“Michael van Gerwen. Easy, nobody else” – Jermaine Wattimena makes emphatic choice after joining Dutch rival at Winmau

Jermaine Wattimena may have a new equipment manufacturer behind him, but one element of his setup is going nowhere. Following his recent move to Winmau, the Dutchman has made it clear that his long-standing preference for 22-gram darts will remain untouched.

Wattimena has experimented with heavier alternatives during his career, yet always returned to the weight he has used for more than two decades. Double 16 remains his favourite finishing target, while there is no prospect of him moving away from 22 grams.

“I tried a lot of darts in the past, including 23 and 24 grams, but 22 grams is right for me,” Wattimena explained in a new get-to-know-you video released by Winmau. “I’ve played with 22-gram darts for more than 20 years. That will never change.”

The world No. 17 also discussed the players who shaped his own interest in darts before he established himself on the PDC circuit. “In my time, I liked Wayne Mardle and Raymond van Barneveld,” he said. “Of course, with Van Barneveld being Dutch, that was really amazing for us in Holland.”

Asked to identify the best players he has faced, Wattimena selected three of the sport’s biggest names. “Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler now and Gary Anderson, of course,” he answered. “Three of the biggest darts players I’ve played in my life.”

There was an even more emphatic response when Wattimena was asked for the best player he has played alongside. “Michael van Gerwen. Easy, nobody else. Just Michael van Gerwen at the World Cup.”

Wattimena partnered Van Gerwen for the Netherlands at the 2019 World Cup of Darts, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to the Republic of Ireland. The pair are now also attached to the same manufacturer following Wattimena’s arrival at Winmau.

Wattimena’s nickname emerged naturally from the rapid throwing speed that has been a feature of his game throughout his career. “Because I was quite a fast player,” he explained. “I’ve slowed down a little bit now, but the nickname hasn’t changed. It’s still The Machine Gun.”

His walk-on song is “Bella Ciao”, a choice inspired by both the track itself and the television series La Casa de Papel. His wider musical tastes extend across Top 40, pop, R&B and rap, although rock and metal are not for him.

Away from darts, Wattimena supports Ajax and also follows Borussia Dortmund in Germany. His throwing speed may no longer be quite as relentless as it once was, but the 22-gram darts and ‘The Machine Gun’ identity remain firmly in place.