“The easiest way to secure that spot” – Van Gerwen qualifies thanks to ‘unfair’ rule for an important major tournament

Michael van Gerwen managed to reach the final of the World Cup of Darts 2026 with Gian van Veen last weekend for the Netherlands. Thanks to an “unfair” PDC rule, the Dutchman also immediately secured a spot at the Grand Slam of Darts later this year. With his ranking in mind, that is a welcome boost.

The qualification criteria for the Grand Slam are clear: every player who reaches a final at a TV tournament is automatically entered into the ranking event. The final of the World Cup of Darts counts as well.

According to Vincent van der Voort, this is a nice bonus for Van Gerwen. “Not unimportant of course, it’s the easiest way to get that spot,” he said on the Darts Draait Door podcast.

Even so, the former pro believes this is an “unfair” rule. “One hundred percent.” Podcast host Damian Vlottes argues it is understandable that players take advantage of it as long as the rule exists. “A huge weight falls off his shoulders. You don’t want to have to play a qualifier for a tournament like that when you’re at the top of the world, do you?”

Van der Voort calls it “a big relief” that Van Gerwen has now qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts. “But he earned it himself too. I thought he played very well.” The Netherlands reached the final by convincingly beating countries like Sweden, Germany, and Northern Ireland. In the final, however, England’s super pair of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries ultimately proved too strong, winning 10-5.

For Van Gerwen, being certain of playing the Grand Slam of Darts is hugely important. The Dutchman has a lot of prize money to defend this autumn and could therefore drop significantly on the world rankings at the end of the year.

Because of the substantial prize money on offer at the big TV tournaments, only strong results at those majors can help him try to hold his place among the world’s elite. With Grand Slam participation secured, the Dutchman will at least have a guaranteed chance to pick up some prize money there.