Michael van Gerwen parties in Ibiza with Martin Garrix after tough year on and off the oche

Michael van Gerwen is enjoying a well-earned holiday in Ibiza following a spell marked by both sporting and personal setbacks. The three-time world champion will return to the oche in September with eyes firmly on a climb back to the very top of darts – but for now, relaxation is the priority.

‘Mighty Mike’ has never shied away from a party, and he proved as much earlier this summer. In July he was spotted at Belgium’s famous Tomorrowland festival, mingling with former footballers Eljero Elia and Theo Lucius. Not long afterwards he jetted off to Ibiza, where he has spent time with his children Mike and Zoë, even celebrating his daughter’s eighth birthday aboard a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean.

The celebrations continued last Thursday, when Van Gerwen described on Instagram “an incredible evening at Ushuaïa.” He attended a Martin Garrix show, enjoyed a backstage tour, and posed for photos with the superstar DJ. He also crossed paths with techno icon Paul Kalkbrenner.

Few would begrudge Van Gerwen some respite. The 36-year-old Dutchman has endured a turbulent period: his form has fluctuated for more than two years, major titles have slipped from his grasp, he separated from his wife Daphne earlier this summer, and his father has again been diagnosed with cancer.

On the oche, his comeback at the World Matchplay in late June ended prematurely with a second-round defeat to Josh Rock. From September, however, Van Gerwen plans a renewed push to recapture the heights of his career.

Encouragement comes in the fact that despite his struggles, he still sits third in the world rankings. He remains seeded for every major tournament this autumn – with the exception of the Players Championship Finals – offering plenty of chances to remind the darting world of his enduring class.