDC players with regional talents like Madars Razma, Jeffrey de Graaf, and Marko Kantele, promises intense competition and a chance for Dobey to make a statement.
Van Gerwen’s absence adds intrigue to a tournament already brimming with storylines. Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation and current Premier League champion, arrives as the favorite after dominating the 2025 season with six nightly wins and a record 45 points. “I’m playing too well for players not to be thinking about playing me,” Littler said, exuding confidence as he aims for his first Nordic Darts Masters title. Meanwhile, Luke Humphries, the world number one, is eager to build on his recent Premier League nightly win in Leeds, where he overcame a tricky breeze to defeat Littler. The World Cup of Darts, starting June 12 in Frankfurt, looms large, with Littler and Humphries set to represent England, adding extra motivation to perform in Copenhagen.
For fans in Scandinavia, the Nordic Darts Masters is a rare opportunity to see PDC’s biggest names live. The absence of Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion and one of darts’ most charismatic figures, is a disappointment, but Dobey’s inclusion ensures the event retains its star power. The regional contingent, led by Latvia’s Razma and Sweden’s de Graaf, will look to upset the PDC heavyweights, as Peter Wright did in 2023 when he claimed the title. As Copenhagen prepares to host this electrifying spectacle, all eyes will be on Dobey to seize his moment and on Littler and Humphries to continue their fierce rivalry. Van Gerwen, meanwhile, remains in the thoughts of the darts community, with fans and players alike wishing him well during this difficult time.
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