MVG's Shock Exit and Tournament Withdrawal: What's Really Going On?

By Lewis Barnett 13 May, 2025 5 mins read 108 Views

I watched it happen in real-time and honestly couldn't believe my eyes. The Green Machine sputtering to a halt against Dominik Gruellich of all people. And now this – a complete withdrawal from Players Championship 16.

Something's wrong with Michael van Gerwen. Seriously wrong.

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The Brutal Truth From His Inner Circle

Vincent van der Voort – probably MVG's closest pal on the circuit – didn't mince words on the Darts Draait Door podcast. "When I see how things are going, the belief just isn't there," he said with that characteristic Dutch bluntness. "His presence is lacking, there's no aggression or passion in his game. It's just about throwing at the board and hoping for teh best."

Ouch.

I've been following van Gerwen since 2014, and I've never heard someone in his inner circle speak so candidly about his struggles. This isn't just a slump – it's starting to feel like something deeper.

Six First-Round Exits? What the Hell?

For context, we're talking about a three-time world champion who used to intimidate opponents just by walking into the room. Now he's suffered SIX first-round exits on this year's PDC ProTour. Six! I remember texting my darts-obsessed brother after the third one: "Is MVG actually broken?" His response: "Might be time to cash out my futures bet on him."

The 36-year-old Dutchman hasn't won a single tournament this year. Not. One.

Remember When Littler Destroyed Him?

Let's be honest – the downward spiral seemed to accelerate after that World Championship final. Luke Littler absolutely dismantled him, and MVG hasn't been the same since. His last final appearance was that night, and he's only managed one semi-final since (European Darts Trophy, where Ryan Joyce sent him packing).

I spent £120 on tickets to see him at a Premier League night back in February, and even then you could tell something was off. The swagger was missing. That intimidating presence... gone.

Is His Body Breaking Down?

The physical issues can't be ignored. He's had both foot and shoulder injuries this year, forcing tournament withdrawals before this one.

At 36, he's not ancient by darts standards (look at Barney's longevity), but those repetitive throwing motions take a toll. I wonder if we're witnessing the beginning of the end for one of the greatest to ever grip a tungsten.

Premier League Panic Stations

The timing couldn't be worse. MVG is clinging to that final playoff spot in the Premier League by his fingernails – just one point ahead of Nathan Aspinall. A missed finals night would be... God, I can't even imagine. When was the last time he didn't make the PL playoffs when fully participating?

Poor Vincent. Watching your mate struggle like this must be brutal.

The Fire Still Burns? Really?

Van Gerwen insists the passion remains. "I still have the fire in my belly. The anger is still there when you don't perform 100 per cent," he claimed recently. "When you face the past, you've your back against the future. You've to look to the future."

He even switched darts to "get my mind off things" – a move that clearly backfired.

"It's not the most pleasant moment in my career. I'll never give up. I'll fight for everything. I know it's still there. You don't lose talent like that."

I want to believe him. I really do. But actions speak louder than words, adn right now his actions (or lack thereof) are screaming that something fundamental has changed.

This withdrawal feels different. More concerning.

Let's see if he shows up for Premier League night 16. That'll tell us everything we need to know about where his head's really at.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight darts should beginners use?

For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.

How far should I stand from the dartboard?

The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?

Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.

I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?

This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.

Statistics

In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).

External Links

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Final Thoughts From a Passionate Amateur

As I'm writing this in late 2023, I'm still working on improving my own game. My current challenge is mastering the triple 19 as an alternative to the triple 20 when one gets blocked by previous darts. It's like trying to teach an old dog new tricks—my muscle memory fights me every step of the way!

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/darts/mvgs-darting-nightmare-continues-as-unknown-german-youngster-sends-him-packing