“I’ve probably had my worst year ever” – Michael van Gerwen self-critical on form heading into 2026 PDC World Darts Championships

Michael van Gerwen heads into the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship sounding brutally honest about where his game — and his life — has been over the past 12 months.

The Dutchman hasn’t minced his words: “I have had a tough year, probably my worst year ever,” he admitted in a candid interview with Sky Sports.

But if you think MVG is moping into Ally Pally, forget it. He’s aiming to turn the page in the most MVG way possible: by lifting a fourth world title and proving he’s still part of the sport’s elite.

Van Gerwen’s results in 2025 weren’t catastrophic — in fact, he lifted the World Series Finals in style, beating Luke Humphries, Josh Rock and Luke Littler on the way to the trophy. But the reality behind the scenes has been far tougher.

The end of his marriage took a significant toll, even costing him a place at the World Cup of Darts. MVG hasn’t sugar-coated the impact: “Things were happening in the past, you can't change it anymore. The only thing you can change is the future.”

With new parenting responsibilities, his home life demands have shifted as well. “I used to have a wife who helped me with things, but now when I have the kids, I have to look after them. So I have to adjust myself a little bit. My kids are always priority number one.”

That’s why this World Championship feels like a fresh start — not just a tournament.

Van Gerwen arrives at Ally Pally as the world No 3, behind Luke Humphries and Luke Littler — a position that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. But if you expect him to sulk about no longer being the clear No 1, think again.

“Of course, it’s always nice to chase someone, it is easier than being hunted,” he said. “I don't mind being talked about whereas they don’t like the pressure. I had the pressure for the last 20 years. It doesn't bother me. It has [helped me play my best] in the past, so I hope it does in the future.”

This is classic MVG: remind everyone he thrives when the spotlight is brightest.

Van Gerwen hasn’t lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy since 2019. Since then he’s made three finals but fallen to Peter Wright, Michael Smith and Luke Littler. And he’s well aware of the drought.

“Yes, of course. We have had a lot of things in between. We had coronavirus, we had a couple of other good dart players, a couple of mistakes by myself. Things like that can happen, so you need to make sure you keep being sharp and you're not allowed to make mistakes. That's how it is.”

He makes no excuses — but he’s also making no predictions. Instead, he leaves the level debate to everyone else. “It’s for the people to judge, do you know what I mean? I know what I'm capable of and when I'm sharp and when I can do good things, I can play. I can still get to that level, I know that. Like I said, you have to do the right thing at the right moment in the World Championships.”

And despite everything, even he admits he’s still searching for top gear. “But still, last year I think my form was worse than it is now and I still need to find it.”

Michael van Gerwen is not hiding from his struggles. He’s not pretending the past year didn’t hurt. And he’s not pretending he’s the dominant force he once was. But he’s also not backing down.

A motivated MVG with a point to prove is one of the most dangerous players the sport has ever seen — and he’s arriving at Alexandra Palace with exactly that mindset.

The Dutchman wants 2026 to start with a statement. And if he finds that form he insists is still in there somewhere, nobody will fancy standing in his way.