Cameron Menzies, the winner of Players Championship 29, recently disclosed that he once feared he was experiencing a heart attack while on a flight to Switzerland, a scare that forced him to re‑evaluate his health habits. The 37‑year‑old Scottish professional had just secured a decisive 8‑4 victory over Gian van Veen in the final, clinching his second ProTour title of the 2026 season and adding a fourth PDC ranking trophy to his résumé after a remarkable run of seven consecutive wins.
The triumph in Den Bosch came on the back of a turbulent episode in Blackpool earlier in the year. During his second‑round match against Ross Smith, Menzies became ill and was compelled to withdraw from the tournament.
Reflecting on that night, he explained, "Even before the incident, you could see I had lost a bit of weight. 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 straight away." The medical examinations revealed that his weight loss was a factor, 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," he said.
"After the match I went for blood tests to rule out any serious conditions, especially anything heart‑related. I spent ten hours at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital. Everything came back normal except for a slightly elevated blood pressure.
The doctors think the Blackpool episode was dehydration, so I simply need to look after myself better." Menzies emphasized the importance of proper hydration and nutrition, noting that he now drinks water and electrolyte solutions throughout the day. "We’re not all elite athletes, but the days are long.
I’ve been here since 9.30 a.m., and as I get older I have to be more mindful of my body," he said. He admitted that his breakfast on the day of the final was just porridge, and that he resisted the temptation to order a pizza, opting instead for a healthier approach. He also observed a shift in the overall fitness level of darts players.
"A lot of players now jog or walk regularly. The sport is probably in better shape than ever because a new generation of young, fit athletes is coming through. When we were growing up we played in clubs and pubs, but today these youngsters are part of structured youth systems and they’re catching up quickly," Menzies remarked. Menzies’ performance at the tournament was nothing short of stellar.
He opened with a 101+ average against Nick Kenny, then survived a dramatic comeback from Canada’s Jim Long, winning in a last‑leg decider. After a 6‑4 win over Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer, he dispatched 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 overcame Kevin Doets to secure a place in his third Players Championship final in five events. The final itself saw Menzers surge to a 5‑0 lead, denying Van Veen a dart at double in the opening burst.
The Dutchman rallied with three consecutive legs, but Menzies held his composure, taking three of the next four legs to seal an 8‑4 victory and the £15,000 prize. "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. I’m already qualified for the World Championship and possibly the Grand Slam, so I’m in a very fortunate spot," he said after the match.
Looking ahead, the PDC ProTour continues with Players Championship 30 on Wednesday, as the race for the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals tightens. The schedule also lists the full draw for Players Championship 29, showing Menzies’ path through the last 16, quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and final, along with notable performances such as nine‑dart finishes by Cristo Reyes and Max Hopp. Sky Sports will broadcast the remaining major events of the season, 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 the action via NOW without a contract, ensuring that the excitement of darts remains accessible to a global audience. Menzies’ candid discussion of his health scare serves as a reminder that even top‑level competitors must prioritize self‑care. By staying hydrated, monitoring his weight, and making smarter dietary choices, he hopes to avoid future incidents and continue competing at the highest level. His story also highlights the evolving professionalism within darts, where physical fitness and wellness are becoming as integral to success as precision and skill on the oche.