Michael van Gerwen once again made headlines at the Poland Darts Masters — not just for his performance, but for his brutally honest comments after his match. Following a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Croatia’s Pero Ljubić, the Dutchman didn’t hold back in his post-match interview, describing his opponent as a “pub player” and admitting the contest had fallen far short of his usual standards.
The three-time World Champion, known for his intensity and no-nonsense attitude, gave a typically direct verdict on what had just unfolded on stage. “It wasn’t a good game at all,” Van Gerwen admitted. He pointed out several moments where both players struggled to find rhythm, even mentioning that Ljubić had gone for the wrong treble during one leg. “Pero needs to be happy that he won one leg. Pero is not a good player. Pero is a pub player — we all know that,” he said before softening the blow slightly with: “I’m not harsh — he is a lovely man.”
His words instantly stirred debate among fans and fellow professionals. While some appreciated his trademark honesty, others felt the comments crossed a line, calling them disrespectful to a fellow competitor who had qualified for one of the sport’s biggest stages. Van Gerwen’s long-time friend and compatriot Vincent van der Voort even hinted that the remarks might have come out of frustration with his own performance rather than genuine disdain for his opponent.
Ljubić, to his credit, handled the situation with remarkable composure. He later revealed that Van Gerwen had apologised to him personally and that there were no hard feelings between them. The Croatian stressed that the atmosphere in major tournaments can bring out intense emotions and said he had great respect for the Dutchman’s achievements. His response helped defuse what could have become a larger controversy, showing maturity and sportsmanship beyond his experience level.
The match itself reflected the frustrations Van Gerwen expressed. Despite the win, he admitted he was far from his best and even criticised the overall standard of the event’s local qualifiers, suggesting that the level of competition wasn’t what he was used to on the main PDC circuit. For someone accustomed to battling the likes of Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, and Michael Smith, the Poland event may have felt like a step below his usual intensity.
But if there’s one thing consistent about Van Gerwen’s career, it’s that he never hides how he feels — win or lose. His honesty, while sometimes controversial, is also what endears him to many fans who appreciate his passion for the sport. The Dutchman thrives on high standards, and when he doesn’t see them — even in himself — he doesn’t hesitate to say so.
Ultimately, Van Gerwen’s journey in Poland ended in the quarter-finals after a tough match against Rob Cross, but it was his post-match comments rather than his darts that dominated the conversation. The “pub player” remark reignited discussions about respect in the sport and how players at the top should handle their interactions with lesser-known competitors.
Whether seen as confidence or arrogance, Van Gerwen’s bluntness has long been part of what makes him such a compelling figure in darts. In Gliwice, he reminded everyone that he’s not just a world-class talent — he’s also one of the sport’s most outspoken and unpredictable characters. His honesty may have ruffled feathers, but it also ensured that the Poland Darts Masters would be remembered for more than just the scores on the board.
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