"In hindsight, I should have stopped the game myself": Michael van Gerwen left frustrated by lack of action in Premier League camera incident

Michael van Gerwen admits 2026 has been a “rollercoaster” so far—but insists rediscovering his enjoyment for the game has been the biggest positive as he looks to build momentum across the season.

Speaking in Newcastle to Online Darts, the Dutchman reflected honestly on a campaign that began brightly, only to be disrupted by illness at a crucial moment in the Premier League. “Yeah, a rollercoaster,” Van Gerwen said. “I’m playing well in some patches, but overall I’m enjoying myself, and I think that’s the most important thing.”

A strong start, which included success on the World Series and a win on Night One of the Premier League, was halted by infection—something he admits did have an impact. “A little bit, but that’s how things go, unfortunately. That’s how darts is and that’s how life goes—you have to try to make the most of it.

“I feel good, I feel comfortable, and now I need to make sure I’m also getting results. That’s my next step. I know I’ve got more in the tank, but the most important thing now is that I’m enjoying it.

“I feel good in my life, and my kids are in a good place as well, so that’s really important.”

That renewed happiness away from the oche appears to be translating into more positive performances, with Van Gerwen believing he is already in a better place than he was at the same stage last year. “I think I’m playing better now than I did at this moment last year, so that’s a positive. If you keep the positive feeling going, I think a lot can happen.”

There have already been flashes of his vintage best, including a standout display against Daryl Gurney on the Euro Tour—something Van Gerwen sees as proof he can still reach the very highest level.

“If you can do it once, you can also do it twice—that’s how I see it. I’m a positive person. I never give up, I always give 100 percent, and the way I’m treating the game now can only help me.”

A noticeable change has been his demeanour on stage, with the three-time world champion visibly enjoying himself again. “Of course, good battles. That’s what every player likes to do. Battling at the highest level while playing well yourself, that gives you energy.”

However, frustrations still remain. During a recent Premier League night, Van Gerwen was clearly irritated on stage, later revealing it was due to an issue with the overhead camera. “After my first throw, I noticed something with the camera from the sky. The second throw, there was a big red dot. I said it to the referee, but nothing was done. The PDC apologised because things like that shouldn’t happen.

“I was annoyed nothing was done. In hindsight, I should have stopped the game myself, but it’s always easy to talk afterwards.”

Despite some setbacks, Van Gerwen remains confident of securing a place at the Premier League Play-Offs at London’s O2 Arena.

“It’s definitely achievable. I know what I’m capable of and I always give 100 percent, so I’m going to win games again.

“I lost to Stephen Bunting, but he played a really good game. Overall, I didn’t play bad—that’s a good thing.

“If I keep myself motivated and keep going, I can still show some decent darts.”

While the Premier League remains important, Van Gerwen is placing significant emphasis on the busy run of Euro Tour events in the coming months. “The Euro Tours are really important. There are loads coming up, and Pro Tours as well—that’s where my focus is at the moment.”

Looking at the wider picture, the Dutchman believes darts is currently in the strongest position it has ever been, pointing to continued growth and expansion across the sport. “I think the expansion is absolutely amazing. I’ve played on television for 20 years, so I’ve seen changes, but darts has never been in a place like it is now.

“We’re all part of it, and I’m glad I’m part of it. Globally, it can grow even bigger—as long as we keep doing what we love, performing, the fans will keep coming.”

Van Gerwen also addressed the pressures that come with being at the very top, particularly in relation to rising star Luke Littler. “High trees catch a lot of wind, simple as that. Luke Littler is a big tree, a very big tree, and you have to deal with it.”

It’s a reality Van Gerwen knows all too well, having spent years as the man everyone wants to beat. “I think I still have it—everyone wants to beat you. But that’s the way the sport is moving to the next level. It’s all part of it.”

With a packed schedule ahead, Van Gerwen has already begun carefully managing his calendar, prioritising key events while also balancing family life.

“I’m not going to play too many Pro Tours in the next two months, but I’ll play the ones in Germany. The Euro Tours are really important for me right now. “Later in the year, I’ll play more again, and of course the major televised tournaments are really important. I’ll also play the World Cup with Gian van Veen, and I’m looking forward to that.”

That balance has also influenced his likely decision to skip long-haul World Series events. “I don’t think I’ll go to Australia and New Zealand. It’s more likely I’ll have a holiday with my kids.”

With his children now of school age, Van Gerwen admits scheduling has become more challenging than ever. “It’s definitely tough. It doesn’t make it easier. You have to manage your calendar as well as possible. If I have to pick between a Euro Tour and a World Series event these days, I pick a Euro Tour—simple as that.”

For now, Van Gerwen’s priorities are clear: enjoy his darts, stay grounded off the stage, and trust that the results will follow.