Cameron Menzies, the champion of Players Championship 29, recently opened up about a frightening health scare that occurred while he was travelling to Switzerland. He explained that during the flight he experienced symptoms that made him believe he was suffering a heart attack, a moment that forced him to seriously re‑evaluate his lifestyle and fitness habits.
Menzies secured his second ProTour title of the 2026 season by defeating Dutch contender Gian van Veen 8‑4 in the final, a victory that capped a remarkable run of seven consecutive wins at Maassport Den Bosch. The 37‑year‑old Scot, who also reached the World Cup semi‑finals in the past, reflected on the medical episode that had forced him to withdraw from a Blackpool tournament after falling ill during his second‑round match against Ross Smith.
"Even before that incident, you could see I had lost a bit of weight," Menzies said. "Last year, on a flight to Switzerland, I was convinced I was having a heart attack. My family has a history of cardiac problems, so I went for scans straight away." The scans revealed that his heart was fine, but doctors advised him to lose weight and manage his hydration more carefully.
After the Blackpool match, further tests suggested that dehydration had caused his blood pressure to spike, a reaction he had never experienced before. "I panicked, and my blood pressure shot up," he explained.
"The doctors think dehydration was the main factor, so I need to look after myself better." Menzies spent ten hours at Glasgow's Jubilee Hospital for a battery of blood tests to rule out any serious conditions. Apart from a slightly elevated blood pressure reading, everything else came back normal.
He stressed the importance of staying hydrated, especially during long competition days. "I’ll be drinking water and electrolytes now.
Not every player is a full‑time athlete, and the days are long – I’ve been here since 9:30 in the morning. As I get older, I have to be more mindful of my health." He admitted that his breakfast on the day of the Blackpool match was just porridge and that he had skipped meals earlier, which is not ideal for performance. "Normally I might grab a pizza, but I need to make smarter choices now," he said.
Menzies also observed a broader shift in the sport of darts. "Many players now incorporate jogging or walking into their routines. The game is healthier than ever because a new generation of young, fit athletes is coming through. When we played in clubs and pubs, it was a different scene.
These kids are in structured youth systems and are catching up quickly," he noted. During the Players Championship 29 tournament, Menzies displayed impressive form, averaging over 101 in his opening win over Nick Kenny and later surviving a dramatic comeback from Canada’s Jim Long in a last‑leg decider.
He continued his streak by beating Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer 6‑4 and then top‑seed Wessel Nijman by the same margin. In the quarter‑finals he dispatched Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3 with another high average, and in the semi‑finals he overcame Kevin Doets to secure his place in a third Players Championship final within five events. In the final, Menzies surged to a 5‑0 lead, denying Van Veen a dart at double in the opening burst.
Although Van Veen 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 top prize. "I’m grateful for where I am and I don’t take it for granted. I’d like to finish the year on a high note. I’m already qualified for the World Championship and possibly the Grand Slam, so I’m in a very fortunate position," Menzies said after the win.
Looking ahead, the PDC ProTour season continues with Players Championship 30 on Wednesday, as the race to qualify for the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals intensifies. The tournament schedule also lists the results of earlier rounds, including notable nine‑dart finishes by Cristo Reyes and Max Hopp. Beyond the ProTour, 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 that the sport remains accessible to a global audience.
Menzies’ candid discussion about his health scare underscores a growing awareness among professional darts players that physical well‑being is as crucial as skill on the oche. By adopting better nutrition, staying hydrated, and incorporating regular exercise, he hopes to extend his career and set an example for younger players entering the sport. His recent triumph at Maassport Den Bosch not only adds another title to his résumé but also serves as a reminder that success often follows when athletes prioritize their health alongside their competitive ambitions.