Michael van Gerwen has described the past 12 months as a “complete disaster” both on and off the oche, revealing the emotional toll of a difficult season and the personal struggles that have followed his high-profile divorce.
The three-time world champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in modern darts, admitted that 2025 has been one of the toughest periods of his career. Van Gerwen, who is usually known for his fierce confidence and mental strength, opened up about a combination of poor form, injuries and private life upheaval that have left him fighting to rediscover the spark that once made him untouchable.
“Nothing has gone right this year”
Speaking candidly, Van Gerwen admitted he has been frustrated with both his results and consistency on the PDC circuit.
“It’s been a disaster of a year. Nothing has gone the way I wanted – injuries, poor form, everything. When you can’t perform the way you know you can, it eats at you,” he said.
Van Gerwen has endured early exits at several major tournaments and has struggled to reach the heights that once made him the sport’s dominant force. The Dutchman conceded that watching younger stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries surge to the top has only intensified his desire to find answers.
Off-stage struggles take a toll
The 36-year-old also acknowledged that personal turmoil has played a major role in his uncharacteristic slump, confirming that his recent divorce had been “mentally draining”.
“People see us on TV and think we’re machines, but we’re not. The divorce, the travelling, missing family moments – it all added up. I wasn’t myself,” MVG said.
Friends and former professionals have long warned that personal instability can derail even the strongest competitors, and Van Gerwen hinted that his emotional struggles have seeped into his performances on the big stage.
Determined to fight back
Despite calling the year a “disaster,” Van Gerwen insisted he is far from finished and is using the pain of the past year as motivation.
“I’ve had tough times before, and I’ve always come back stronger. This won’t break me. I will put everything into being better next year – physically, mentally, everything,” he vowed.
MVG is already undergoing changes to his practice routines and schedule in preparation for the 2026 season, with a renewed focus on fitness and mental sharpness.
Fans back the Dutch icon
Even during his roughest patch, Van Gerwen remains one of the biggest draws in world darts. Fans have rallied behind him, insisting that his dip in form is temporary and that the sport is stronger when the Dutchman is firing on all cylinders.
With the World Championship around the corner and rivals in top form, Van Gerwen faces one of the biggest challenges of his career – but if his latest comments are anything to go by, he is preparing to fight his way back to the top.
