Darts
Michael van Gerwen Reveals He Was ‘Very Close’ to Pulling Out of World Masters Amid Personal Struggles
Michael van Gerwen opened up after winning the 2026 Premier League opener, revealing he was “very close” to pulling out of the World Masters due to personal struggles. The Dutchman admitted his private life has affected his form but said he’s working through it, hoping to focus on darts and his children while putting the turmoil behind him.
Credit: PDC
“It’s about f**king time,” three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen said onstage immediately after winning the opening night of the 2026 Premier League in Newcastle alongside Wayne Mardle and Emma Paton, before quickly apologising to the audience watching at home.
For Van Gerwen, the outburst was more than just a moment of relief. It was the release of 12 months of frustration, turmoil and personal hardship that had spilled over into his darts.
A Torrid Time
On and off the oche, the Dutchman has endured one of the most difficult periods of his career.
Last year’s Premier League proved especially brutal. Van Gerwen failed to win a single weekly night, finished outside the top four and missed out on Finals Night, only the second time that has happened across 14 Premier League appearances. This season marks his 15th campaign in the competition.
Away from the sport, his struggles were even deeper. Van Gerwen went through a divorce with his wife Daphne, ending a marriage of over a decade and a relationship that spanned 17 years. Throughout that period, ‘Mighty Mike’ never hid how much his personal life was affecting his performances.
Another “Sledgehammer” Blow
Even recently, it emerged that Van Gerwen had been dealt another devastating setback.
Earlier this week, close friend Vincent van der Voort revealed that MVG suffered a further “sledgehammer” blow in his private life, one so severe that it almost caused him to withdraw from the World Masters in Milton Keynes.
There had been early signs of a revival. Van Gerwen looked back to his best on the World Series after lifting the Bahrain Masters and reaching the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters.
But momentum came to a sudden halt in Milton Keynes, where he suffered a shock 3-1 first-round defeat to Damon Heta, averaging just 88.
Van der Voort later explained the emotional toll behind that uncharacteristic display.
Van der Voort Lifts the Lid
Speaking on the Darts Draait Door Podcast, Van der Voort revealed just how much his close friend had been carrying.
“We certainly didn’t expect this, because he was building well and training.”
“He was hit by a real sledgehammer in his private life. That made it a truly miserable week.”
“At first, he didn’t want to go, but he also knows what we’re working on,” Van der Voort, added.
“It’s Not Okay Now, But I’m Sorting It”
Following his return to the top of the Premier League ladder, we caught up with Van Gerwen to address those comments directly.
While he was unwilling to go into detail, the Dutchman offered a small glimpse into where he stands emotionally.
“It’s not okay now, but I’m sorting it. It’s a private issue,” MVG said.
Close to Pulling the Plug
Van Gerwen admitted he was indeed on the brink of withdrawing from the World Masters in Milton Keynes.
“Very close,” he said when asked if it was true he nearly pulled out.
He explained that, either way, he felt scrutiny was unavoidable.
The 36-year-old knew the decision would be criticised regardless of the outcome.
“You always need to stand behind your choices. I had a few things going on. If I wasn’t going, people would’ve had questions, if I play like s**t people have questions,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk.
In hindsight, Van Gerwen believes he may have made the wrong call, but stood by it regardless.
“Maybe I Shouldn’t Have Gone”
“It was crossing my mind about not going [to Milton Keynes].”
“There was no good, whatever I did. But I stayed behind my pick, I went to the tournament. If I look with hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t have gone. But it is what it is.”
Despite the hardship, Van Gerwen remains hopeful that the worst is behind him.
“I hope things get better, but for it to get worser than it was, it’s not possible.”
The seven-time Premier League champion admitted he is nearing his limit with the constant attention surrounding his private life.
“100%," he replied when asked if he wants the noise to die down.
“Of course, it gets on my t**ts sometimes to be fair. Every day, every day I get messages, people asking me things about it.”
“At some point I’ve had enough, let me live my life with my kids. Simple as that,” he concluded.
Louis Hobbs is the Sports Editor at SportsBoom, overseeing daily coverage across a wide range of sports while shaping the site’s editorial direction and breaking news agenda.
When he’s not editing the website from home or SportsBoom’s London office, Louis can usually be found in the darts or snooker press room. He has covered both sports extensively for SportsBoom, reporting live from venues for over three years and building strong relationships across the professional circuits.
With a background in interviews, exclusives and live event reporting, Louis combines on-the-ground insight with sharp editorial judgement to ensure SportsBoom delivers authoritative, engaging and timely sports journalism.