Cameron Menzies, the winner of Players Championship 29, recently opened up about a frightening episode he endured while traveling to Switzerland, an incident that forced him to reevaluate his health habits and lifestyle choices. The Scottish darts professional, who clinched his second ProTour title of the 2026 season by beating Gian van Veen 8‑4 in the final, recounted how he initially believed he was having a heart attack during a flight. The scare prompted a series of medical examinations, lifestyle adjustments, and a renewed focus on nutrition and hydration.
Menzies' triumph in Den Bosch was the culmination of an impressive run of form that saw him secure four PDC ranking titles this year. After a dominant display that included seven consecutive victories, he entered the final with confidence, ultimately securing the £15,000 top prize and reinforcing his status as one of the sport's rising stars.
The health scare occurred earlier in the season, during a tournament in Blackpool. Menzies was forced to withdraw from his second‑round match against Ross Smith after feeling unwell.
"Even before the incident, you could see I had lost a bit of weight," he explained. "Last year, on a flight to Switzerland, I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack. Heart problems run in my family, so I immediately booked scans and tests." The medical team in Glasgow’s Jubilee Hospital performed a battery of investigations, including blood work and cardiac assessments.
While the scans ruled out any serious heart condition, doctors did note that his blood pressure was elevated, likely due to dehydration and panic during the Blackpool match. "They told me I needed to lose weight and stay better hydrated," Menzies said. "The Ross Smith match made me realize that dehydration can spike blood pressure and cause panic, something I had never experienced before." Menzies, now 37, described the aftermath of the tests as a wake‑up call.
He spent ten hours at the hospital, undergoing comprehensive checks. "Everything came back fine except for a slightly high blood pressure reading," he recalled.
"The doctors believe dehydration was the main factor, and that’s a signal for me to look after myself more carefully." Since that episode, Menzies has adopted a stricter regimen focused on hydration, balanced meals, and regular monitoring of his weight. He highlighted the importance of drinking water and replenishing electrolytes, especially during long tournament days that can stretch from early morning until late evening. "I’m not a full‑time athlete, but these are long days.
I’ve been at the venue since 9:30 am," he noted, emphasizing the need for sustained energy and focus. His dietary changes include starting each day with a hearty bowl of porridge instead of the typical fast‑food options he used to indulge in, such as pizza. "I used to grab pizza on the go, but now I’m trying to be smarter about what I eat," he admitted. This shift reflects a broader trend among darts players, many of whom are now incorporating fitness and nutrition into their routines.
"A lot of players now jog or walk regularly. Darts is probably better than it ever was because the new generation of youngsters coming through the ranks are fit athletes," Menzies observed.
"We grew up playing in clubs and pubs, but today’s players are part of youth systems and are much more athletic." During the tournament, Menzies displayed his usual high‑scoring prowess. He opened with an average of over 101 in his first‑round victory over Nick Kenny, then survived a tense last‑leg decider against Canada’s Jim Long. He continued his march by dispatching Slovenian Benjamin Pratnemer 6‑4 and then top‑seed Wessel Nijman by the same margin.
In the quarter‑finals, he beat Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3, and in the semi‑finals, he edged past Dutch competitor Kevin Doets 7‑5 to set up the final against van Veen. The final itself was a showcase of Menzies' composure.
He surged to a 5‑0 lead, denying van Veen a chance at a double, before the Dutchman rallied with three consecutive legs. Menzies held his nerve, taking three of the next four legs to seal an 8‑4 victory and the £15,000 prize. Reflecting on his achievements, Menzies expressed gratitude and ambition.
"I’m grateful to be in this position and I don’t take it for granted. I’d like to finish the year on a high," he said.
"I’m in the World Championship and possibly the Grand Slam, so I’m in a very fortunate position." The ProTour season continues with Players Championship 30 slated for Wednesday, as competitors vie for spots in the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals. Menzies' story serves as a reminder that even elite darts players must prioritize health, especially as the sport evolves and the physical demands on players increase. Beyond the tournament, notable moments included a nine‑dart finish by Cristo Reyes in his opening‑round match against Ian White, and another perfect leg by Max Hopp in his second‑round win over Tom Bissell.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast major darts events, including the World Grand Prix (28 September–4 October), the Grand Slam of Darts (14–22 November), and the World Darts Championship (10 December–3 January), with live streaming available via NOW without a contract.