"It's not ranked, I can't really gain anything": Michael van Gerwen isn't sure if he will return to World Cup of Darts
PDCThursday, 15 May 2025 at 16:30
Michael van Gerwen has admitted that he is unsure whether he will return to the World Cup of Darts as it sits down on his priority list with a holiday as well as his ranking being more important in his mind.
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Exclusively revealed by DartsNews.com last month, Van Gerwen will skip the World Cup of Darts again. Made official on Wednesday, Van Gerwen spoke recently to Online Darts at an exhibition in Newcastle about his reasoning and that he will go to Ibiza, a familiar haunt this time of the year for the Green Machine.
"It's not top of my priority list. The PDC knows that, my management knows that. I think I have other things to worry about more. My ranking has to be maintained or do better. To do better is my main priority. The World Cup is a nice tournament to win but it's not ranked. I can't really gain anything. I need some time off with my family as well," he said to Online Darts.
"In that period I go for a nice week away with my wife I think it's a good reason. I go to Ibiza of course.
Asked whether perhaps if he had a quicker player or someone less reserved than Danny Noppert alongside him, he said it perhaps would change his mind but also remained clear that he is not a huge fan of the tournament.
"Yeah maybe but I've played with a lot of different people over the years. I like it but I also don't like it, it's a tough one."
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He was also quizzed about the £1m first prize for the World Championship. Being pretty clear about his dislike for the rankings in the past, Van Gerwen said it remains. But that given he can't do anything about it, he has to fight for what he needs and that is the million.
"The PDC and of course with the fans and all the players I think is doing a great job to get darts this far. Years and years ago we could only dream of having a million first prize for the World Championship. Now it's a reality so fair play to those who made it happen."
"Of course it's time to change the ranking system but do you know what I don't really care anymore. Just try to win that million and for that rest I don't really care. Where you are in the rankings, two wrongs don't make a right. if the ranking is out of contrast, it's out of contrast but if they don't want to change, they don't want to change."
"Everyone knows my opinion and I can tell everybody but it's not going to change anything anyway. This moment you need to be realistic and it's not a reality at this stage. You need to make sure you're maintaining your form."
Michael van Gerwen open on lack of brash nature as of late.
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He also opened up about his issues on the dartboard and also why he has suddenly stopped being so brash. He said it comes down to his lack of backing it up. While before he was the top dog and could back it up.
"When you play poorly you can have a big mouth, but you have to show it on the dartboard. That's the only thing I can do. When I'm on top of my game, I know I can beat anyone. But I don't show it enough at the moment, that's a question I have to answer and solve myself."
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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