Michael van Gerwen’s recent run of form has left many fans and pundits wondering whether the Dutch superstar has lost a bit of his competitive edge. Over the past several months the former world champion has struggled to get past the first round of the events he entered, and his results have been far from the dominant displays that once made him a regular fixture in the latter stages of every tournament. In fact, Van Gerwen has only managed to advance beyond his opening match once in his last five outings. That solitary success came at Players Championship 30, where he eventually fell to Scott Williams in the quarter‑finals.
The other four events have been a string of early exits: a first‑round loss to Ryan Joyce at the World Grand Prix, a defeat at the hands of Daryl Gurney in the World Series of Darts Finals, a setback against Benjamin Pratnemer in Players Championship 29, and a surprise loss to Damon Heta in the Flanders Darts Trophy. Van Gerwen addressed his disappointment on his personal livestream, describing his Grand Prix exit as "annoying" and insisting that he believed he should have taken the title. Yet his comments were echoed by former professional Colin Lloyd on the Love the Darts podcast, where Lloyd expressed genuine concern that the Dutchman might no longer possess the same "fire" that propelled him to multiple world championships. Lloyd noted that Van Gerwen seemed uneasy during his recent matches, saying, "It was a free hit.
I don’t want to say he wasn’t ready for it, but he didn’t look comfortable." Lloyd went on to point out a pattern of irregular results over the previous six to eight months, suggesting that personal factors could be influencing the Dutchman’s performance. "Michael has a lot going on in his private life.
He loves spending time with his kids, and perhaps that little bit of hunger has faded," Lloyd remarked. He emphasized that while Van Gerwen remains a class player, a reduction in that inner drive can translate into a noticeable dip in results.
Despite these concerns, Lloyd was careful not to declare the end of Van Gerwen’s career. He argued that a temporary break would not necessarily spell a permanent decline. "I don’t personally believe that if Michael van Gerwen steps away, you won’t see Michael van Gerwen come back. He won’t come back because financially he’s set," Lloyd explained, adding that the champion could afford to spend more time with his family and appear in occasional exhibitions.
Lloyd also reflected on Van Gerwen’s long journey, recalling that the prodigy won the World Masters at just 17 years old—a triumph that happened roughly two decades ago. "People will say he’s still young enough, but he has accumulated battle scars from that 17‑year‑old kid all the way up to now," Lloyd said. He suggested that the mental and physical toll of a twenty‑year career might lead any athlete to question whether the grind is still worth it. In stark contrast, James Wade has been enjoying a resurgence that could see him become a strong candidate for the Premier League when it potentially expands in 2027.
Wade’s recent résumé includes a semi‑final appearance at the World Grand Prix—the first time he has reached that stage since 2014—a maiden World Series title at the Australian Darts Masters in August, and a victory at the Flanders Darts Trophy in September, marking his first Euro Tour triumph in ten years. Equally impressive is Wade’s consistency: he has won 14 of his last 16 matches, a run that showcases his renewed confidence and steadiness on the oche. Because of this form, darts analyst Matt Edgar believes Wade is "almost a certainty" for a future Premier League slot, especially if the competition expands from eight to ten players.
"I was going to say Premier League, but it seems every time I mention it in the moment people want to say it is too early," Edgar said on the podcast. He expressed surprise that Wade was not part of the conversation earlier in the season, noting that other names like Stephen Bunting and Danny Noppert were being debated for the eighth place. Edgar continued, "James Wade has to be in the consideration now.
If the league grows to ten players, I think he is a certainty. It’s a tough argument right now to say he isn’t." He warned, however, that short‑term results can sway opinions quickly.
A poor performance at the World Championship or a slump in the latter half of the year could cause fans and selectors to forget Wade’s earlier successes. The broader darts calendar remains packed, with Sky Sports retaining its status as the sport’s primary broadcaster. Upcoming marquee events include the Grand Slam of Darts from 14‑22 November and the World Darts Championship from 11 December to 3 January, all of which will be streamed live on NOW without a contract. These tournaments will provide further opportunities for both Van Gerwen and Wade to either rediscover form or cement their places among the elite, and they will undoubtedly influence the conversation surrounding the Premier League’s future composition.
In summary, while Michael van Gerwen appears to be wrestling with a dip in motivation and the inevitable wear of a long career, James Wade is riding a wave of renewed success that could see him become a fixture in the Premier League, particularly if the format expands. The next few months will be crucial for both players as they navigate personal challenges, competitive pressures, and the ever‑evolving landscape of professional darts.