Michael van Gerwen Faces Challenges but Aims for Comeback at 2025 PDC World Championship
Michael van Gerwen, aged 36, enters the 2025 PDC World Championship as the third seed despite enduring a difficult year. Formerly world No. 1 for 2,559 days from 2014 to 2021, MVG now faces top-ranked Luke Littler, who defeated him in the last world final.
The year 2025 has seen significant personal trials for van Gerwen, including a divorce after 17 years with his wife Daphne, the progression of his father's cancer, and intense scrutiny from Dutch media. These challenges coincided with a persistent struggle to regain his peak form.
Balancing professional darts with fatherhood has shifted his priorities, especially after having two children: Zoë, aged eight, and Mike, aged five. He practices around his children, reflecting a new approach to his career and life balance.
Van Gerwen also noted that the COVID-19 lockdowns, which forced play in empty venues, negatively impacted his performance. He described the lack of crowds as "disgusting," emphasizing that the energy from audiences is crucial to his game.
Despite the setbacks, van Gerwen remains determined to achieve victory once more. He motivates himself with the belief that he will win, learning resilience from losses. He focuses on trusting his own instincts rather than following others, aiming to reclaim his place among the sport's elite.
