Michael van Gerwen has built a career on his ruthless dominance, relentless drive, and unshakeable confidence on the oche. But away from the spotlight, the Dutchman is navigating one of the most challenging periods of his life. In a rare and deeply personal interview, Van Gerwen opened up about his recent divorce and the emotional strain caused by his father’s illness — revealing a side of himself fans seldom get to see.
The three-time world champion admitted that the past year has forced him to reassess his priorities, shifting his focus from trophies to family. “The most important thing is that I want to be a good father again,” he said, a statement that highlights both regret and resolve. While Van Gerwen continues to compete at the highest level, he made it clear that balancing his commitments on the tour with being the parent he wants to be has been a real struggle.
His divorce, which became public earlier this year, coincided with his father’s health deteriorating, leaving the 35-year-old feeling “pulled in every direction.” Van Gerwen revealed that the combination of personal upheaval and professional demands created an emotional weight even a player of his mental steel found difficult to carry.
“You try to stay strong, you try to keep performing, but sometimes life hits you harder than any defeat,” he admitted. “My dad has always been my biggest supporter. Seeing him ill… it changes you.”
Despite these challenges, Van Gerwen insists he is determined to rebuild stability in his personal life. He spoke openly about wanting to be more present for his children, acknowledging that constant travel and the pressures of elite sport have sometimes taken him away from the moments that matter most.
Still, the Dutch icon believes that adversity can become fuel. He credits his family situation with giving him a fresh sense of perspective — and even a deeper appreciation for the game he loves. “When you’re young, all you think about is winning. But life teaches you that success is more than titles. I want my kids to be proud of me on the stage and off it.”
Van Gerwen remains fully committed to his darts career, but he hinted that his approach going forward will be more balanced, more mature, and built around the people he holds closest. “You can’t control everything in life,” he said. “But you can control how you act, how you grow, how you take care of the people you love.”
As he continues his chase for more silverware, fans will now see a Michael van Gerwen shaped not only by victory and rivalry but by vulnerability, responsibility and resilience. And through it all, the Green Machine insists his priorities have never been clearer.
“I’ve achieved so much,” he said. “But being a good father… that’s the most important thing.”
