Cameron Menzies, the champion of Players Championship 29, recently opened up about a frightening health scare he experienced while traveling to Switzerland, a moment that forced him to re‑evaluate his habits and overall well‑being. The 37‑year‑old Scottish darts professional secured his second ProTour title of the 2026 season by defeating Dutch contender Gian van Veen 8‑4 in the final, but the triumph was accompanied by reflections on a medical incident that occurred earlier in the year. Menzies' victory in Den Bosch was the culmination of an impressive run of form. After dispatching Nick Kenny with an average exceeding 101, he survived a dramatic comeback from Canada’s Jim Long, edging the match in a final leg decider.
He then beat Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer 6‑4, followed by a win over top seed Wessel Nijman by the same scoreline. In the quarter‑finals he overcame Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3, and in the semi‑finals he edged Kevin Doets, securing his place in a third Players Championship final within just five events. The final itself showcased Menzies’ composure under pressure. He surged to a 5‑0 lead, denying Van Veen any chance to hit a double in the opening stretch.
Although the Dutchman rallied with three successive legs, Menzies steadied his nerves, taking three of the next four legs to close out the match 8‑4 and claim the £15,000 top prize. "I’m grateful to be in this position and I don’t take it for granted," Menzies said afterward. "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 feel very fortunate." The triumph, however, was tempered by memories of a health episode that forced him to withdraw from a tournament in Blackpool. During his second‑round match against Ross Smith, Menzies suddenly felt unwell and was compelled to leave the arena.
"Even before that incident, you could see I’d lost a bit of weight," he recalled. "Last year, on a flight to Switzerland, I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack.
Heart problems run in my family, so I went for scans as a precaution." Medical examinations revealed that his primary issue was excess weight, but the Blackpool incident was later attributed to severe dehydration, which caused his blood pressure to spike as panic set in. "I’ve never experienced anything like that before," Menzies explained. He spent ten hours at Glasgow’s Jubilee Hospital for comprehensive blood tests, including cardiac assessments.
Apart from a slightly elevated blood pressure reading, all results were normal. The doctors concluded that dehydration was the main factor, prompting the darts star to adopt a more disciplined approach to hydration and nutrition.
Since that episode, Menzies has made several lifestyle adjustments. He now prioritises drinking water and electrolyte solutions throughout long tournament days, acknowledging that not every competitor can rely solely on natural fitness.
"We’re not all athletes," he admitted, noting the grueling schedule that often sees players on the circuit from early morning until late evening. "I’ve been here since 9:30 a.m. today.
These are long days, so you have to look after yourself. I’m getting older, so I need to be more careful." His dietary habits have also shifted. Instead of grabbing a quick pizza after a match, Menzies now opts for a healthier breakfast of porridge and ensures he eats balanced meals throughout the day.
He observes that many of his peers are incorporating regular jogging or walking into their routines, a trend he welcomes. "Darts is probably better than it’s ever been because all these young kids are coming through and they’re all fit athletes," he said.
"It’s not like when we grew up playing in clubs and pubs. These guys are in youth systems.
They’re catching up." Menzies’ experience highlights a broader change within the sport, where physical conditioning is becoming increasingly important. While darts has traditionally been associated with pub‑side play, the modern professional circuit demands stamina, focus, and resilience. Players now follow structured fitness programs, monitor their diet, and employ sports psychologists to maintain peak performance during high‑pressure matches. The Scottish star’s candid discussion of his health scare serves as a reminder that even elite athletes are vulnerable to sudden medical issues, especially when travel, irregular meals, and intense competition combine.
By sharing his story, Menzies hopes to encourage fellow professionals to take proactive steps toward better health, emphasizing hydration, regular medical check‑ups, and a balanced lifestyle. Looking ahead, the PDC ProTour season continues with Players Championship 30 scheduled for Wednesday, intensifying the race for qualification to the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals. Fans can also anticipate major televised events later in the year, 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).
All of these tournaments will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with live streaming available via NOW without a contract. Menzies’ recent success, combined with his renewed focus on health, positions him as a strong contender for these upcoming titles, and his journey offers valuable insight into the evolving demands of professional darts.