“People might think it has, but I don’t see it and I don’t feel it” - Van Gerwen counters doubts about the impact of his physical transformation on his game

After the first quarter of 2026, Michael van Gerwen takes stock. The three-time world champion calls it a solid start to the season, while stressing there is still plenty to improve. In a candid conversation with equipment partner Winmau, the Brabant native discusses his form, his physical transformation, and the current state of Dutch darts.

Van Gerwen opened the year with a World Series win in the Middle East at the Bahrain Darts Masters and also showed in Saudi Arabia that he still belongs to the absolute elite. Yet he also looks at himself critically, especially regarding his performances in the Premier League Darts.

“Overall, I can’t really complain,” says Van Gerwen. “Of course, I’ve had a few weeks—especially in the Premier League—where I let myself down and could have picked up more points.”

One night in particular kept nagging. In the final on Night Ten, he squandered a big lead against Jonny Clayton. “I was 5–2 up and should never have lost that game. But things like that happen in darts, especially in a short format like best of 11. You need to stay on top of your game, otherwise you give people a chance—and that’s what I did."

Even so, his position heading into the play-offs in London is excellent, with one night win and multiple finals to his name. The chase for a Finals Night ticket is very much on.

Notably, Van Gerwen looks visibly more relaxed on stage. He points to that as a key factor. "Enjoying it is the most important thing—that’s the foundation. When you enjoy yourself, the results will come afterwards.”

That mindset seems to be paying off. Where his results were more erratic last year, he now looks more consistent. While some talk about “flashes of his old form,” Van Gerwen himself sees stability in his game. “my B-game is already at a very good level,” he explains. “From here, I can only improve.”

That higher, steadier baseline makes him dangerous. Even on off days he remains competitive, which is crucial in a packed darts season. “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. I feel good, and that’s the most important thing. People talk about rankings, but the biggest gaps are made in the second half of the year with the televised tournaments. There’s still a lot of darts to be played.”

The basis for that stability was laid after a difficult 2025, in which Van Gerwen also faced challenges in his private life. “Last year was really tough, also for personal reasons—everyone knows that. But you have to put your shoulders under it and keep pushing.”

The current world number 4 has carried that mentality into 2026, where he is clearly on the way back up. “I’ve started okay this year, but there’s still room for improvement. As long as you feel you can compete with the best, you keep going.”

As one of the biggest names in the sport, there is always pressure on Van Gerwen. He puts that into perspective, however. “There’s always pressure. People expect you to perform—if you’re a top player, that’s how it is. It doesn’t really change anything for me. I always want to perform."

His approach is clear: focus on the process. “If you keep working, progressing, and doing the right things, results will come automatically. Of course I want to win trophies—but it all starts with yourself."

One of the most striking changes is his physical condition. Van Gerwen looks fitter and leaner than he has in years. “It’s just lifestyle,” he says. “Not eating bad meals after darts, cooking healthier at home, going to the gym, playing padel.”

Those changes have had an effect not only physically but also mentally. “That helps your mindset as well. When you’re at home, it clears your mind a bit. I’m always busy with darts and my kids, so having other hobbies helps.”

Interestingly, the weight loss has had no impact on his throw, something that was questioned beforehand. “No, not at all. People might think it has, but I don’t see it and I don’t feel it, so it doesn’t affect me.”

Although Van Gerwen is positive about the top of Dutch darts, he voices concern about the next generation. “At the top level, Dutch darts is in a good place. But if you look at the younger level, I don’t think it is,” he says pointedly. “The best youth players in the world aren’t coming from Holland at the moment.”

At 36 — soon 37 — Van Gerwen belongs to the experienced guard, but retirement is a long way off. “As long as I stay motivated and enjoy it, I’ll keep playing. The day I feel I can’t compete at the highest level anymore, then I’ll think about the future. But right now, I love it—that’s the key."

Love for the game remains the driving force. “100%. Of course there are things I don’t like about the game, but when I’m on stage—that’s what I love doing.”