Michael van Gerwen's recent struggles have sparked serious questions about whether the Dutch star has lost the competitive edge that defined his career. A run of disappointing results across multiple tournaments has left observers wondering if his hunger for the game remains intact.
The three-time world champion has progressed beyond his opening match just once in his last five tournaments. That sole success came when he reached the quarter-finals of Players Championship 30, only to fall to Scott Williams. The losses have mounted elsewhere: he suffered a first-round exit to Ryan Joyce at the World Grand Prix, lost to Daryl Gurney at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, was beaten by Benjamin Pratnemer in Players Channel 29, and fell to Damon Heta in the Flanders Darts Trophy.
Van Gerwen himself acknowledged his frustration with his Grand Prix performance, which he felt he should have won, discussing his struggles on his own stream. However, the deeper concerns about his mindset have come from those around the sport.
Colin Lloyd, speaking on the Love the Darts podcast, expressed worry that the Dutchman may have lost the inner fire that once drove him to dominance. Lloyd suggested that if van Gerwen were to step away from the game, a return might prove impossible.
It was a free hit. I don't want to say he wasn't ready for it, but he didn't look comfortable,
Lloyd said of the Grand Prix.
There has been some odd results throughout the last six to eight months where you think everything seems to be going well.
Lloyd pointed to van Gerwen's personal circumstances as a possible factor in his decline. The player has been spending more time with his family, which Lloyd suggested may have dulled his competitive instincts.
Michael has had a lot going on in his private life. He loves spending time with his kids and whatever. Perhaps just that little bit of hunger's gone. That little bit of hunger's gone.
Lloyd acknowledged van Gerwen remains a world-class talent, but suggested that the loss of hunger and intensity could prove decisive.
There's no question that Michael's still a class player but it is just a case of - when you start losing that little bit of hunger and you lose that little bit of fire in you.
The analyst raised a troubling possibility: that van Gerwen might not return if he chose to take a break from professional darts. Financial security and the ability to spend time with his children could make a permanent exit attractive.
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. He can spend so much more time with the kids and he can put in the odd exhibitions here and there, the odd appearances here and there.
Lloyd reflected on van Gerwen's extraordinary longevity in the sport, having turned professional at 17 and winning the World Masters at that age—now two decades ago.
He has been doing it since he was 17. He won the World Masters at 17 years old, which is 20 years ago or whatever it is. People will say he is still young enough but he has got battle scars. He has got battle scars from that 17-year-old kid all the way up to now. At some point or another, mentally and physically, you think to yourself, do I really need to go through this anymore?
Wade's resurgence puts him in Premier League contention
While van Gerwen's trajectory has declined, James Wade has been moving in the opposite direction. The veteran has rediscovered form that recalls his best years, achieving milestones that seemed unlikely just months ago.
Wade reached the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix for the first time since 2014, a significant breakthrough after years of falling short at that stage. He claimed his first World Series title at the Australian Darts Masters in August, then won the Flanders Darts Trophy in September—his first Euro Tour title in a decade, marking a genuine return to winning ways on the European circuit.
His consistency has been striking. Wade has won 14 of his last 16 matches, a run that demonstrates sustained quality rather than isolated performances. This form has led analysts to believe he has become a serious candidate for the 2027 Premier League.
Matt Edgar, speaking on the Love the Darts podcast, suggested Wade should be considered almost certain for a Premier League spot in 2027, particularly 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 say it is too early,
Edgar said.
I was kind of surprised he wasn't in it this year or at least in the conversation because it was sort of Stephen Bunting and Danny Noppert wasn't in that split decision for the eighth position. I was surprised James Wade wasn't in the consideration then. He has to be, he has to be now.
Edgar noted that expansion could make Wade's selection inevitable.
There are rumours about the potential growth to 10 players. If that is the case, I think he is a certainty. I think it's a tough argument right now to say he's not.
The analyst acknowledged that recency bias could affect perceptions, but suggested Wade's body of work over the season speaks for itself.
We know the short term and the recency bias kicks in. If he has a poor World Championship, if the back end of the year doesn't go well, people can forget what happens through the rest of the season very quickly.
What lies ahead for both players
The 2026/27 PDC World Darts Championship will provide both players with an opportunity to make statements about their form and ambitions. According to LiveScore, the tournament is scheduled to begin on 11 December 2026 and finish on 3 January 2027 at Alexandra Palace.
For Wade, a strong showing at Alexandra Palace could cement his case for Premier League selection. According to the PDC, the 2027 Premier League will open in Glasgow on 4 February and conclude with Finals Night at London's O2 on 27 May. The competition will feature 16 regular-season nights, with the top four players qualifying for the play-offs.
For van Gerwen, the World Championship represents a chance to reignite his season and silence doubts about his commitment. His performance over the coming months will likely determine whether he remains a Premier League fixture or finds himself on the outside looking in.
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