Michael van Gerwen’s recent run of form has left many observers wondering whether the Dutch superstar has lost the competitive edge that once defined his career. Over the past few months his results have been unusually inconsistent, and the pattern of early exits has sparked a debate about his hunger and motivation.
In the last five ranking events, van Gerwen has only managed to progress beyond his opening match once. That solitary achievement came at Players Championship 30, where he reached the quarter‑finals before being defeated by Scott Williams.
The other four tournaments have been far less flattering: he was knocked out in the first round of the World Grand Prix by Ryan Joyce, fell to Daryl Gurney at the World Series of Darts Finals, suffered a loss to Benjamin Pratnemer in Players Championship 29, and was beaten by Damon Heta in the Flanders Darts Trophy. Van Gerwen addressed his recent performances on his personal streaming channel, describing his Grand Prix exit as "annoying" and insisting that he felt capable of winning the event.
His frustration was palpable, but it also highlighted a deeper concern voiced by former world number one Colin Lloyd on the Love the Darts podcast. Lloyd admitted that he was increasingly worried that the Dutchman no longer possessed the "fire" that propelled him to multiple world titles, and he wondered whether a break from the sport might become permanent.
"It was a free hit," Lloyd observed, noting that van Gerwen didn’t appear comfortable in a recent match. "There have been a number of odd results over the last six to eight months that make you think everything isn’t clicking as it should. Michael has a lot going on in his private life – he loves spending time with his kids and everything.
Perhaps that little bit of hunger has faded." Lloyd was careful to acknowledge van Gerwen’s enduring class: "There’s no question Michael is still a class player, but when you start losing that hunger, that fire, it shows in the results." He added a personal opinion that a hiatus might not see van Gerwen return to the top tier, not because of lack of ability but because of financial security and family priorities. "He’s set financially, can spend more time with his children, do occasional exhibitions, and still appear here and there," Lloyd said. He reflected on van Gerwen’s meteoric rise, recalling that the prodigy won the World Masters at just 17 – a triumph that happened roughly two decades ago.
"People will say he’s still young, but he’s accumulated battle scars from that teenage champion to today," Lloyd noted. "Mentally and physically you eventually ask yourself: do I really need to keep pushing this hard?" In stark contrast, James Wade has been enjoying a renaissance that could see him become a fixture in the Premier League by 2027. Wade’s resurgence began with a semi‑final appearance at the World Grand Prix – his first such run since 2014 – followed by a breakthrough victory at the Australian Darts Masters, his inaugural World Series title, in August.
He capped the year with a win at the Flanders Darts Trophy in September, securing his first Euro Tour title in ten years. Wade’s form has been nothing short of impressive: he has claimed victory in 14 of his last 16 matches, demonstrating a level of consistency that many pundits find hard to ignore. Matt Edgar, a regular analyst on the Love the Darts podcast, argued that Wade is essentially a lock for a Premier League spot if the competition expands from eight to ten players. "I was going to say Premier League, but every time I mention it, people say it’s too early," Edgar explained.
"I was surprised James Wade wasn’t part of the conversation earlier, especially when other names like Stephen Bunting and Danny Noppert were being discussed for the eighth slot." Edgar continued, "If the league does grow to ten players, Wade is a certainty. It’s a tough argument to say he isn’t, given his recent form. Short‑term results can sway opinion, but his consistency over the season makes a strong case." The broader darts calendar remains packed, with Sky Sports retaining its position as the sport’s primary broadcaster. The Grand Slam of Darts will take place from November 14 to 22, followed by the World Darts Championship from December 11 through January 3.
Fans can stream all the action, along with additional darts content, via the NOW platform without a long‑term contract. In summary, Michael van Gerwen appears to be wrestling with a possible dip in motivation, perhaps influenced by personal commitments and the natural wear of a long career.
While his talent is unquestionable, the recent string of early exits suggests a need for either a reset or a renewed focus on the competitive fire that once made him a dominant force. Meanwhile, James Wade’s resurgence provides a compelling narrative of redemption and consistency, positioning him as a likely candidate for future Premier League inclusion, especially if the league expands.
The coming months will reveal whether van Gerwen can rediscover his hunger or whether Wade will cement his place among the sport’s elite, shaping the next chapter of professional darts.