Van Gerwen Finally Breaks His Silence: "I Can Think Straight Again"

By Lewis Barnett 24 June, 2025 4 mins read 42 Views

Look, I've been covering darts for eight years now, and I've never seen Michael van Gerwen this raw before.

The three-time World Champion just gave his first real interview since that messy public split from wife Daphne hit the headlines last month. And honestly? The guy sounds like he's been through hell and back. He's been completely MIA from the PDC circuit - which for someone like MVG is basically unheard of. This is a man who usually treats darts tournaments like most people treat breathing.

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The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

Here's the thing that got me: Van Gerwen's exact words were "I have space in my head again to return to the oche." Space in his head. Jesus. That's not the kind of language you expect from someone who's usually all bravado and confidence. It sounds like a man who's been drowning and just found air.

He's making his return at Madison Square Garden this weekend - talk about picking a stage for your comeback. No quiet little tournament to ease back in. Nope, straight to the Big Apple where he's already won twice before.

When Your Private Life Goes Public (And It Sucks)

The 47-time major winner didn't hold back about how brutal the media attention has been. "Whether I look left or right, it's all over social media," he said. "It's actually too crazy for words."

I mean, the man's got a point. Social media turned his divorce into a spectacle faster than you could say "180." And Van Gerwen's trying to navigate this mess while keeping his kids out of the crossfire. That's gotta be exhausting.

But here's what struck me most - he said "This is not the first storm I've experienced." Makes you wonder what other battles this guy's fought behind closed doors.

The Kids Come First (Obviously)

"The most important thing for me is that things are good for my children," Van Gerwen said, and you could hear it in his voice - that's his north star right now.

Everything else? The tournaments, the rankings, the media circus? Secondary. Which is probably why he took that month off in teh first place. Smart move, honestly.

Back to What He Does Best

Van Gerwen was pretty clear about one thing: "Darts at the highest level is what I love to do the most." And after watching him demolish Jeff Smith 8-0 in the 2023 final at MSG, I'd say the venue suits him.

The guy's calling himself ready to "find pleasure" in what he's doing again. That's not the language of someone going through the motions - that's someone who's genuinely trying to rebuild.

Will he be the same player? Who knows. But one thing's for sure - this version of Van Gerwen might be more interesting than the one we knew before. Sometimes you need to fall apart completely before you can put yourself back together properly.

Madison Square Garden better be ready.

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.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

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.

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

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.

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.

Statistics

A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
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.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.

External Links

How To

Setting Up Your Practice Space

The official height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor to the bullseye. The throwing line (oche) should be 7 feet 9¼ inches from the face of the board. I used to have mine hung too low and wondered why my game never improved at the pub! Measuring tape is your friend here.