Cameron Menzies, the winner of Players Championship 29, has opened up about a frightening health scare that occurred while he was travelling to Switzerland. The Scottish darts professional says he once thought he was experiencing a heart attack on an aircraft, a moment that forced him to take a hard look at his lifestyle and fitness habits. Menzies secured his second ProTour title of the 2026 season on Tuesday, defeating Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final at Maassport Den Bosch.
The victory added a fourth PDC ranking title to his résumé and marked the culmination of a remarkable run that saw him win seven matches in a row. After lifting the trophy, the 37‑year‑old reflected on a medical incident that forced him to withdraw from a tournament in Blackpool earlier in the year.
"Even before the incident, you could see I had lost a bit of weight," Menzies explained. "Last year, on a flight to Switzerland, I was convinced I was having a heart attack.
It was terrifying, so I went for scans because heart problems run in my family. The doctors told me I needed to lose more weight, but the situation in Blackpool was a bit different. After I fell ill during my second‑round match against Ross Smith, they ran more tests and concluded it was dehydration that had spiked my blood pressure. I had never experienced anything like that before." He went on to describe the medical investigations that followed.
"I spent ten hours at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital for blood work and a full cardiac assessment. Everything came back normal except for a slightly elevated blood pressure. The doctors believe the Blackpool episode was dehydration‑induced, which is a relief because it means I just need to take better care of myself." Menzies admitted that the experience has prompted a shift in his daily routine.
"I now make sure to hydrate properly and replace electrolytes after long sessions. Darts players aren’t all professional athletes, but we do endure long days.
I’ve been at the venue since 9:30 am, and the schedule can be grueling. As I get older, I realize I have to look after my health more diligently." He even mentioned his breakfast choice on the day of the final: "I started with porridge and haven’t eaten much since. In the past I might have grabbed a pizza, but I’m trying to be smarter about nutrition now." Menzies also commented on the evolving fitness standards within the sport. "A lot of players now incorporate jogging or walking into their regimen.
Darts has become more athletic than ever because a new generation of young, fit competitors is emerging. When we grew up, we played in clubs and pubs; today these youngsters are part of structured youth systems and are catching up quickly." During the tournament, Menzies displayed his typical high‑scoring prowess.
He opened with an average of over 101 in a 6-4 win over Nick Kenny, then survived a dramatic comeback from Canada’s Jim Long in a last‑leg decider. After a 6-4 victory over Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer, he defeated top seed Wessel Nijman by the same scoreline.
In the quarter‑finals he beat Jeffrey de Graaf 6-3, and in the semi‑finals he edged Dutchman Kevin Doets 7-5 to reach his third Players Championship final in five events. The final itself saw Menzies take a 5-0 lead, denying Van Veen a dart at double in the opening burst. Although Van Veen rallied with three successive legs, the Scot steadied his nerves, taking three of the next four legs to clinch the match 8-4 and the £15,000 prize.
"I’m grateful for this position and I don’t take it for granted," Menzies said after the win. "I’d like to finish the year on a high.
I’m already qualified for the World Championship and possibly the Grand Slam, so I’m in a very fortunate spot." Looking ahead, the PDC ProTour schedule continues with Players Championship 30 on Wednesday, as the race to qualify for the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals intensifies. The event also featured notable moments such as Cristo Reyes hitting a nine‑dart finish against Ian White and Max Hopp delivering a perfect leg in his 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). Fans can stream all the action via NOW without a contract, ensuring the sport remains accessible to a global audience. Menzies’ candid discussion of his health scare serves as a reminder that even elite competitors must prioritize wellness.
By staying hydrated, monitoring weight, and adopting a more disciplined diet, he hopes to avoid future incidents and maintain his competitive edge as he pursues further titles on the ProTour circuit.