MvG's Talent Won't Save Him Now – Time to Hit the Practice Board or Get Left Behind

By Lewis Barnett 3 September, 2025 5 mins read 510 Views

Watching Michael van Gerwen these days feels like watching your favorite band from college try to recapture their glory days. The magic's still there somewhere, but man... it's buried under a lot of rust.

The Dutch legend hasn't won a tournament since April – the German Darts Masters, if you're keeping track. Last week, he got absolutely schooled by Madars Razma, who's ranked 45th in the world. That's like LeBron getting dunked on by a college sophomore.

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The Brutal Truth About Natural Talent

Vincent van der Voort – former player who knows what he's talking about – didn't mince words on the Darts Draait Door podcast. His assessment? Van Gerwen's coasting on talent alone, and that ship has sailed.

"He really sank heavily through the lower limit," van der Voort said, probably wincing as he watched the footage. "Scoring just 90, while on the Pro Tour he still averaged 122 in a match."

That contrast is what's killing him. One match he's throwing like the MvG we remember, the next he's looking like he picked up darts yesterday.

Young Guns Are Hungry (And It Shows)

Here's the thing that's gotta sting for Michael: Luke Littler and Luke Humphries aren't just talented – they're obsessed. These guys are grinding every single day while van Gerwen seems to think his reputation will carry him through.

"You see in those young guys that they are working every day, hungry," van der Voort observed. "Michael relies too much on his talent and experience. But that alone won't save you anymore."

Ouch.

The man's got a point though. There's no athlete in any sport who stays at teh top without putting in the work. Tiger Woods didn't coast on his swing from 1997. Tom Brady didn't rely on his 2001 arm in 2021.

His Technique Needs Constant Maintenance

Damien Vlottes, another guest on the podcast, dropped an even more brutal truth bomb about van Gerwen's throwing style. "His throw is not smooth. It was really work."

Think about that for a second. While other players have these fluid, natural motions, MvG's technique is manufactured – which means it requires constant upkeep. Like an old sports car that runs beautifully when maintained but falls apart the moment you neglect it.

"And as long as he doesn't keep practicing structurally, I don't see him coming back to his old level," Vlottes added. "Top sport requires focus and discipline, even in difficult times."

The Choice Is His

Van der Voort wrapped up his analysis with something that felt both respectful and devastating: "It's his career. He has to decide for himself what he does with it. But if he wants to become the best again, he has to work on it every day. Otherwise it won't work out."

That's the reality check right there. Van Gerwen can keep showing up expecting his name and past achievements to intimidate opponents, or he can get back to the practice board and remember why he became Mighty Mike in the first place.

The young lions are circling, and they're not impressed by what he did five years ago. They want his crown, and they're willing to outwork him for it.

Time to choose, Michael.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.

Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

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.

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.

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.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

Statistics

The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.

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How To

The Dart Player's Journey: From Rookie to Robin Hood

I've been throwing darts since my college days back in 2008, but it wasn't until February 2022 that I really got serious about improving my game. That winter was brutal in Minneapolis—we had snow piled up to our windowsills, and I needed an indoor hobby that wouldn't drive my roommates crazy. Darts seemed perfect! Well, until I put a few holes in our wall... which led to my first lesson: always invest in a proper dartboard surround. My landlord wasn't thrilled about teh repair costs, but it taught me a valuable lesson about proper setup.