OPINION: Michael van Gerwen's absence makes Netherlands more likely to win World Cup of Darts

Michael van Gerwen has announced that he will not be taking part in this year’s World Cup of Darts. As the current world number three on the Order of Merit, 'MVG' would usually be an automatic pick to represent the Netherlands at the annual pairs tournament. But the three-time World Champion has opted to skip the trip to Frankfurt, Germany.

Why? Quite simply – the World Cup of Darts is not a ranking event.

What does that mean for the Netherlands’ chances? Van Gerwen has struggled with form for months – arguably years – and his once-untouchable dominance has clearly started to fade. In that sense, it might be a smart move by 'Mighty Mike' to pick and choose his events more carefully. And in my view, this could actually boost the Netherlands’ chances of going all the way.

One of the key reasons I believe Van Gerwen’s absence might not be such a bad thing is because his replacement is in significantly better form right now.

Danny Noppert was already guaranteed a spot as the second-highest ranked Dutch player, but with Van Gerwen out, his new partner will be 23-year-old Gian van Veen from Poederoijen.

Van Veen well and truly broke through on the PDC circuit in 2024, reaching the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts and winning the World Youth Championship after edging out fellow Dutchman Jurjen van der Velde 6-5 in the final.

And he’s continued that upward trend in 2025. In March, Van Veen claimed his first Players Championship title, and just a month later he made it all the way to the final of European Tour 4 – where he was beaten 8-5 by none other than the man he now replaces: Michael van Gerwen.

If Van Veen can maintain this trajectory, a maiden Euro Tour or even a Major title seems inevitable. And who knows – maybe his first big win will come in Frankfurt at the World Cup of Darts.

Currently ranked 24th in the world, 'The Giant' will now join forces with 'The Freeze' in an all-Dutch duo that might just work better than the previous one.

Van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld were one of the most iconic and successful pairings in World Cup history. But since 'Barney' stepped back from full-time competition, the Netherlands have failed to reach another final.

Last year, Van Gerwen and Noppert crashed out in the second round – a disappointing result for a nation with such a strong darts pedigree. And to me, it already felt like the chemistry just wasn’t there.

Van Gerwen is a fiery, emotional presence on stage, known for his explosive reactions to big scores and finishes. Noppert, by contrast, is cool, calm, and collected – often almost unreadable under pressure.

There’s nothing wrong with either personality type – but when it comes to pairs darts, I believe a team functions best when the players' energies complement each other. That’s why I’ve always been curious to see Van Gerwen paired with someone like Dirk van Duijvenbode, who brings a different kind of intensity.

Van Veen is more laid-back – similar to Noppert – and I think that might be exactly why this new partnership could work. Noppert has also previously played with Van Duijvenbode, but I felt that pairing had the same mismatch in rhythm that we’ve seen with Van Gerwen.

With Van Veen and Noppert, there’s a real chance for mutual support and a composed presence on stage – which could translate into serious results.

On paper, the Netherlands are far from favourites – but with this new-look lineup, I think they’ve got a genuine shot at making a deep run.

England, led by Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, are the clear team to beat. Wales (Gerwyn Price & Jonny Clayton), Scotland (Peter Wright & Gary Anderson), and even Northern Ireland (Josh Rock & Daryl Gurney) all arguably look stronger contenders than the Dutch duo right now.

But if the draw is kind and both Noppert and Van Veen play to their strengths, an upset or two could be on the cards.

Van Veen’s scoring power combined with Noppert’s clinical finishing could take them at least to the semi-finals – and if things fall into place, maybe even further. Personally, I believe this team has what it takes to reach a first World Cup final since 2018 – and maybe, just maybe, even win it.Of course, whether Noppert and Van Veen will gel as a duo remains to be seen. But I, for one, am excited to find out.

What do you think? Could this new Dutch pairing be a hidden gem – or does the absence of Van Gerwen leave the Netherlands with no real chance? Cast your vote in the poll below!