Cameron Menzies, the 2026 Players Championship 29 champion, recently opened up about a frightening health scare he endured while traveling to a tournament in Switzerland. The Scottish darts professional admitted that he genuinely believed he was suffering a heart attack on an airline flight, a moment that forced him to scrutinise his lifestyle choices and consider long‑term health adjustments. Menzies secured his second ProTour title of the year by defeating Dutch contender Gian van Veen 8-4 in the final held in Den Bosch, Netherlands. The victory marked his fourth PDC ranking win of the season and came after a remarkable run of seven consecutive victories in the tournament.
After lifting the £15,000 prize, the 37‑year‑old reflected on a recent medical episode that had interrupted his progress at a previous event in Blackpool. "Even before the incident, you could see I’d lost a bit of weight," Menzies explained.
"Last year, on the way to Switzerland, I felt a crushing pressure in my chest and thought I was having a heart attack. My family has a history of heart problems, so I immediately booked scans when I landed." He added that doctors advised him to lose weight, but the situation in Blackpool was later attributed to dehydration, which caused his blood pressure to spike as panic set in.
The Scottish player recounted the series of tests he underwent after withdrawing from his second‑round match against Ross Smith in Blackpool. "I spent ten hours at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital for blood work and cardiac checks. Everything came back normal except for a slightly elevated blood pressure reading," he said. "The medical team believes the Blackpool episode was a result of dehydration, so the key takeaway for me is to stay better hydrated and manage my overall health more carefully." Menzies stressed the importance of proper nutrition and hydration, especially during long competition days.
"I usually start my day with porridge now, instead of grabbing a pizza. I also make sure to drink water and electrolytes throughout the event. These days, we’re not all full‑time athletes, but the schedule is grueling – I’ve been at the venue since 9:30 a.m.
and the days stretch on. As I get older, I have to be smarter about looking after myself." He also noted a shift in the darts landscape, observing that many younger players now treat the sport with a fitness‑first mindset. "A lot of the new generation jog, walk, and work on their conditioning. Darts is probably fitter than ever because these youngsters come through youth academies and are essentially athletes.
It’s not like the old days when we played in clubs and pubs. The game has evolved, and the physical preparation reflects that." Menzies’ performance in the tournament was nothing short of spectacular.
He opened with a 101+ average against Nick Kenny, then survived a tense last‑leg decider against Canada’s Jim Long. After dispatching Slovenia’s Benjamin Pratnemer 6‑4, he overcame top seed Wessel Nijman by the same margin.
In the quarter‑finals he beat Jeffrey de Graaf 6‑3, and in the semi‑finals he edged Kevin Doets 7‑5 to set up the final against van Veen. The final itself began with a dominant 5‑0 lead for Menzies, during which van Veen failed to hit a double. The Dutchman rallied with three consecutive legs, but Menzies maintained composure, taking three of the next four legs to clinch the match 8‑4 and the champion’s cheque.
"I’m grateful for where I am and I don’t take any of 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 position." Looking ahead, the PDC ProTour schedule continues with Players Championship 30 on Wednesday, as competitors vie for spots in the 2026 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals. The season also includes major televised events such as 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 action via Sky Sports or NOW without a contract. Menzies’ candid discussion about his health scare serves as a reminder that even elite darts players must prioritise wellness.
By adjusting his diet, staying hydrated, and embracing a more athletic approach to preparation, he hopes to sustain his competitive edge while safeguarding his long‑term health. His story underscores the growing professionalism in darts, where physical fitness, mental resilience, and lifestyle management are becoming as crucial as precision on the oche.