Cameron Menzies, the winner of the Players Championship 29, has spoken candidly about a frightening health scare he experienced on a flight to Switzerland, an episode that forced him to reassess his lifestyle choices. The 37‑year‑old Scottish darts professional secured his second ProTour title of 2026 by defeating Dutchman Gian van Veen 8‑4 in the final, adding a fourth PDC ranking trophy to his résumé after a remarkable run of seven consecutive victories at Maassport Den Bosch.
The triumph came on the back of a turbulent period for Menzies. Earlier in the year, while competing in Blackpool, he was forced to withdraw from a match against Ross Smith after feeling suddenly unwell. "Even before the incident, you could see I had lost a bit of weight," Menzies recalled. "Last year, on a flight to Switzerland, I genuinely believed I was having a heart attack.
I have a family history of heart problems, so I immediately booked a series of scans." The tests confirmed that his heart was fine, but doctors warned him that his weight needed to be reduced. "The Ross Smith match was a wake‑up call," he added.
"After the episode I was tested again and the doctors concluded the problem was dehydration, which sent my blood pressure soaring because I panicked. I've never experienced anything like that before." Menzies spent ten hours at Glasgow's Jubilee Hospital undergoing blood work and other examinations. Aside from a slightly elevated blood pressure reading, all results came back normal. "They told me the Blackpool incident was essentially dehydration," he said.
"So the solution is simple – I need to look after myself a bit more." He admitted that the demanding schedule of a professional darts player makes self‑care a challenge. "These are long days – I was on the floor from 9:30 in the morning and the matches stretch into the evening. As I get older, I have to be smarter about nutrition and hydration," Menzies explained.
He noted that his breakfast on the day of the Blackpool match was just a bowl of porridge and that he had skipped lunch, opting not to indulge in a pizza as he might have previously. "I need to be better about drinking water and taking electrolytes," he said, acknowledging that not every competitor treats the sport like a full‑time athletic career. Menzies also observed a shift in the physical profile of modern darts players. "A lot of players now jog or walk as part of their routine.
Darts is probably in better shape than ever because we have a new generation of young, fit athletes coming through the youth systems. It’s not like when we grew up playing in clubs and pubs – those guys are now training like any other sport," he remarked.
On the tournament itself, Menzies displayed outstanding form. He opened with a 101+ average to beat Nick Kenny, then survived a tense last‑leg decider against Canada’s Jim Long after a dramatic comeback. He continued his march by edging Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer 6‑4, followed by a victory over top seed Wessel Nijman with the same scoreline. In the quarter‑finals he dispatched Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3, and in the semi‑finals he overcame Kevin Doets 7‑5, setting up a third Players Championship final in just five events.
The final against Gian van Veen was a showcase of nerves and skill. Menzings surged to a 5‑0 lead, denying Van Veen a dart at double in the opening flurry. The Dutchman fought back, taking three successive legs, but Menzies held his composure, winning three of the next four legs to clinch the match 8‑4 and walk away with the £15,000 prize. Reflecting on his achievement, Menzies said, "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 emphasized the importance of staying healthy as the PDC ProTour season presses on, with Players Championship 30 scheduled for the following day and the race for the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals heating up.
The event also featured notable moments such as Cristo Reyes hitting a nine‑dart finish in his opening round against Ian White, and Max Hopp delivering a perfect leg in his second‑round victory over Tom Bissell. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast darts throughout 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), all available for streaming via NOW without a contract. Menzies’ story serves as a reminder that even elite competitors must prioritize health, stay hydrated, and adapt their routines as they age. His recent success, combined with a newfound focus on wellness, suggests he may continue to be a strong contender on the PDC circuit for years to come.