Michael van Gerwen goes into this year's World Championship looking for another green star to add to his shirt and looking at his form at times this season, not many would bet against the World Number One continuing that.
ADVERTISEMENT
Van Gerwen spoke to the assembled media at the World Championship press launch including DartsNews.com and said that his preparations already have started well and that players threw everything at him at times this year due to early season form problems but that to comeback now it feels even better.
'Now that's the only tournament were looking forward to now, I started off my tournament preparations quite well winning the Players Championship Finals,' said Van Gerwen during the World Championship media launch.
'People threw everything at me this year because I showed some weakness over the summer but the bounceback feels even better.'
Dealing with the pressure
In terms of the pressure on himself, he said that he knows he has a big target on his back but that despite some fans not wanting you to win, it produces some good battles which Van Gerwen admits are good for darts.
He also said that having that pressure on him for so long means that he is stronger and that from his perspective he always needs to prepare himself.
'I have a big target on my back and of course when you are doing really well, a lot of people don't want you to win and I know that. Then you get the great battles on the stage and that's good for darts. You have characters like Gerwyn Price, he's doing really well lately; I am glad I could put the pressure on him though yesterday in a brilliant final.'
ADVERTISEMENT
'I also had that 5, 6 or 8 years ago but that makes you stronger for your next games. You always need to prepare your mind or mistakes are being made.'
On never defending World Championship before
Van Gerwen has never defended his World Championship crown and it isn't something that bothers him and as long as he's winning tournaments he is happy. On a similar note in terms of criticism, he said that despite wanting to win all the time, it isn't always possible and people are quick to judge as a result.
'I need to defend the title and winning it for the fifth time, third time; I don't care I just have to make sure I'm winning tournaments I'm in or there's no point competing. They said the same for me with the World Grand Prix.'
ADVERTISEMENT
'I think people judge quite easily and that's up to them, it doesn't really bother me. Of course I want to win all the time but it's not always possible.'
'I also had that 5, 6 or 8 years ago but that makes you stronger for your next games. You always need to prepare your mind or mistakes are being made.'
World Series moving to New York
Van Gerwen also spoke about the World Series moving to Madison Square Garden next year and said that it's great for the progression of darts but on a personal note, it takes away his holiday in Las Vegas.
'It's phenomenal, how many big people have fought in that arena. Darts can only dream about things like that, but the PDC makes it happen. That's a good thing for the progression of darts. One downside of it they took it out of Las Vegas and my nice little holiday week is gone,' joked Van Gerwen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026