Michael van Gerwen’s ‘mess’ divorce with spouse, ‘disappointment’ and darts vow – ‘I’m simply human’
Three-time PDC World Darts Championship winner Michael van Gerwen has endured personal struggles away from the oche, including his separation from wife Daphne announced in May
Michael van Gerwen is all set to take the stage at the 2026 Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship tonight.
Van Gerwen, 36, avoided an early scare against instant-cult hero Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, who took the first set, to win 3-1 on the Ally Pally stage. Last year’s finalist is eyeing a fourth title, last lifting the Sid Waddell trophy in 2019.
MVG boasts an enviable 48 ranked titles to his name, but life away from the oche hasn’t been without its challenges. Back in May, Van Gerwen dropped the bombshell that he and his wife Daphne were parting ways.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2014, have two little ones together – a daughter born in 2017 and a son born in 2020, reports Wales Online.
Taking to social media, Van Gerwen shared the news: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.
“I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. We are facing a difficult time and ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
The couple had been an item since 2008 and got hitched six years later. Daphne, a one-time hairdresser, was a familiar face at darts events, cheering on her hubby around the world.
Following the announcement, Van Gerwen decided to take a breather from darts. He promptly pulled out of the Dutch Darts Championship and didn’t make his return until the US Darts Masters, over a month after his previous match.
Van Gerwen also opted to sit out Players Championship 32 in October, giving the Wigan event a miss to enjoy some quality time with his family. He reasoned that a more laid-back schedule would also aid his preparation for the world championships.
“I owe it to myself, my management, sponsors and also the fans to only perform when I’m fully focused and can give 100 per cent to the game I love,” Van Gerwen shared with Darts World.
“At this moment, my family are what matter most and they will always be the priority, regardless of anything else.
“Thank you for your continued words of support on social media. I do see them, and it means a lot. At the end of the day, just because we as professional dart players are in the spotlight, we are first and foremost loving parents.”
Speaking to Dutch outlet AD, he added: “I’m just human, you know. At some point, you want to think about nice things again, not just be preoccupied with the mess you’re experiencing at that moment.
“I couldn’t write this script myself, so I’ll have to deal with it in a way I think is right.
“You could just sit around and grieve all day, but that’s pointless. So you do fun things, take time for yourself.”
