To outsiders, the life of a professional darts player can look straightforward — throw a few arrows, travel the circuit, and collect the occasional trophy. The reality behind the scenes, however, is far more demanding.
The schedule is relentless. ProTour events fill the weekdays, while European Tour stops and major tournaments dominate the weekends, with exhibition appearances squeezed in between. Factor in constant travel, hotel living, and irregular routines, and it quickly becomes a lifestyle that’s far from ideal — particularly when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet.
Living out of a suitcase
One of the most overlooked challenges on the darts circuit is nutrition. Players are rarely at home and often live out of suitcases, meaning home-cooked meals are few and far between. Kitchens go unused, and that inevitably takes its toll.
Jonny Clayton, now firmly established among the sport’s elite, is refreshingly honest about his habits. Speaking to VTM, he joked: “My diet isn’t great. If something looks nice, I’ll eat it. Maybe that’s not ideal. But I’m 51 now — if I fancy something, I’ll have it. I love food… I love a kebab.”
Gerwyn Price, known for his intense dedication, has taken a different approach in recent years. After shedding more than 15 kilos, he has made a conscious effort to improve his diet — and interestingly, finds it easier to stay disciplined on the road. “I tend to go to the same places,” he explained. “At home, I end up in the ‘rubbish cupboard’ — crisps, chocolate… So right now, I actually eat healthier when I’m away. Steak, Nando’s…”
“It’s really tough at times”
Not every player shares that experience. Stephen Bunting highlights a key issue: timing. “It’s really tough at times,” he said. “Some nights you’re not finished until nine or ten, and by then most healthy places are already closed.”
For younger players like Luke Littler, the temptation is just as strong. “It’s very tempting for us,” he admitted. “At those times, there’s nothing healthy to eat.”
He tries to strike a balance by eating better at home. “We just have normal meals, or go out and pick something fairly healthy like chicken and rice.” Cooking, though, isn’t his strong suit. “I don’t know anything about it,” he said. “Maybe I can make toast — that’s about it.”
Making up for it at home
Michael van Gerwen, long one of the dominant forces in darts, acknowledges the challenge but believes balance is key. “On tour it’s tough, I have to admit. But it’s important to make up for it at home and keep yourself active.”
Unlike many of his peers, Van Gerwen is comfortable in the kitchen. “Especially when the kids are home,” he said. “If I’m on my own, I’d rather eat out. But I can cook — I can do everything myself.” He added with a grin: “The only thing I don’t do is ironing.”
For others, cooking is left to someone else. Gian van Veen happily defers to his partner. “Cooking? No,” he laughed. “My girlfriend trained as a chef — that’s perfect. She makes great food.”
Finding balance off the oche
Luke Humphries stands out as one of the few who genuinely enjoys cooking, using it as a way to unwind after hectic spells on tour. “When I’m home, I don’t even think about ordering food,” he said. “After a few days away, I actually want to cook something healthy and tasty.”
For him, it’s more than a necessity — it’s a conscious lifestyle choice. “I’m not saying I’m a top chef, but I cook good meals — pastas, nutritious food for me, my partner, and the kids. I really enjoy it.”
Josh Rock falls somewhere in between. While he can cook, he’s happy to let his wife take the lead. “She’s better than me,” he admitted. “She loves cooking Italian — spaghetti bolognese is one of my favourites. I’ll look after the kids while she’s in the kitchen.”
A changing game
What these stories underline is that life on the darts circuit is not naturally suited to a healthy lifestyle. Long days, late finishes, and limited food options often make fast food the easiest — and sometimes only — choice.
However, attitudes are shifting. Nutrition and fitness are becoming increasingly important in a sport once stereotyped by beer bellies and poor habits. Players like Price and Van Gerwen demonstrate that improved conditioning can enhance performance.
Even so, perfection remains out of reach. The demands of the tour mean compromise is inevitable. Ultimately, the difference is often made away from the spotlight — in those brief spells at home, where players reset, refocus, and try to restore balance to their routines.
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